Music Management with Bar-Red Entertainment Group

HAPPY NEW YEAR from BAR-RED ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (BREG)!!!

2012-01-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR from BAR-RED ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (BREG)!!! 2011 was a great year and at the same time presented some challenges. We THANK all of the individuals, organizations and companies that did business with us in 2011, and we thank GOD for bringing us into 2012!

BREG is excited about the opportunities that are coming forth in 2012, and we look forward to helping our current clients and new clients reach their goals and objectives.

In 2012, look for awesome things from Nu Strata Music Group, Chipped Up Entertainment, X-tratainment Inc. & Hustle University! Artists that are bringing new music, live performances and videos in 2012 include Spade Kosta, Da Bad Habbitz, Grizz, Blushe, Chief Scrill, Lady X, Magnem P.I. & Jay L. Also look for new e-books for your Kindle (click on this Amazon.com link) directly from BREG.

We must address our youth of today that are still killing each other at an alarming rate. BREG is looking forward to the day when the tv is turned on and there are no reports of a young person killing another young person. Parents and adults, it is on us to love, teach & discipline our children so that they will love themselves first & foremost and learn to respect & love others. That way they won't believe it is ok to just end another person's life. What actually happens is that two (2) lives are destroyed. The person that has been murdered and the person that goes to jail. Think about it, it's a lose-lose situation. Young people have a responsiblity too! Do not take education for granted because it is your best option for bettering whatever situation you are currently in, and education will bring about positive opportunities for you. You have the ability to understand what is wrong and what is right. Think before you talk, and definitely think before you act; and you will save yourself and your family a lot of heartache and unwanted problems. Believe in yourself, you can do it and have a successful life!

On the political scene, there will be Local, State and National Elections taking place this year with the Presidential Election being the highlighted election. Do your research on the candidates and make the best decision that you can make for you and your family.

So as you have read, BREG is very excited about 2012 and we look forward to connecting with exciting people, organizations and companies this year and beyond! One Love!!!

Yours Truly,

B. Brown

@BREGBrown

Facebook.com/BREGBrown

50 Cent - Rap's Renaissance Man

2011-11-02T14:08:00.000-04:00

Thoughts By: B. Brown - BREG
- Author of the E-Book The Art of Music Management

50 Cent has proven over the years that he is willing to pay the price for what he wants in life, but you may be thinking that I referencing his drug dealing past and fondness of robbing people to supply his needs and desires. What I am actually referring to is his love and need to read! That's right, reading! 50 Cents loves to read!

Now, when you read the JET MAGAZINE article below, take note of the fact that 50 Cent has just released a book he wrote to deal with the serious issue of bullying in schools because he was a bully in school. He is making a difference!

Even though he dropped out of school in the 10th Grade, 50 understood that learning never stops and the best way to do that is by continuing to read. He gives credit to strategy books for helping him in high level negotiations that he has been involved in during his career.

So to all my aspiring artists, producers, managers, etc., keep your reading list tight and peep some of the books that 50 has read so that you continue to learn and position yourself for greatness!

One Love and enjoy the article below!

Jet Magazine - Oct. 24-31, 2011 jetmag.com

By: S. Tia Brown

I am nervous. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson III is the first candidate in my favorite archetype of “men I’d like to marry” — The Reformed Thug. Smart. Sweet. Sexy. And ever-so dangerous — I’m from Brooklyn, don’t judge. So while I know the likelihood of becoming “Mrs. Jackson” is slim, my stomach is still jumping as I wait the six, yes, six, hours it takes to get him on the phone. My mission: I don’t really want a ring. I’m just hoping some of his greatness will rub off. It’s selfish but true.

When 50’s handler finally gets him on the phone, I’m not greeted with the brash instigator we hear on the radio, or the crotch-grabbing cad we see in videos such as Candy Shop. Instead, I begin chatting with someone who sounds way more like a former classmate from my New York City magnet high school (you know, the kind where everyone has to test in). His diction, subject/verb agreement and politeness surpass those of many of my Kenneth Cole-donning, college-educated suitors. Most of all, he doesn’t convey the aura of someone who held up corners as a tween, dropped out of school in the tenth grade and robbed people to thrive.

