Bryan Turner (businessman)

After six years working at major labels, Turner founded Priority Records in 1985 and partnered with Mark Cerami.[1][2][3][8][9] As the CEO of Priority, he was instrumental in the label’s early signings. Priority’s first album, which ultimately achieved gold status, was a collection entitled “Kings of Rap” in 1985.[1] In 1986, the California Raisins were signed to Priority and sold over two million copies, achieving double platinum status.[1][10]

In 1988, Priority released the debut studio album for hip-hop group N.W.A, who "billed itself as the World’s Most Dangerous Group” according to LA Times [11] and USA Today.[12] The album was called “Straight Outta Compton” and was made for $10,000.[10] The group “caused a seismic shift in hip-hop when they formed N.W.A in 1986,” according to the LA Times, and “spoke the truth about life on the streets of Compton.”[11] Turner left Priority in 2002, after completing the label’s sale to EMI a few years prior.

Turner has been involved in the creation of several films. He was an executive producer for the 1995 Friday, which starred former N.W.A member Ice Cube.[4] Additionally, Turner was an executive producer for the 1998 I Got the Hook-Up, starring Master P, Anthony Johnson, and Gretchen Palmer.[13]

In 2003, Turner launched Melee Entertainment, a diverse entertainment venture in partnership with DreamWorks Records.[4][14][15][16] Melee was responsible for the DVD release of “Entertainer’s Basketball Classic at Rucker Park” in 2003.[4] Under Melee, Turner was a co-executive producer for the 2003 documentary “Ultimate Gretzky,” starring Wayne Gretzky, as well as “Riding in Vans with Boys,” starring members of the rock band Blink 182.[4][17]

In 2004, Melee was an associate producer on the dance film You Got Served, starring the best-selling group B2K, which grossed $40 million through its theatrical release.[18] In 2009, Melee released the film “Next Day Air,” starring Mos Def, Mike Epps, Donald Faison, and Wood Harris.[5] In 2012, Melee released the film “The Under Shepherd,” with director Russ Parr and Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., Isaiah Washington, Lamman Rucker, Bill Cobbs, and Elise Neal.[19] In 2017, Melee produced the horror film “The Gracefield Incident.” [6]