--- Michael A. Gonzales (Vibe; Fall/Winter Issue 2009; pg. 106; Vibe.com; *The New Vibe Magazine)
... Brooklyn's Prospect Park, Big Daddy Kane, 41, headlined an old-school rap concert that drew close to 7,000 fans ...
B. Brown's Thoughts: How many current hip-hop artist's can headline any kind of show & draw 7,000 fans. I can only name about 5-10 myself. How many can you name? It's very clear that our 30+ year old rappers are the gate keepers of hip-hop right now.
Jay-Z celebrates his 40th birthday this December 4th having marked yet another career milestone. His latest release, THE BLUEPRINT 3, was his 11th No. 1 album-surpassing Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most chart-topping albums. Respected as a shrewd executive as well as a rapper, Jay-Z has steadily built a rap empire since his debut album REASONABLE DOUBT.
B. Brown's Thoughts: Jay-Z has been a beast at every step of his legendary development and growth becoming the greatest rapper of all-time. Up to two (2) years ago, LL Cool J was my choice as the G.O.A.T. (pun intended), but Jay-Z has now topped my list and he earned it! The records he has set, the trends that he has started & his overall impact on hip-hop is non-debatable. Let me put it like this, at 40 years of age, Jay-Z still runs lyrical circles around these youngsters like it isn't funny, but it is crazy funny because he's 40! And guess what, the contenders for his crown are pushing thirty (30) themselves - T.I. & LUDA. The only real young cat that I can give props to right now for lyrical content is DRAKE.
"These days, the industry is ready to dismiss you at 30-give me a break," says Alicia Keys, 28, who collaborated on "Empire State of Mind" with Jay. "That is the bullshit game to pull the wool over our eyes. When we get older, we should be wiser and better at our craft. We see things in a different light and the music changes for the better, hopefully."
"I don't thing age should have anything to do with quitting rap music," says 36-year-old Bun B. "The only way I would say a person should retire is if the audience is tired of hearing you. If people stop buying your records or going to the shows, then quit. Obviously, Jay-Z doesn't have that problem. He still has the passion for the music and works on his art constantly."
"If I was as successful as Jay-Z and people still appreciated my work, I'd rap until I was in my late 50's," laughs 24-year-old Young Capone. "Personally, I think people should rap as long as they want."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Here it is, create great music and a hip-hop artist can continue to be very relevant at any age. Yeah I agree that hip-hop is a young person's occupation, but I also believe that hip-hop's elder statesmen are better and have proven to have more staying power than the younger crop of hip-hop artists attempting to have long careers. Only time will tell!
One Love!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Learn something from Gucci Mane!
By: B. Brown (BREG)
Let me be honest with everyone off the rip. I actually like some of Gucci Mane's music! He has created some club banga's for sure!
The part of Gucci that I do not like is the fact that he has not been able to (for whatever reason) fulfill his probation obligations is back in jail.
For a young man to actually work hard, make strategic business moves and have his career move him from regional star to national star in 2009 is almost unbelievable, but he is falling prey to the same ignorance that plagues so many young people, and that is that he refuses or for some reason cannot do what he is supposed to do to move forward in life and in his career, and that is a shame.
You see, when you go to jail, rehab or both, that means you cannot make appearances and do concerts which means that a significant amount of your income has been cut-off. It also means that your team is not eating either.
Now there is a terrible rumor out there that is saying that Gucci's booking, management & label team has been receiving deposits for shows & concerts that they knew Gucci was not going to be able available for due to his pending jail time and/or rehab confinement. As a booking agent and/or manager, the 1st thing that has to be confirmed is the availability of your artist to perform on the date specified. If these rumors are true, I hope Gucci will still be able to command major money for appearances and concerts when he gets out. If not, his rise and fall will be tragic.
The lesson to learn here is to 1st and foremost stay clear of any and all activity they may lead to you serving any type of jail time. 2nd, to the very best of your ability, make sure that you have people of integrity around you conducting business on your behalf. Doing business can be difficult at times, but at least we can all strive to do righteous business and treat each other the way we would like to be treated.
Let's respect each others' time, money and efforts.
One Love!
Let me be honest with everyone off the rip. I actually like some of Gucci Mane's music! He has created some club banga's for sure!
The part of Gucci that I do not like is the fact that he has not been able to (for whatever reason) fulfill his probation obligations is back in jail.