Defining Moments
We all know the story of 50 Cent, the former drug dealer who was shot nine times before he courted, then married, fame. Still, few people get the story of Curtis James Jackson III. In the suburbs, whole schools are offered trauma counseling when one of their White classmates gets hit by a car — but what happens to our boys when they see their friends shot, their mamas robbed or their dads stabbed? Nothing. So they cope the best way they can– typically with aggression or depression. We all know what Jackson chose...

... The rap star's most recent project, a book entitled 50 Cent: Playground, The Mostly True Story of a Reformed Bully, is just one of the ways he's hoping to make a difference. "I read Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I realized I wanted to do something like that, but from the perspective of someone who's bullying and not dealing with his or her emotions," he says.

... While some college grads never open a book after flipping the tassel, dropping out of high school wasn't the end of 50's education. He's always loved reading. "It allows you to learn from someone else's mistakes. It puts you ahead of the class and the curve at the same time. You get to develop a passion in an area and inform yourself in every way possible on how to become successful and work towards it."

It's obvious where his passion lies. "A lot of books that I've read are on business and philosopy, like The 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction. I read those books because I got interested in robbing people," he says of these renowned works on strategy. Luckily, the books offer transferable skills, which he took to every negotiation. "I paid attention to the possibilities of the deal," he states. "Instinctively, I wanted the most options in the deal. How would I know? You pay attention to winning." And he did.

Asking 50 whether he was scared to wrestle with the big boys --- you know White, educated, pedigreed males --- is like asking a tiger whether he's scared of a lion. The answer is no. They respect each other's power. "It's levels out because when you have an aura around you, people kind of understand that they shouldn't play with you," he shares. "They skip the little games they would play with others," he adds.

Success Redefined

Though 50's success may be considered an anomaly to some, a result of prayer warriors by others and luck to a few, there is no doubt in his mind that reading changed his life. "Even someone under the hardest circumstances will tell you they can free themselves through reading," he tells JET. "So no matter what's going on, you have other options." ...

... Education is ongoing.

A Tour Manager's Decision!

2011-08-16T09:26:00.000-04:00

Insight By: B. Brown - BREG

In any field of business, management is key! But in reference to the music industry, management is absolutely important to the career & sometimes the life of a solo artist, group or band.

The article below highlights a great decision made by Sugarland's Tour Manager. It was a great instinctive decision that actually saved the band members lives!

I've dealt with a lot of artists and groups that don't necessarily believe what their management tells them even when it's in their best interest to listen and at least try to understand what is being said to them. Now, I'm not saying that management is going to always be correct, because no one is right all the time, but I am saying that all parties involved in a situation should listen to each other and make the best decision possible.

Communication is the key and having contingency plans in place when artists are on the road is critical. Airline Tickets, Bus Set-up & Maintenance, Security, Props, Venue Access, Dressing Room(s), Radio/Publicity Schedule, Charity Work, Stage Props & Set-up, Sound Check, etc.

You see, it really never stops and the Road Manager is the point person, and has a lot of responsibility to make sure the show takes place a close to perfect as perfect can get.

Sugarland's road manager made a decision to keep them off the stage for a minute or two after surveying the clouds in the sky and seeing a storm approaching. That decision saved the band members lives because major wind came through a minute later and destroyed the stage killing several people in the audience. My Prayers go out to them and their families.

Checkout the article below .......

"Sugarland likely saved by tour manager's decision"

CAITLIN R. KING - Associated Press | AP

Tour manager Hellen Rollens looked at the sky and decided to hold the band backstage a minute before 60 to 70 mph wind gusts toppled the roof and the metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment at the Indiana State Fair where five people died Saturday night in Indianapolis.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — It came down to seconds and one instinctive decision that may have saved the lives of country duo Sugarland and others at the Indiana State Fair where five people died when a stage collapsed.

