Darryl "Lil Man" Howell is a renowned drummer, music producer, and A&R executive,
celebrated for his profound impact on the contemporary music landscape. With a career that
encompasses dynamic live performances, award-winning production, and artist development,
Howell has collaborated with luminaries such as Nicki Minaj, Maxwell, Giveon, Camila Cabello,
Jonathan McReynolds, and DOE, leaving an enduring legacy in the industry.
His most notable tour was as the drummer for Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday Tour, a groundbreaking
journey that featured 93 shows across 16 countries and 26 states. This tour included 50
sold-out performances, captivating over 750,000 fans and establishing Howell as a formidable
live performer. His stage presence has been showcased at iconic events, including the Super
Bowl XLIX Budweiser performance, the Essence Music Festival, and numerous television
appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and
Saturday Night Live, A highlight of his versatility was an intimate NPR Tiny Desk Concert with
Maxwell, further expanding his reach.
As an innovative producer at Life Room Label, Howell produced the Grammy Award-winning
track "Movin' On" by Jonathan McReynolds. Currently serving as the label’s A&R executive, he
has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent. Under his guidance, DOE released her
debut solo album, Clarity, which garnered three Grammy nominations and won multiple
prestigious awards, including several GMA Dove Awards and a Grammy for Best Gospel Album.
Darryl has contributed to numerous award-winning projects,
with notable achievements including:
DOE Jones
- GMA Dove Awards: New Artist of the Year, Gospel Worship Recorded Song ("Breathe"),
Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album (Clarity) - 2022
- Grammy Awards: Best Contemporary Christian Music ("So Good"), Best Gospel Album
(Clarity), Best Gospel Performance/Song - 2023
- American Music Award: Favorite Gospel Artist
-Jonathan McReynolds
- Grammy Award: Best Gospel Album (Jonny x Mali) - 2022
- GMA Dove Award: Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album (Jonny x Mali) - 2022
- NAACP Image Award: Outstanding Gospel Album - 2022
- Stellar Awards: Producer of the Year for People - 2019, 2021
Darryl "Lil Man" Howell continues to reshape the music industry with his unmatched talent,
commitment to excellence, and passion for fostering new artists. His ability to transcend genres
and engage global audiences cements his status as a true force in contemporary music, while
his influence in artist development and production ensures his legacy will endure for years to come.
