Jason Hobdy, known for his work as a manager for a diverse roster of artists including Maeta, Elijah Blake and Tone Stith, died on Aug. 30. He was 40, Variety reports.
His artists, family members, mentors and numerous industry leaders have expressed their grief online with tribute posts mourning the loss. His death was confirmed by Yvette Noel-Schure, who said Hobdy died shortly after he began to feel sick on a returning flight from a tour in Japan with Maeta.
Jason Hobdy was a music manager at MBK Entertainment, where he was working under CEO Jeff Robinson, and President Jeanine McLean. He was working on his own management firm, JDH Music, where he co-managed both Maeta and Stith with MBK. He solely managed Elijah Blake, Inayah and Wulf via JDH. As a road manager, he also worked with H.E.R.
Starting as an intern at just 16, Jason Hobdy quickly immersed himself in the world of artist management. He started at Conrad Robinson’s Teens in Motion in the Bronx, New York, where he starred in many “step” dance competitions. At 16, he began his career at MBK Entertainment Inc. as an intern.
He started tour managing in 2008 and has toured with Elle Varner, Rotimi, Lucky Daye, K Michelle, Keyshia Cole and others. Since 2022 he has also been an A&R consultant for Monarch Distro.
In an Instagram post, Robinson said of Jason Hobdy, “When he was 11 years old my Nephew Jason ” Hoody ” Hobdy… told me that when he grew up, he was going to work for me and eventually Run the company… i laughed and my mother who was sitting there, frowned at me and said dont [sic] discourage him Jeff because he seems very Determined.. ok Ma i replied .. As a teen he actually did start working for me doing street team work for mbk and then Dancing on tour with Alicia, to doing whatever he could to learn in the office… What a Great life and career for a poor kid from the Bronx who love to laugh and Dream Big, to running your own company and touring the world for years!!”
Maeta wrote on Instagram, “Lost probably the closest person in my life yesterday on the way back from our last show in Japan. Jason has been the most loyal person to me for the past 6 years, since we met. He knew every detail of my life. Started as my manager when I was 18 but quickly became my big brother. Stuck by my side through my darkest times, kept every secret I’ve ever told him, protected me like his little sister… Thank you for your dedication to my career and my life for all these years. I love you forever and ever and ever.”
He is survived by many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and close friends.