For a young man to actually work hard, make strategic business moves and have his career move him from regional star to national star in 2009 is almost unbelievable, but he is falling prey to the same ignorance that plagues so many young people, and that is that he refuses or for some reason cannot do what he is supposed to do to move forward in life and in his career, and that is a shame.
You see, when you go to jail, rehab or both, that means you cannot make appearances and do concerts which means that a significant amount of your income has been cut-off. It also means that your team is not eating either.
Now there is a terrible rumor out there that is saying that Gucci's booking, management & label team has been receiving deposits for shows & concerts that they knew Gucci was not going to be able available for due to his pending jail time and/or rehab confinement. As a booking agent and/or manager, the 1st thing that has to be confirmed is the availability of your artist to perform on the date specified. If these rumors are true, I hope Gucci will still be able to command major money for appearances and concerts when he gets out. If not, his rise and fall will be tragic.
The lesson to learn here is to 1st and foremost stay clear of any and all activity they may lead to you serving any type of jail time. 2nd, to the very best of your ability, make sure that you have people of integrity around you conducting business on your behalf. Doing business can be difficult at times, but at least we can all strive to do righteous business and treat each other the way we would like to be treated.
Let's respect each others' time, money and efforts.
One Love!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
*The Magnem Awards Show!!!
The Magnem Awards Show Tickets are officially on sale right now!!!
The Magnem Awards Show @ Oceans 66 in College Park, GA on Nov. 7, 2009 (3pm) is the 1st Ever Open-Mic Awards Show!
It is being hosted by Magnem P.I. & P.I.'s Angels!!! Red Carpet, Special Guests, Honorees & more!
Call B. Brown @ 770.912.8065 now for your $10 Advance Tickets. It's $20 on the Day of the Show.
Group Discount Rate Tickets are available at an incredible price!
The Magnem Awards Show Tickets are officially on sale right now!!!
The Magnem Awards Show @ Oceans 66 in College Park, GA on Nov. 7, 2009 (3pm) is the 1st Ever Open-Mic Awards Show!
It is being hosted by Magnem P.I. & P.I.'s Angels!!! Red Carpet, Special Guests, Honorees & more!
Call B. Brown @ 770.912.8065 now for your $10 Advance Tickets. It's $20 on the Day of the Show.
Group Discount Rate Tickets are available at an incredible price!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ludacris - Doing good in the hood!!!
USA Today (Sept. 8, 2009; Life Section B)
In the Atlanta area, 20 cars are on the road with thankful drivers because of rapper/actor Ludacris. He partnered with an auto dealership to give away 20 cars to people who submitted an essay to the Ludacris Foundation, explaining why they deserved a car. "People are getting laid off and now are looking for jobs," Ludacris said. "To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That's why I wanted to give back."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Ludacris (Chris Bridges) is doing an outstanding job with his Ludacris Foundation and I truly applaud him for his efforts! As he continues to grow as an artist, he has definitely not forgotten about his community. Even though he is originally from Chicago, IL, he has made Atlanta, GA home and from his start at WHTA Hot 107.9fm Atlanta, GA to his Music & Movie Fame & Fortune, Luda has always been a man of the people! I wish him continued success in all of his endeavours! Keep doing your thing Luda!
One Love!
In the Atlanta area, 20 cars are on the road with thankful drivers because of rapper/actor Ludacris. He partnered with an auto dealership to give away 20 cars to people who submitted an essay to the Ludacris Foundation, explaining why they deserved a car. "People are getting laid off and now are looking for jobs," Ludacris said. "To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That's why I wanted to give back."
B. Brown's Thoughts: Ludacris (Chris Bridges) is doing an outstanding job with his Ludacris Foundation and I truly applaud him for his efforts! As he continues to grow as an artist, he has definitely not forgotten about his community. Even though he is originally from Chicago, IL, he has made Atlanta, GA home and from his start at WHTA Hot 107.9fm Atlanta, GA to his Music & Movie Fame & Fortune, Luda has always been a man of the people! I wish him continued success in all of his endeavours! Keep doing your thing Luda!
One Love!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The State of the Music Industry - from the ROOTS!!!