Tour manager Hellen Rollens looked at the sky and decided to hold the band backstage. A minute later, 60 to 70 mph wind gusts toppled the roof and the metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment on Saturday night in Indianapolis. It crashed into the audience, killing four instantly and fifth later at a hospital. Dozens were injured, some critically.

When they heard the deafening boom of the stage crashing, Sugarland and crew hit the ground and took cover against a wall, thinking it was going to collapse on top of them. At some point, they made it out of the dust and debris and converged on their tour bus.

"There was no running out anywhere," Sugarland manager Gail Gellman told The Associated Press on Monday. "No one knew what happened. It was just the moment when your eyes get big."

Gellman said others felt it was safe to go on stage, but Rollens ultimately acted on her intuition.

"As a tour manager, it's super important to understand what the weather conditions are when you play outside. We've always talked about not putting the band on during wind, lightning or heavy rain," said Gellman, who was in Las Vegas with another client that night.

"Everybody was standing in a prayer circle getting ready to go onstage, and Hellen, as she was walking down the ramp, the stage fell. So her decision to hold them for literally a minute saved every band member and crew's life."

The calamity has deeply touched Sugarland members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.

Nettles said in a statement that she watched video of the collapse on the news "in horror" and was "moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones." She said she was also "moved by the great heroism" of fans who ran toward the stage to help rescue the injured.

Gellman met up with Nettles on Sunday and has watched her struggle to cope since then.

"There are moments I can see great clarity in her eyes, and there are moments I can see her tears well up so much that I just don't know what to do," Gellman said. "She's just processing and wants to encourage people to be together, to support each other."

Bush went home to be with his children in Georgia.

Gellman strongly believes it was the weather and not a staging problem that brought down the Indiana State Fair structure. She said it will not dictate how she guides her acts in the future.

"I would pose the same question to every band that goes out there, Keith Urban, Kenny (Chesney). We all tour during the summer. We all play outside. We're all cognizant and very aware of what we hang and what we do," she said. "We have restrictions and requirements (from each venue), and we stand by every single one of them."

Sugarland's elaborate set for their "Incredible Machine" tour was destroyed in the collapse. They canceled their Sunday show at the Iowa State Fair, but are "hoping and preparing" to perform as scheduled in Albuquerque, N.M., Thursday.

The Journey of Songwriters & Music Producers

2011-08-07T17:26:00.000-04:00

Thoughts By: B. Brown (BREG)

When I'm speaking to up & coming songwriters, producers, artists or independent production/record label owners, they usually believe doing one thing will skyrocket their careers and that is very rare indeed. Women have even a tougher time breaking through to stardom and financial success in the music industry.

I spoke with DJ Hollywood of DirtySouthradioonline.com a few weeks ago and we discussed the fact that it takes several different campaigns going on at the same time or several different contacts connecting the dots for a spark to occur in someone's career and that takes time! In a lot of cases, a lot of time, like in many years!

The article below is about Angela Hunte-Wisner and Jane't Sewell-Uepic and their songwriting/producing journey.

The Duo Behind The NYC Anthem (Ebony Magazine; June 2011; pg. 70)
By: Margena A. Christian

It's a man's world behind the scenes in the music industry. But women are doing it for themselves. No two people know this better than the Grammy-winning songwriting/production duo of Angela Hunte-Wisner and Jane't Sewell-Ulepic.

"A lot of people said, 'You won't make it,'" recalls Sewell-Ulepic, a graduate of William Paterson University of New Jersey. "They said, 'You will never win a Grammy.' We had to band together as sisters --- hold on, go into this thing and look out for each other. We let our music speak for itself. We don't have gimmicks."

The New York natives, signed to EMI as song-writers and producers, proved the naysayers wrong last February. As the masterminds behind the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys tune, "Empire State of Mind," they won two Grammys for BEst Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. It's also rare for songwriters --- especially women --- to also have co-produced their hits.

