In 2020, New Yorker and Columbia's Senior Director A&R Luis "Lu" Mota took small acts and turned them into big names during a time of despair and uncertainty. In his third year with the label that houses megastars like Beyonce, Mariah Carey and the 2019 sensation Lil Nas X, Mota brought in a fresh batch of trending superstars and transformed them and their new wave sound into the big songs in currently the most influential music landscape.

Lu is best known for signing chart-topping artists Fivio Foreign, Lil Tjay, Polo G and many more. The New York native's accolades include leading Lil Tjay's new project, Lu's first signee, True 2 Myself reach platinum status and debut at #5 on Billboard in 2019. Then led Fivio Foreign's breakout single, "Big Drip" to RIAA certified gold. Lastly, creating a hit song in "Pop Out" which features a collaboration between Lil Tjay and Polo G. The song achieved 5x Platinum.

Mota, who originally joined Columbia in 2018, moved his personal signees to superstardom this year like chess moves, and then built on the success with immediate follow-up moves smooth and sequenced like Tetris. Lu is dedicated to not only finding good music but to the growth, longevity and journey of every artist, he works with. His success is rooted in his impressive foresight and authentic approach to the job.

And with Lil Tjay, Fivio Foreign and Polo G accumulating plaques this year, their hunger for more will only grow larger as they reach their peak year in the new. Heading in 2021, Mota is continuing to gather more unknown stars and change the game during a time we are at a crossroads. Continue to follow Lu and his new crop of stars daily on Instagram.