Written by: Toure`
VIBE MAGAZINE (June/July 2009; pg. 78)
?uestlove of the ROOTS (The World Famous Hip-Hop Band) says August is the month to book shows for the upcoming year and last August they didn't book much - trying to reverse course now would be like applying to college in October. Besides, the touring market is cratering. "The recession has taken a toll on a lot of longtime promoters," ?uestlove says. "Ten of our regular promoter guys are out of business. So I kinda see the levee about to break on the middle groups. I doubt that Madonna will suffer. She can bodly charge $300 [a seat]. But that middle class is gone."
And the idea of making good money from an album makes ?uestlove laugh hysterically. "We don't live off records!" he says. "Makin' a record to me is the equivalent of the cats who hand you a flyer at the end of the night. The record's like, We're still here, here's a flyer." All of which means The Roots may have painted themselves into a bit of a corner: if the test shows don't impress and they get dumped by the Fallon show, they could be in a financial bind. "This is probably our biggest challenge since tryin' to force Phrenology on our fanbase."
VIBE MAGAZINE (June/July 2009; pg. 78)
?uestlove of the ROOTS (The World Famous Hip-Hop Band) says August is the month to book shows for the upcoming year and last August they didn't book much - trying to reverse course now would be like applying to college in October. Besides, the touring market is cratering. "The recession has taken a toll on a lot of longtime promoters," ?uestlove says. "Ten of our regular promoter guys are out of business. So I kinda see the levee about to break on the middle groups. I doubt that Madonna will suffer. She can bodly charge $300 [a seat]. But that middle class is gone."
And the idea of making good money from an album makes ?uestlove laugh hysterically. "We don't live off records!" he says. "Makin' a record to me is the equivalent of the cats who hand you a flyer at the end of the night. The record's like, We're still here, here's a flyer." All of which means The Roots may have painted themselves into a bit of a corner: if the test shows don't impress and they get dumped by the Fallon show, they could be in a financial bind. "This is probably our biggest challenge since tryin' to force Phrenology on our fanbase."
Thursday, June 11, 2009
T.I. - Cell Therapy
By: Benjamin Meadows-Ingram (VIBE April 2009; pg. 60)
"Fortunately enough, I'm blessed to have money," T.I. says, while watching the AFC Championship game in a D.C. hotel room before rushing off to his next engagement. "I'm not spending it as though I'm oblivious, like before. The powers-that-be said that I need $3 million to get out of jail, and the lawyer told me it was half a million for him to represent me. I got a team of lawyers, and one lawyer said a half a million! Lucky enough, I was smart enough to make some sound investments that yielded me enough of a profit to have some on-hand capital. Because if I didn't have no cash, I'd still be locked up. If I'd have bought four more cars and balled out for five more months, I'd have been messed up!"
B. Brown's thoughts:
I like T.I. Why? Because he has admitted that he messed up, and he was smart enough to know to take the plea deal that he did so that he can get back to his amazing career as soon as possible. In preparing to go to jail, he also produced the best show on tv to me called "Road to Redemption" where he helped young people get there lives on a successful track. Great work and great tv!
I pulled the above excerpt from his April 2009 VIBE Magazine Article because it shows that artists do not have to squander all their money on useless things and have nothing saved up and nothing available for a rainy day. Unless you are one of the Blessed few to have a long and successful entertainment career, I would strongly advise that an artist save and invest the majority of his/her earnings so that they may become financially free (paying off all debts) and having money literally stacked to the ceiling for the future and to leave something for their family.
That is very important!!!
One Love!
"Fortunately enough, I'm blessed to have money," T.I. says, while watching the AFC Championship game in a D.C. hotel room before rushing off to his next engagement. "I'm not spending it as though I'm oblivious, like before. The powers-that-be said that I need $3 million to get out of jail, and the lawyer told me it was half a million for him to represent me. I got a team of lawyers, and one lawyer said a half a million! Lucky enough, I was smart enough to make some sound investments that yielded me enough of a profit to have some on-hand capital. Because if I didn't have no cash, I'd still be locked up. If I'd have bought four more cars and balled out for five more months, I'd have been messed up!"
B. Brown's thoughts:
I like T.I. Why? Because he has admitted that he messed up, and he was smart enough to know to take the plea deal that he did so that he can get back to his amazing career as soon as possible. In preparing to go to jail, he also produced the best show on tv to me called "Road to Redemption" where he helped young people get there lives on a successful track. Great work and great tv!
