Meet the Manager Prioritizing ‘Investing In People’ — Like Star Client Kehlani
The Above Ground Entertainment CEO is Billboard 's 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players executive of the year.
David Ali, CEO of Above Ground Entertainment, has been a pivotal figure in Kehlani's career since they first met in 2013. The connection was sparked when Ali heard Kehlani's early SoundCloud upload "Antisummerluv" and was immediately drawn to her story. Despite initial scheduling conflicts, the pair eventually met and discovered a mutual understanding and shared passion for her growth.
Ali's management style, which he defines as "investing in people," has been instrumental in Kehlani's rise to prominence. Over four studio albums, she has become a commercial and critical force in contemporary R&B, achieving milestones such as a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 single, a No. 1 debut on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and two Grammy Awards.
Ali's unwavering trust and loyalty have been key to her success, and he remains committed to her artistic freedom. Growing up in North Plainfield, N.J., Ali's love for music, particularly hip-hop, led him to immerse himself in the industry from a young age. Starting as an acting major at Academy of Art University, he soon pivoted to building a career in music management, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit and connections to establish Above Ground Entertainment. This philosophy of prioritizing artist growth continues to underpin his success in the industry.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