"We're the last people who anyone knows about, but we're the mental force of the song," says Hunte-Wisner, a former video casting director and industry stylist. "Being a songwriter is like being a ghost. You give the artists a piece of your soul."

With a combined total of 30 years' experience in show business (Sewell-Ulepic was an engineer for many years), the ladies have been songwriters for the lasst seven. They partnered nearly five years ago after meeting at an EMI writer's conference.

"This is all business and 2 percent music," says Hunte-Wisner. "We deal with publishing issues, approving licenses, bankers and business attorneys. We do our own contracts. It takes a lot to be able to write comfortably. You must be very focused. It's like going up the mountain."

They give back through their work with Grammy U's New York chapter, where the duo prepares college students for careers in music. "They are the future," says Sewell-Ulepic, who earned Grammy nods in 2007 for Fantasia's When I See U. "No one is telling kids how this thing is really structured. We saw the real era of music. We want to find the new Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye."

Look at the money that the Top Artists earned these past 12 months! Wow!!!

2011-06-17T12:36:00.000-04:00

*Insight from B. Brown (BREG)

Here is what's popping! An Artist or Band has to become popular enough to get on the road and perform! It may start with a local or regional single, and you may have to start your own promo tour and build up to paid shows. But paid shows is how you will earn a substantial part of your money, point blank!

When I consult an Artist or Record Company (Independent or Major), the million dollar question is always what are we going to do to make the Artist popular. Are we going to start with a street campaign, DJ campaign (Record Pools), online campaign, promo tour, radio campaign, videos, etc. Of course, the project budget has a lot to do with what gets done, but the Artist has to start somewhere.

When you read the article below, you will be amazed at how much money an Artist can make once paid shows start coming in on a regular basis.

The World's Highest-Paid Musicians

Posted Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:35pm PDT by Zack O'Malley Greenburg

Two decades ago Jon Bon Jovi sat with the members of his eponymous band in a basement in New Jersey. Hoping to rekindle the group's desire to make music after two grueling years on the road, he'd hung vintage posters on the wall, illuminated only by candles and blacklights. But instead of feeling inspired, Bon Jovi found himself becoming cranky and short of breath.

"I'm thinking maybe this is an issue, maybe I just don't like them," Bon Jovi said in a recent interview for the FORBES Celeb 100 issue. "Until I realized that all the oxygen was sucked out of the room by the candles ... So I blew out the candles, cranked up the amplifiers, and said, 'We're going to be a rock band. If you believe in what I'm telling you, we can be the Rolling Stones.'"

Sure enough, Bon Jovi is still rocking. The group earned $125 million over the past 12 months, enough to claim the No. 2 spot on FORBES' annual list of the world's highest-paid musicians. U2 (pictured above) took home $195 million-and music's money crown-thanks to an international stadium tour that grossed some $700 million over two years, surpassing the Stones' A Bigger Bang tour as the most lucrative of all time.

Power ballad rockers aren't the only artists raking in the cash this year. Elton John ranks third with $100 million, fueled by a 102-show tour; Lady Gaga, godmother to Sir Elton's new son, clocks in at No. 4 with $90 million; Canadian crooner Michael Bublé rounds out the top five with $70 million, also on the strength of a lucrative tour.

Full List: The World's Highest-Paid Musicians

Our numbers encompass all pretax income earned from May 2010 to May 2011, before subtracting agent and manager fees. The totals were compiled with the help of data from Pollstar, RIAA and others, as well as extensive interviews with industry insiders including lawyers, managers, concert promoters, agents and, in some cases, the musicians themselves.

Full List: The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians

For most artists, touring was the largest source of income this past year-but some were more efficient than others. Lady Gaga grossed nearly as much in 12 months of touring ($168 million) as Elton John ($204 million), but the costs of her elaborate production (dozens of backup dancers, pyrotechnic undergarments, etc.) ate into her take significantly. Gaga did grab plenty of additional cash from recorded music, publishing and endorsements. And regardless of the margins on her tour, drawing some 2 million fans over the past 12 months is no small feat-for Gaga, or for any of the big touring acts.

