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Jason Hobdy, talent manager for Maeta and H.E.R., passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 40. Per Billboard, citing Yvette Noel-Schure, the manager was on a flight returning from Japan with Maeta when he fell ill and died shortly after. The exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed.
Hobdy, a New York native, was a well-known music manager. He began his career working as an intern at MBK Entertainment under the mentorship of CEO (and his uncle) Jeff Robinson and President Jeanine McLean, some of the best in the business. He was only 16 when he began interning at the company.
Talking to Rolling Out in 2021, Jason reflected on his early days, stating:
"I was just a little boy from the Bronx... It has opened up doors, I have traveled the world, and it has shown me that there’s a big world out here outside of the Bronx."
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He also headed his own management firm, JDH Music. He co-managed Maeta and Tone Stith with MBK while handling Elijah Blake, Inayah, and Wulf solely. He was the tour manager for H.E.R.
Following is a post by Jason's father.
"(He) told me that when he grew up, he was going to work for me and eventually run the company"- Jeff Robinson on Jason Hobdy's tenacity
As Hobdy's career progressed, he went from working with street teams to becoming a tour manager. He traveled with industry big names like H.E.R., Alicia Keys, K Michelle, Keyshia Cole, and others. Per a report by Variety, he has worked as an A&R consultant for Monarch Distro since 2022.
MBK CEO and Jason Hobdy's uncle, Jeff Robinson, took to his Instagram to share an emotional tribute to the late manager.
Robinson wrote:
"When he was 11 years old my Nephew Jason " Hoody " Hobdy aka @hoodyent told me that when he grew up , he was going to work for me and eventually Run the company."
Robinson explained that Jason Hobdy actually did start working under him. Stating that he did an "incredible job" and that he was "very proud," Robinson added:
"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!! I am so proud to call u my Nephew and PARTNER! I love you beyond words and we all are hurting bad right now."
Elijah Black and Tone Stith also shared their condolences on IG, praising Jason Hobdy's legacy.
Maeta took her Instagram to express her loss, stating she lost "probably the closest person" in her life. She stated that he might have started as her manager six years ago but became her big brother. She explained that she was there through her darkest times and kept her every secret.
"We had so many silent conversations just with our faces. One look and we’d bust out laughing about some dumb sh*t. I will miss you so so so much. I don’t know how I’ll do another show without you."
Jason Hobdy is survived by his family and close friends in the industry.
