Top Hip-Hop Agent Cara Lewis Leaving WME; Client Kanye West Stays, Says Source

William Morris Endeavour agent Cara Lewis, whose clients include Kanye West, Eminem, B.o.B. and Common, is leaving the agency when her contract expires at the end of December, a WME source confirms to THR.

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Lewis has been with the company for 23 years, during which she’s built a formidable roster of pop and hip-hop heavies, among them: Rihanna, Big Boi, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Kid Cudi, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Ne-Yo, Pitbull, Soulja Boy, the Roots and Tinie Tempah.

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This week, she placed in the no. 14 spot on Billboard's 2011 Women in Music issue, telling the magazine, “This is a tough business to be in. The landscape is ever-changing. I love my clients, their music and the opportunity to be a partner in their success."

With Kanye West, Lewis has seen some of her biggest booking successes, including a headlining appearance at Coachella, the “Watch the Throne" tour with Jay-Z and a forthcoming Australian tour with Eminem. West remains with the agency, says an insider, but it's unclear how the rest of the roster may shake out and which of Lewis' clients will join her. 

Twitter: @shirleyhalperin