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!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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 get 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 get 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!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hustle University - Hotep!!!
Hustle University is a virtual institution of higher learning for today’s new wave of leaders and future business/ entertainment moguls. Hustle University fosters a "do-for-self" mentality by promoting entrepreneurship and leadership through the teachings of proven business and personal success strategies.
Our strength lies in our ability to bridge the gaps between academia, hip-hop culture, corporate best practices and social activism. Hustle University provides practical strategies and solution-based methods with a "straight talk" approach laced with swagger. Our motto is:"Don't Wait for Opportunity, CREATE IT!"
B. Brown's Statement: I want to commend my man Hotep on being persistent and very focused on building Hustle University! I am very proud of you my brother! I have seen him take his idea and develop it into a great vehicle for entrepreneurs. Visit his website and take a look at a company that has a very bright future!
http://www.hustleuniversity.com
One Love!
Our strength lies in our ability to bridge the gaps between academia, hip-hop culture, corporate best practices and social activism. Hustle University provides practical strategies and solution-based methods with a "straight talk" approach laced with swagger. Our motto is:"Don't Wait for Opportunity, CREATE IT!"
B. Brown's Statement: I want to commend my man Hotep on being persistent and very focused on building Hustle University! I am very proud of you my brother! I have seen him take his idea and develop it into a great vehicle for entrepreneurs. Visit his website and take a look at a company that has a very bright future!
http://www.hustleuniversity.com
One Love!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Cheetah Girls help girls 'to believe in themselves'
By: Adrianne M. Murchison
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Wed., Oct. 29, 2008; E3)
Even with a hit television movie and a Billboard charting song to tout as accomplishments, The Cheetah Girls had not reached their ultimate high as entertainers until a concert at Disney's California Adventure Park. "It was the first time we were going to be on stage as a girl group and not as actresses," said Bailon, 25. "We hit the stage and saw fans go crazy, and there wasn't a movie director yelling action and telling them to do it."
"A lot of young girls have been following them for years and have kind of grown up with them. I know parents like to bring them out (for the show) because they are positive role models," says Julia Karenbauer, Marketing Manager for Gwinnett Arena (Gwinnett County, GA).
Group Members: Adrienne Bailon - 25; Kiely Williams - 22; Sabrina Bryan - 24
Q&A with Adrienne Bailon
Q: Tell us something people might not know about The Cheetah Girls.
A: Early on we had a couple of hard times with magazines saying, 'They're not cool enough. They're Disney Channel.' They didn't want to cover us because we didn't have edge, which to them meant we didn't have a scandal or anything intersting to say. That was hard for us to break through and really allow people to see that we are true artists and that we sing live.
Q: What is The Cheetah Girls' message of 'girl power' all about?
A: We encourage girls to believe in themselves. Anything is possible. We are really examples of that. We are the first majority minority cast at Disney. Going into the first "Cheetah Girls" movie we were like 'Hey let's just go for it.' And look where it's taken us. We learn from one another and celebrate our individuality.
Q: How would you describe each of you as friends?
A: Kiely is extremely nurturing. She's kind of like the mom of the group. She is the youngest, which is also funny. Sabrina is the comedian and keeps us all laughing. that helps when you're working hard and the stress level is high. And I'm very focused. I'm the cheerleader saying, "C'mon guys, we can make this happen."
Q: Will your upcoming concert include something special for Halloween?
A: We have some surprises in store for you guys. We're just really excited that Atlanta is such a fun city to be in for Halloween. We're hoping that a lot of fans come out dressed up looking very "Cheetahlicious."
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Wed., Oct. 29, 2008; E3)
Even with a hit television movie and a Billboard charting song to tout as accomplishments, The Cheetah Girls had not reached their ultimate high as entertainers until a concert at Disney's California Adventure Park. "It was the first time we were going to be on stage as a girl group and not as actresses," said Bailon, 25. "We hit the stage and saw fans go crazy, and there wasn't a movie director yelling action and telling them to do it."
"A lot of young girls have been following them for years and have kind of grown up with them. I know parents like to bring them out (for the show) because they are positive role models," says Julia Karenbauer, Marketing Manager for Gwinnett Arena (Gwinnett County, GA).
Group Members: Adrienne Bailon - 25; Kiely Williams - 22; Sabrina Bryan - 24
Q&A with Adrienne Bailon
Q: Tell us something people might not know about The Cheetah Girls.
A: Early on we had a couple of hard times with magazines saying, 'They're not cool enough. They're Disney Channel.' They didn't want to cover us because we didn't have edge, which to them meant we didn't have a scandal or anything intersting to say. That was hard for us to break through and really allow people to see that we are true artists and that we sing live.
Q: What is The Cheetah Girls' message of 'girl power' all about?
A: We encourage girls to believe in themselves. Anything is possible. We are really examples of that. We are the first majority minority cast at Disney. Going into the first "Cheetah Girls" movie we were like 'Hey let's just go for it.' And look where it's taken us. We learn from one another and celebrate our individuality.
