Karen Marie Mason’s Biography
Karen Marie Mason
January 21, 1964 – March 22, 2022
A powerhouse innovator, Karen Marie Mason successfully mastered and exerted cultural influence while living a magical life without fear and limitations.
The Brooklyn, New York native of Jamaican heritage graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Communications and immediately realized her dream of working in the music business at Epic Records. Mason contributed to legendary projects from pop icon Michael Jackson, as well as, Sade and Alexander O’Neal. The charismatic maverick migrated to Sony Music and oversaw all marketing aspects for Ruffhouse Records, transforming it into an uncontested musical force.
Her love for her ancestral home was the core of her heartbeat. She’d often visit Jamaica, allowing the land and culture to restore her sense of self-love and inspiration.
When she had the opportunity to work with Jamaican dancehall giant SuperCAT, it was a dream come true. She spearheaded campaigns for him, along with Kriss Kross, the Fugees, and Cypress Hill, catapulting them into stardom. Then, at the pinnacle of her career, Mason discovered she was pregnant. As a mother, Mason was juggling the impossible demands of a 24/7 schedule. But, she continued her career ascension and was hired by Sylvia Rhone to become Head of Black Music for East/West Elektra Records.
Her wheelhouse of talents has etched superstars like Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Organized Noize/Dungeon Family into world history. This Renaissance woman managed to do it all while being a single mother raising her daughter, Kenya Jordana James.
Although she enjoyed living a life others only dreamed of, she deeply desired to raise Kenya out of the spotlight. She decided to leave the New York executive lifestyle, and relocate to Atlanta, Georgia.
Her trailblazing spirit continued to create new paths in the entertainment industry. As an artist manager, Karen wore head wraps to high-profiled events decades prior to this current beloved natural hair movement. She also helped Kenya launch Black Girl Magazine. It’s the first publication that focused on positive messaging and imagery of African-American teen girls while exploring history, culture and entertainment. The magazine was an instant success, garnering them an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
Karen loved her freedom, and always found ways to live life according to her rules. Although she had no prior experience in the film industry, she managed to become a locations manager for several film and television projects, including “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” “The Family That Preys,” “Madea Goes to Jail,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself, “ as well as, “Teen Wolf,” “Drop Dead Diva,” and “Survivor’s Remorse.”
In 2011, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In her mind, it wasn’t a death sentence. It was another life obstacle to overcome. She utilized holistic treatments as her primary form of care. She continued to return home to Jamaica to experience the healing powers of the air, land and ocean. She’d return to Atlanta with a fiery spirit ready to live her best life.
She continued her management career, including representing visual artist Fahamu Pecou, while serving as a music supervisor and consultant who worked on features and episodic shows for cable and network television. She was part of the producing team for Ir/Reconcilable starring Jasmine Guy (“A Different World”), as well as, Switching Lanes (starring Terri J. Vaughn of “The Steve Harvey Show”).
After being an industry insider for over 20 years, Karen used her extensive expertise to empower others to live their dreams. She lectured, presented and conducted workshops at SXSW, CD Baby Conference, New Music Seminar, NARIP, CMJ Music Marathon, Jamaica Music Conference, Midem in Cannes, City Of Atlanta, and South Africa Indies Music Conference.
She also mentored thousands of artists online via Artist Launch and became a member of the Guild Of Music Supervisors. Her primary messages to new artists were: “Be authentic” and “Own your creativity.”
When the cancer became metastatic, Karen resigned from film and worked with a small roster of clients, including YouTube influencer LaGuardia Cross, amongst others. She had more freedom to feed her soul. She found joy in traveling the world with Kenya, exploring places like Vietnam, Egypt, Mexico, among others. She also found solace in water yoga and swimming.
As an advocate for independent artists and self-care/self healing, she launched the Healing ATL Healthy Lifestyle brand. It was comprised of the Healing ATL compilation album, “Through The Stages” Volume 1, and the Healing ATL online summit. It was her mission to heal others while she tried to heal herself.
The disease eventually reached its apex. On March 22, 2022, Karen peacefully died. She is survived by her daughter, U.S. Diplomat Kenya Jordana James, brother Clarke Mason and her nieces and nephews: Qrescent Mason, Hanae Mason, Iain Mason and Kai Mason.
Karen’s passion for music and community arts continues to make a cultural impact.
She fulfilled her purpose. She lived a complete and rewarding life. Her example will forever light the path for all souls seeking to reach the full expression of authenticity.
May she rest in peace and harmony.