Handle With Caren

HANDLE WITH CAREN: Atlantic Records EVP A&R Mike Caren, who doubles as head of Elektra with Fueled By Ramen founder John Janick, is reportedly ankling his post and headed to a deal with UMG. There’s also some speculation tying him to the vacated Urban Music post at a post-merger EMI. Caren started a grassroots music marketing company when he was still in high school, eventually going to work for Steve Rifkind’s Loud and then Ruthless Records. A decade-plus veteran at Atlantic, Caren’s signings include Twista, Trick Daddy, Trina and Nappy Roots, among others. He also has a publishing company at Warner/Chappell called APG targeted for up-and-coming producers. (12/8p)