IN LOVING MEMORY OF PHIL ROBINSON: VISIONARY BUSINESS ARCHITECT, CULTURAL ICON, AND SICKLE CELL WARRIOR

Business Icon at Magic Johnson Enterprises, Def Jam, Yucaipa Companies and Mike Tyson Entertainment Passes Away at Age 58

LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phil Robinson, a towering figure in the worlds of entertainment, sports, and brand development, passed away at age 58 from complications related to sickle cell disease, not cancer, as previously misreported. Phil was one of the oldest known individuals living with sickle cell disease in the United States - a testament to his resilience, strength, and enduring spirit against a condition that significantly shortens life expectancy.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Phil played an instrumental role in building and expanding some of the most iconic brands and businesses across music, sports, and entertainment. He began his executive career alongside Magic Johnson, helping to build Magic Johnson Enterprises into a multibillion-dollar empire across entertainment, music, and destination businesses.

Phil's career leadership included senior roles at Universal Music's Island Def Jam, where he expanded the label's artist portfolio and corporate footprint, and at Yucaipa Companies, where he helped broker major ventures, including the $100 million partnership between Sean John and Ron Burkle's Yucaipa Companies.He later continued his work in sports with Pro Standard, helping with league partnerships in the Premium athletic wear space.

Phil's work with Mike Tyson Entertainment further cemented his reputation as a trusted dealmaker, strategist, and brand builder at the highest levels of sports and entertainment. He served as Executive Producer for VH1's Basketball Wives (now in its 11th season) and co-created cultural staples like Making the Band, I Want to Work for Diddy, Choose or Lose: Vote or Die, and HBO's Bad Boys of Comedy. His imprint on pop culture was profound - crafting authentic, disruptive stories that shifted the landscape of music, fashion, sports, and television.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Roco Castro-Robinson, his daughter Sophie Brixton Robinson, and a vast network of friends, collaborators, and mentees who were touched by his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering spirit. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, every brand he helped build, and every barrier he helped break. His brilliance, humility, and humanity will be missed - but never forgotten.

In honor of Phil's life and legacy, the family will share updates on upcoming programs, charitable initiatives, and opportunities for the community to participate in supporting sickle cell research, advocacy, patient care, and broader efforts inspired by his enduring spirit.

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Kathleen Robinson
The Robinson Family
[emailprotected]

SOURCE The Family of Phil Robinson