I pulled the above excerpt from his April 2009 VIBE Magazine Article because it shows that artists do not have to squander all their money on useless things and have nothing saved up and nothing available for a rainy day. Unless you are one of the Blessed few to have a long and successful entertainment career, I would strongly advise that an artist save and invest the majority of his/her earnings so that they may become financially free (paying off all debts) and having money literally stacked to the ceiling for the future and to leave something for their family.
That is very important!!!
One Love!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
What is going on in the Music Industry?
Thoughts by: B. Brown (BREG)
Do you know what's going on in the music industry right now?
Let me attempt to enlighten you. I receive phone calls and emails frequently from aspiring artists, producers, etc. that basically want something for nothing. Even though I have been in business since 1994, the year I graduated from college, it still amazes me that people in general believe that just because they have talent or some kind of skill that other people are supposed to just throw money at them and that they are the best thing since slice bread! Utterly amazing!
My upbringing and thought pattern has brought me to the theory that we as individuals must first invest in ourselves and as we are developing, working and growing as business people, artists or whatever, we are going to attract the resources that we need to continue to move forward in our businesses and careers. Being knowledgeable about what business you are in is very essential and I have found out too many times that individuals coming into the music industry do not take the time or even want to learn about the business side of things which is amazing because the business side of things is the only way that a person will ever get paid! Look at the % of NFL Players that are financially strapped only 2-years after they have finished playing, it's a whopping 78%. That's ridiculous, but sadly true. Look at the incredible amount of Artists that have actually had hit records and have absolutely nothing to show for it but a plaque, if they still have that. My point is ladies and gentleman is that before you embark on this music journey, research the business, meet with industry veterans to gain insight & perfect your craft! These things won't guarantee great success, but they will get you headed in the right direction. At this time you must understand that if you do sign with a major label or even an independent that is strong, they are going to sign you to a "360 Deal" which means that they are going to not only receive revenue from your music sales, they will get a % of your tour/show money, merchandise, etc. Is this a bad thing, I don't know, but it is definitely changing the landscape of the music industry and you have to be aware of it!
The industry is in a state of flux right now because a lot of major label artists are not selling major units any more and ring tones and digital downloads are steadily increasing as the preferred mode of hearing and buying music. Today is National Independent Record Day and I am very happy about that. Here in Atlanta, GA, our SECUR Network of Independent Stores have been around for a long time and they continue you to serve our communities around Metro Atlanta. Big ups to Tobago & Junie at DBS Sounds! I must also shout out North Georgia Compact Disc & Super Sounds! If you are in Atlanta, visit one of these stores and buy some new hot music! There will be free food, special guests, giveaways & more! You may visit http://www.recordstoreday.com for more information.
Much love to the Bar-Red Entertainment Group family: *managed artists - Lady X, Magnem P.I., Jay L, & Big Troy
Do you know what's going on in the music industry right now?
Let me attempt to enlighten you. I receive phone calls and emails frequently from aspiring artists, producers, etc. that basically want something for nothing. Even though I have been in business since 1994, the year I graduated from college, it still amazes me that people in general believe that just because they have talent or some kind of skill that other people are supposed to just throw money at them and that they are the best thing since slice bread! Utterly amazing!
My upbringing and thought pattern has brought me to the theory that we as individuals must first invest in ourselves and as we are developing, working and growing as business people, artists or whatever, we are going to attract the resources that we need to continue to move forward in our businesses and careers. Being knowledgeable about what business you are in is very essential and I have found out too many times that individuals coming into the music industry do not take the time or even want to learn about the business side of things which is amazing because the business side of things is the only way that a person will ever get paid! Look at the % of NFL Players that are financially strapped only 2-years after they have finished playing, it's a whopping 78%. That's ridiculous, but sadly true. Look at the incredible amount of Artists that have actually had hit records and have absolutely nothing to show for it but a plaque, if they still have that. My point is ladies and gentleman is that before you embark on this music journey, research the business, meet with industry veterans to gain insight & perfect your craft! These things won't guarantee great success, but they will get you headed in the right direction. At this time you must understand that if you do sign with a major label or even an independent that is strong, they are going to sign you to a "360 Deal" which means that they are going to not only receive revenue from your music sales, they will get a % of your tour/show money, merchandise, etc. Is this a bad thing, I don't know, but it is definitely changing the landscape of the music industry and you have to be aware of it!