"It's one thing to cut a song and get airplay, it's another thing to convert listeners into a loyal fan base that goes through the trials and tribulations of buying tickets, paying for dinner, hiring a baby sitter," says Randy Phillips, chief of concert promoter AEG. "To motivate a fan base to go through all those hurdles, there are very few artists who can do that consistently."

The musicians on our list run quite a gamut. Justin Bieber, who raked in $53 million, is the youngest at age 17. Paul McCartney, who took home $66 million, is the oldest at 68. One couple even made the list-Jay-Z and Beyoncé took home $37 million and $35 million, respectively, marking the first time since their nuptials that the hip-hop mogul earned more than his wife.

Beyoncé is one of only five female solo acts on the list, compared to 13 males. What the list lacks in gender equality, it makes up for in geographical diversity-over one-third of the artists hail from outside the U.S., from countries including the U.K., Barbados, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and Australia.

As for the Rolling Stones, they're widely expected to hit the road again to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2012. But don't expect a Bon Jovi reunion tour in 2030.

"I don't know if I want to be 68 years old and doing 140 shows in a year," admits Jon Bon Jovi. "Where I'm going, I don't know. And that's the beauty of it."

Additional reporting by Dorothy Pomerantz and Chris Barth.

Making Money Outside of the Music Business!

2011-05-01T16:12:00.000-04:00

Quote from Chris Lighty (Violator - Artist Management Firm)
Black Enterprise Magazine (By Tennille M. Robinson; Jan. 2011; pg. 78)

"50 Cent, Sean Combs (P. Diddy) and Jay Z are the poster boys of what went wrong in the music business. They've made so much money outside of the music business, and the music business helped market and promote their brands; but didn't participate in being partners in their brands."

*Insight from B. Brown (BREG)

Chris is basically letting everyone know that these type of superstar artists are the reason the major labels have changed contracts to the "360 Deal" model where the label participates in the artist's entire brand (tours, merchandise, tv, movies, clothes, etc.)

So it is very important that artists understand what leverage they have when they come to the table with a record company and be ready to expand into other marketable areas outside of music. Music is just one component of your business brand as an artist.

Quote from Robbie Vorhaus (CEO & Founder of Vorhaus & Co., a brand strategy firm based in Sag Harbor, NY)
Black Enterprise Magazine (By Tennille M. Robinson; Jan. 2011; pg. 78)

Robbie describes many artists as "timekeepers," meaning they are singular in what they do. They may be "hot" but they aren't making money in their sleep, he adds. "50 Cent figured out he did not want to be a timekeeper. Instead, he said, 'I want to build something sustainable so that even when I'm not as popular as my talent, my production companies, movies or music that I discover will live on."

www.blackenterprise.com

Jay-Z’s $450 million Business Empire

2011-03-29T10:08:00.000-04:00

Insight from B. Brown (BREG)

The article below is a very interesting piece about Jay Z and his mindset. He is no doubt one of the greatest rappers ever, but more importantly, he is becoming one of the greatest American businessmen ever!

I would like all of my aspiring Artists and Business people to read the article below to get a good idea on how we may want to build our portfolios and choose or not choose to be a part of and/or attached to certain companies, products and projects.

Each one of us is an entity, and we must protect and grow our entities properly.

I have a lot of respect for Jay Z, and I wish him continued success!

One Love!

By Daniel Gross | Daily Ticker – Fri, Mar 25, 2011 5:38 PM EDT

This is a superstar economy, in which A-listers live large while minor leaguers struggle. Hedge fund managers like John Paulson may rack up big returns, CEOs like Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman, Sachs bag huge compensation packages, and all-star baseball players like Alex Rodriguez ink nine-figure contracts. But few of them can match the combination of fame, public acclaim and monetary value that Shawn Corey Carter has racked up.

