Wes Crockett was known as a security expert, music promoter, boxing executive, record label owner and/or a champion weightlifter/powerlifter, who trained celebrities including “Tiny” Lister, Jr. He was all of the above and more, wearing many hats throughout his multilayered career. Crockett, affectionately known as “Big Wes,” was a man who continuously reinvented himself.
Born in Los Angeles, Crockett spent his childhood between L.A. and Las Vegas. In 1976, he received a B.A. from the United States International University in San Diego. A life-changing moment came in 1982/83 when he landed a gig at Solar Records/Dick Griffey Productions as head of security. At Solar, Crockett worked with The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside, Dynasty, Midnight Star, The Deele (LA & Babyface), The Calloways and Klymaxx, while also providing security for the label’s “A” list celebrity world tours. While working in the touring arena, Crockett helped shape and guide some of the most admired artists and record labels in the industry.
Record labels had a great admiration of his vision for up-and-coming talent, resulting in him receiving hundreds of gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records from Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, Alicia Keys, Cash Money, Lil Wayne, Drake, Nelly, Fat Joe, Chris Brown, Neyo and more. Crockett hired Suge Knight as part of his security team and introduced him to Dick Griffey, which ultimately resulted in the Death Row/Interscope deal. Through Crockett, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt got their big break!
An astute businessman, Crockett founded Lockdown Records and contracted with Al Haymon Productions to continue working with artists. In 2001, Crockett partnered with Haymon in the boxing world, assembling more than 250 notable fighters including Floyd Mayweather, Errol Spence, Deontay Wilder and more. The partnership garnered more world champions than any other company in boxing history.
Wes Crockett died on April 25, 2020, at the age of 68. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Wes Crockett so others don’t forget.
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