Morris, 56, was one of the company’s most artist-friendly executives, most recently with rappers. He had orchestrated Warner’s investment in Interscope Records, home of hard-core rappers Tupac and Snoop Doggy Dogg. Following Republican attacks on rap –and on Time Warner in particular–some industry watchers see Morris’s departure as a sign that the image-conscious company wants to dissolve its gangsta connections. But Morris had also made enemies at home. Last month he helped engineer the firing of his old boss, Robert Morgado, and was said to be sparring with his new one, Fuchs. “The personal agendas were overwhelming the company’s agenda,” Fuchs says. “This has absolutely nothing to do with music lyrics.” Morris is suing, claiming he is owed some $50 million in compensation. Warner counters that he was fired “for cause”-it did not elaborate – and is owed nothing.
His departure has already made an impact. Priority Records, the largest independent rap label, had been talking to Morris about a distribution deal. “He knew the importance of the music we were making and wanted to do business,” says Priority president Bryan Turner. And the heads of Warner’s three major labels–Atlantic, Warner Brothers and Elektra–had been hired by Morris and were loyal to him. Perhaps the musical chairs at Warner aren’t over yet.