Who?

Amid the carnage of the music industry in the past decade, Jay-Z has managed to parlay artistic success into financial fortune valued at up to $450 million, according to Forbes. Jay-Z's many business successes (and few failures) are described in a new book by Forbes writer Zack O'Malley Greenburg, entitled Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office.

In 2010 alone, he earned $63 million, more than all but seven CEOs of public companies, writes Greenburg. While the money came primarily from touring, Jay-Z has a business interests ranging from music to nightclubs, from restaurants to apparel, from sneakers to a chunk of the New Jersey Nets. As Greenburg and I discuss in the video, the Brooklyn native, who spent a chunk of his teens selling drugs before devoting himself full time to rap, has "a unique ability to set trends and profit from them, almost to an astronomical level."

Early on, Jay-Z displayed an acumen for business. In 1994, unable to find a company to produce his debut records, Jay-Z, Damon Dash and a silent partner founded their own label, Roc-A-Fella Records. And when a distributor agreed to take on the album, he negotiated a deal to retain ownership of the master recordings.

In the late 1990s, he discovered that sales of Iceberg apparel rose after he began including references to them in his songs. But when he went to Iceberg and asked for an endorsement deal, the company demurred. Instead, he started his own apparel company, Rocawear. In 2006, Rocawwear was sold to a brand licensing company for $204 million.

There's been much more: a line of sneakers for Reebok, the 40/40 nightclub chain, an ad for Hewlett-Packard, and an interest in the hot New York City gastro pub, The Spotted Pig.

Jay-Z's career and business interests are vivid testimony to the mainstreaming of hip-hop culture. Deals come his way in part because he is, simply put, much cooler and culturally relevant than older guys in suits. It's not simply that he can attract a crowd, but that he lends a kind of legitimacy to all sorts of ventures — including the efforts to build a huge arena/ development to house the New Jersey Nets in Brooklyn. The New Jersey Nets, as Greenburg notes, had long been a second-tier team in the NBA, and an afterthought in New York. Facing political obstacles and community opposition, Nets owner Bruce Ratner offered Jay-Z a small ownership stake in exchange for becoming one of the public faces of the project. Another potential bonus: the other owners thought Jay-Z could help attract top talent like LeBron James to the Nets.

That hasn't quite worked out. And, of course, as is the case with most serial entrepreneurs, Jay-Z has had his share of business setbacks. He spent a fair amount of time last decade working on a Jay-Z Jeep, which fell apart due to issues at Chrysler. A GMC Yukon painted Jay-Z blue never got beyond the concept car stage. As Greenburg notes, the singer makes a strong effort not to highlight failures. "He doesn't want to be seen as anything other than victorious." Greenburg adds: "Even Jay-Z fails, but that doesn't make him any less of a businessman."

So what's next? Despite all his operations, music and performing remain at the core of his business, and of his brand. And here he faces something of a challenge. In rock and pop, it's not uncommon for groups and singers to fill big arenas well into their 60s — the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, even Neil Diamond (who is now 70!). But hip-hop is a much younger genre, and Jay-Z is already 41. "He's the first guy who is going to be out there and seeing what the market is for aging rappers," said Greenburg. "But if he wants to tour all the time like the Stones do, he could certainly do that."

Jay-Z has succeeded in part because of a tough-minded mentality that make him insist that he own a part of any operations he's involved with. And that explains in part why he and his team didn't cooperate with this book. When he signed his book contract, Greenburg went to Jay-Z's team, sought interviews, and explained the book as a business success story that "would put him up in the pantheon with Warren Buffett and Steve jobs." Came the response: "What's in it for us?" He didn't want to help with the production of a book that he wouldn't partially own. Besides, he was working on his own book. When it was published last November Decoded debuted as #3 on the New York Times best-seller list.

Daniel Gross is economics editor at Yahoo! Finance

Can You Believe These Superstars Were Once Rejected By 'American Idol'?