The industry is in a state of flux right now because a lot of major label artists are not selling major units any more and ring tones and digital downloads are steadily increasing as the preferred mode of hearing and buying music. Today is National Independent Record Day and I am very happy about that. Here in Atlanta, GA, our SECUR Network of Independent Stores have been around for a long time and they continue you to serve our communities around Metro Atlanta. Big ups to Tobago & Junie at DBS Sounds! I must also shout out North Georgia Compact Disc & Super Sounds! If you are in Atlanta, visit one of these stores and buy some new hot music! There will be free food, special guests, giveaways & more! You may visit http://www.recordstoreday.com for more information.
Much love to the Bar-Red Entertainment Group family: *managed artists - Lady X, Magnem P.I., Jay L, & Big Troy
Monday, January 26, 2009
What are you going to do in 2009?
Thoughts By: B. Brown
It’s 2009 and it’s time for your goals and aspirations to manifest into reality!!!
Barack Obama is the 44th President and the 1st African-American President of the United States! It is an exciting time to be an American! We as Americans are embarking on a new adventure and it sure feels great!
I am personally very excited about the history that has been made with Obama leading the U.S. into a new positive direction. I am truly grateful for my parents, grand parents and the rest of the generations before me that paved the way for this great moment to take place. If you go and ask any person white or black that is over fifty (50) years old, the majority of them will tell you that they did not expect to see a black man in the White House in their lifetime. Oh, what a wonderful time it is right now!
A lot of different things have been put out there in regards to Obama being President, but the fact is that he has a tremendous appeal to people all around the world and that his appeal along with his economic and political strategies have a great chance of pulling the U.S. out of one of it’s most challenging economic downturns ever! I believe we as a nation are going to be ok in the near future.
What ever you aspire to be and whatever your goals are, there is no better time than now to actually write them down, visualize them and move forth with action to achieve your goals. Action is the key! It is just like Faith. Faith without action is dead. The time is now for each and every one of us to improve ourselves and make a difference. The time is now for us to take advantage of education and use that education to parlay ourselves into new fields of business and new opportunities. Focusing on your goals everyday and actively working towards them will allow you to have a drive and desire that can be unstoppable and that day will come when you realize that your life has changed and beautiful things are happening to you! Close your eyes for a moment … isn’t that a beautiful vision?
Your goal may be to spend more time with your family --- do it!
Your goal may be to lose weight --- do it!
Your goal may be to get a better paying job --- do it!
Whatever your goals and aspirations --- there’s now better phrase to use than Nike’s awesome slogan --- just do it!!!
“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” – Bobby Knight
It’s 2009 and it is truly your time!!!
It’s 2009 and it’s time for your goals and aspirations to manifest into reality!!!
Barack Obama is the 44th President and the 1st African-American President of the United States! It is an exciting time to be an American! We as Americans are embarking on a new adventure and it sure feels great!
I am personally very excited about the history that has been made with Obama leading the U.S. into a new positive direction. I am truly grateful for my parents, grand parents and the rest of the generations before me that paved the way for this great moment to take place. If you go and ask any person white or black that is over fifty (50) years old, the majority of them will tell you that they did not expect to see a black man in the White House in their lifetime. Oh, what a wonderful time it is right now!
A lot of different things have been put out there in regards to Obama being President, but the fact is that he has a tremendous appeal to people all around the world and that his appeal along with his economic and political strategies have a great chance of pulling the U.S. out of one of it’s most challenging economic downturns ever! I believe we as a nation are going to be ok in the near future.
What ever you aspire to be and whatever your goals are, there is no better time than now to actually write them down, visualize them and move forth with action to achieve your goals. Action is the key! It is just like Faith. Faith without action is dead. The time is now for each and every one of us to improve ourselves and make a difference. The time is now for us to take advantage of education and use that education to parlay ourselves into new fields of business and new opportunities. Focusing on your goals everyday and actively working towards them will allow you to have a drive and desire that can be unstoppable and that day will come when you realize that your life has changed and beautiful things are happening to you! Close your eyes for a moment … isn’t that a beautiful vision?
Your goal may be to spend more time with your family --- do it!
Your goal may be to lose weight --- do it!
Your goal may be to get a better paying job --- do it!
Whatever your goals and aspirations --- there’s now better phrase to use than Nike’s awesome slogan --- just do it!!!
“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” – Bobby Knight
It’s 2009 and it is truly your time!!!
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