Karen Marie Mason Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORMER MUSIC EXECUTIVE AND ATLANTA CULTURAL AMBASSADOR KAREN MARIE MASON PASSED AWAY
The beloved mother and artist advocate leaves a legacy of passion and purpose fulfilled
ATLANTA, GA (Wednesday, March 30, 2022) — On March 22, 2022, Karen Marie Mason succumbed to Stage IV breast cancer after battling the disease since 2011.
Karen’s infectious smile was powered by an incredible sense of self and confidence that crafted an uncompromised life.
For 30 years, the second generation Jamaican-American mastered preserving artistic integrity while taking virtually obscure talent and transforming them into a global phenomenon. While a high-powered music executive, she spearheaded marketing campaigns that catapulted Busta Rhymes, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, Kriss Kross, Missy Elliott, and legendary dancehall artist SuperCAT into household names.
As a talent advocate, she negotiated business deals that didn’t require selling the soul. Her genius secured lucrative agreements for her clients with Adidas, Clorox, Google, HBO, Microsoft, Netflix, YouTube, among others.
Karen revolutionized talent management, closing deals that innovated the way business is done.
She was a trusted confidant to a rising group of creatives and was adored by the artistic community. But, she had only one true love: her only child, U.S. Diplomat Kenya Jordana James.
For those who had the blessing of being in their company, it was a transcendental moment. They loved like mother/daughter and laughed like sisters/besties. Their bond is unbreakable.
Kenya understands why people were so fascinated by her mom. “When she walked into a room, she owned it. She believed she could do anything. That’s what drew people to her. They wanted to find that same belief within themselves.”
That strength and conviction were grounded in and nurtured by Karen’s connection to her Jamaican heritage. It fueled her fire. “Jamaica was her real home. It was like she had an invisible umbilical cord always bringing her back. We’d visit every year since I was born. It was like going back to the mothership,” says Kenya.
Now, Kenya envisions her mother’s spirit home, dancing to reggae and enjoying her freedom.
For now, Kenya is adjusting to life without her mom. She plans to host a celebration of life in May.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Kenya, brother Clarke Mason and her nieces and nephews: Qrescent Mason, Hanae Mason, Iain Mason and Kai Mason.
For cards and flowers, please send them to: Kenya James, 2009 14th Street N, Apt. 702, Arlington, VA, 22201.
In order to make a donation, please send it to: Venmo: kenyajjames or Cash App: $kenyajjames.
For questions or inquires, please contact Yaminah Ahmad at yaminahthewriter@gmail.com.
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