B

After a difficult 2022, the New Year is off to a strong start for local musician and producer Lex Warren.

Warren, who goes by the stage name Lex Lucazi, signed a producer, writer and publishing deal with Empire Publishing in late January.

Then, earlier this month, he received a letter from Dr. Anthony J. Davis, president of Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina that the college’s Board of Trustees would like to consider him for an honorary doctorate to be given at the May’s graduation.

Warren, a Morristown native who has worked in the professional music business for decades and has credits with artists like T.I. and the Outlaws, said that it’s a lot to take in, especially considering the difficulties of the last year.

“My family’s been through it this year, we’ve lost four people,” he said. “I’m emotionally drained from all that’s going on.”

But better days appear on the horizon.

Warren has been working with Livingstone College to develop an accredited music program.

Warren said the announcement comes with mixed emotions. First, it’s humbling but at the same time he knows the effort he has put in.

“In one way it feels like something I deserve because I’ve been diligently working away at this,” he said.

In his letter, Davis said he looks forward towards working with Warren to build the program.

“I look forward to building a strong partnership between you and Livingstone College,” he wrote, “that will benefit the students, the communities we serve and our economic model.”

In addition to his academic work, Warren has signed a development deal with Empire.

“Empire is a distributor,” he explained. “I’ll be trying to develop some artists, too.”

Warren said he got a call from Vinny Kumar, SVP, Global Head of Business at EMPIRE Publishing inviting him to join the team.

“He and I had been associated. He knows my work history. He knows how I handle myself,” Warren said. “We called me up earlier this year and said ‘you’re way too talented to not be on this roster… let’s get to work.’”

Empire works distribution, publishing and more with some big names in the music industry, names like Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak. Warren said it’s a bit odd to be a part of such a roster, but he’ll keep moving forward like he always has.

“It’s going to enhance my ability to strike,” he said.

Jamie Shoemaker, Director of Music Operations for Warner Bros. Discovery, said he’s excited as Warren enters a new phase in his career.

“I’ve always admired Lex Lucazi’s talent and over the past few years I’ve had the privilege to get to know him better as a person and friend. Lex is one of the rare talents in music that can write, play, sing, create and also produce great music. He’s been a valued resource for me recently on several television projects when I’ve needed advice on talent, production, etc.,” he said. “I feel fortunate to know Lex and was so happy to see that he (is being considered for) a much deserved, honorary doctorate from Livingstone College.

“I’m excited to see what he does next via his publishing deal with Empire and hope that more people get to appreciate all the amazing things he’s working on.”