Q: How would you describe each of you as friends?
A: Kiely is extremely nurturing. She's kind of like the mom of the group. She is the youngest, which is also funny. Sabrina is the comedian and keeps us all laughing. that helps when you're working hard and the stress level is high. And I'm very focused. I'm the cheerleader saying, "C'mon guys, we can make this happen."
Q: Will your upcoming concert include something special for Halloween?
A: We have some surprises in store for you guys. We're just really excited that Atlanta is such a fun city to be in for Halloween. We're hoping that a lot of fans come out dressed up looking very "Cheetahlicious."
Monday, October 13, 2008
T.I. has overcome major obstacles!
Comments by: B. Brown (BREG)
Let me start by saying that I by no means support what T.I. did last year involving the guns and silencers. But what I would like to emphasize on is the fact that this young black male battled through adversity and has jumped back onto the top of the charts with his New Album PAPER TRAIL. His first week numbers were over 500,000 units sold! Congratulations T.I.!!!
T.I. has been doing his community service at Metro Atlanta Schools and from what I have seen and heard, he is and has been making a huge impact. Now a lot of people would say and are saying why wasn't he doing this before he got in trouble? Well, I personally saw him visit North Clayton High School several years ago and he has been an advocate for education for a long time. Believe it or not, a lot of entertainers and athletes do a lot of charitable things that they do not receive publicity for what they are doing. A lot of good work is done below the radar!
We all have obstacles in our lives and we have a choice to make decisions that allow the obstacles to bring us down or make decisions to lift us above, through or around those obstacles to reach the destinations and goals we would like to reach.
T.I., keep pumping my brother and keep your head up as your time to serve your 1-year sentence approaches.
I challenge everyone to find a way to rise above their obstacles!!!
One Love!
Let me start by saying that I by no means support what T.I. did last year involving the guns and silencers. But what I would like to emphasize on is the fact that this young black male battled through adversity and has jumped back onto the top of the charts with his New Album PAPER TRAIL. His first week numbers were over 500,000 units sold! Congratulations T.I.!!!
T.I. has been doing his community service at Metro Atlanta Schools and from what I have seen and heard, he is and has been making a huge impact. Now a lot of people would say and are saying why wasn't he doing this before he got in trouble? Well, I personally saw him visit North Clayton High School several years ago and he has been an advocate for education for a long time. Believe it or not, a lot of entertainers and athletes do a lot of charitable things that they do not receive publicity for what they are doing. A lot of good work is done below the radar!
We all have obstacles in our lives and we have a choice to make decisions that allow the obstacles to bring us down or make decisions to lift us above, through or around those obstacles to reach the destinations and goals we would like to reach.
T.I., keep pumping my brother and keep your head up as your time to serve your 1-year sentence approaches.
I challenge everyone to find a way to rise above their obstacles!!!
One Love!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Options, we have them, but what are we actually willing to do?
By: B. Brown (BREG)
"If I wasn't in the rap game, I'd probably have 'key', knee-deep in the crack game. Cause the streets is a short stop, either slangin' crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot. --- Notorious B.I.G., "Things Done Changed"
What a thought from B.I.G. Their is a large population of youth that really believe their way to financial success is by way of selling drugs, sports or entertainment. For some reason, they believe their options are tremendously limited and that is not the truth. Education is the key to success in anything and as an artist, manager, record company executive, etc., you must know what you are doing and that is going to require you studying your craft intensely so that you can become the best at what you do! So check this out, we have to prepare to be the best in whatever profession we chose to be involved in as a professional.
Even as an Artist, there are options to chose from. Are you going to perform on the local scene and take advantage of open-mics, showcases, etc.? Are you going to put together a budget and go out and service all the DJ's at the different clubs in town and in a 100 mile radius? Do you have a budget to do a radio campaign? Do you have a budget to go on a Promotional Tour? Artists have to see the big picture at times so that planning and strategic moves can be made to further their career.
We all have choices to make. We must all choose wisely!
One Love!
"If I wasn't in the rap game, I'd probably have 'key', knee-deep in the crack game. Cause the streets is a short stop, either slangin' crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot. --- Notorious B.I.G., "Things Done Changed"
What a thought from B.I.G. Their is a large population of youth that really believe their way to financial success is by way of selling drugs, sports or entertainment. For some reason, they believe their options are tremendously limited and that is not the truth. Education is the key to success in anything and as an artist, manager, record company executive, etc., you must know what you are doing and that is going to require you studying your craft intensely so that you can become the best at what you do! So check this out, we have to prepare to be the best in whatever profession we chose to be involved in as a professional.
Even as an Artist, there are options to chose from. Are you going to perform on the local scene and take advantage of open-mics, showcases, etc.? Are you going to put together a budget and go out and service all the DJ's at the different clubs in town and in a 100 mile radius? Do you have a budget to do a radio campaign? Do you have a budget to go on a Promotional Tour? Artists have to see the big picture at times so that planning and strategic moves can be made to further their career.
We all have choices to make. We must all choose wisely!
One Love!
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