Lyor Cohen is an American music industry executive known for his influential role in shaping the careers of various artists. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings and later served as its CEO, helping to launch the careers of stars like Jay-Z and Kanye West. In addition to his work at Def Jam, Cohen has held leadership positions at major music companies, including Warner Music Group and YouTube, where he focused on expanding the platform's music offerings. His contributions have significantly impacted the music landscape, particularly in the hip-hop genre.