2011-03-10T22:53:00.000-05:00

Insight from: B. Brown (BREG)

As an Artist, you encounter plenty of up's and down's, but the key is not to give up and let a disappointing experience destroy your drive. You must regroup by honestly looking at your most recent performance and do everything in your power to improve from that situation. That's how you get better and secure the next opportunity that arises!

Check-out what these former American Idol hopefuls that did not make it on Idol, but became stars on other shows and in other ways.

*By Lyndsey Parker (Yahoo! Music | Friday, February 25, 2011)

These familiar faces didn't make the "Idol" cut.

The "American Idol" top 24 have been announced, and along with the expected ringers there are quite a few surprise omissions: Chris Medina, John Wayne Schulz, Jerome Bell, Carson Higgins, and Jacee Badeaux, to name but five. I'm sure they're feeling pretty rejected, and dejected, right now, as they watch their peers move on to the live "Idol" stage while they pack their bags and Greyhound-bus it back to the small towns from whence they came. But they shouldn't sulk. They should realize that quite a few talented singers were turned away by "Idol," but went on to bigger and better things.

Chris, John, Jerome, Jacee, et al: If you're feeling low, read about the following "Idol" also-rans and realize that your respective musical journeys are far from over.

Hillary Scott:
The stunning Lady Antebellum frontwoman auditioned not once but twice for "Idol," and never even made it past the preliminary rounds, never even sang for Simon Cowell and the other judges. "I never got to see them. I literally performed for the production assistants and the interns, and I just didn't make it," she recently told Entertainment Tonight. No worries. Hillary simply formed Lady Antebellum instead, and went on to win five Grammys this year, including Record AND Song Of The Year. No Idol has ever done that!

Colbie Caillat:
This plucky songstress also auditioned unsuccessfully for "Idol" twice, and on her second try she even warbled her own original ditty, "Bubbly." ("I was shy. I was nervous. I didn't look the greatest. I wasn't ready for it yet. I was glad, when I auditioned, that they said no," she later told USA Today.) I guess Colbie had reason to be glad. Not only did "Bubbly" eventually become a massive international hit for her, without "Idol's" help, but it's since been covered by various other "Idol" hopefuls, like Casey James, Katie Stevens, Katelyn Epperly, and Anne Marie Boskovich. Apparently Colbie wasn't too bitter to grant the show rights!

Amber Riley:
The "Glee" diva auditioned for "Idol" at age 17, but she too didn't even make it past the producers. But obviously, the singer also known as Mercedes Jones made it onto the Fox Network anyway. (And one of her biggest standout solo performances on "Glee" was "And I Am Telling You," a song famously performed by Idols like Jennifer Hudson and LaKisha Jones.) "You know what? I still work on Fox and I get paid! Thank you, 'American Idol,'" Amber recently gloated to Access Hollywood. You go, girl.

Robyn Troup:
Robyn is the least-known name on this list, but she actually made it the farthest, getting all the way to Hollywood Week in 2006. She was cut during the second group round, but she performed on the Grammys only a few weeks after her elimination aired, when she won Yahoo! Music's own "My Grammy Moment" talent search and got to duet on the live awards telecast with none other than Justin Timberlake. (And Jennifer Hudson introduced her!) Since then, Robyn has recorded with Santana, and is now prepping her debut album for the Emblem Music Group, a record label helmed by David Cook/Taylor Hicks producer Matt Serletic.

Every Record Label in the game turned us down .......

2011-02-08T22:07:00.001-05:00

By: B. Brown (BREG)

I don't know if a lot of artists know this or not, but to become a signed artist, specifically with a major label, the artist has usually down a lot of non-glamorous work and has usually paid some very humbling dues to get to the point of signing a major label contract. Once the ink dries however, the fun really begins. More free shows (promotional shows) and a ton of appearances attempting to get your name & face out there! Oh, did that artist get an advance? Some do and some don't. You might be surprised. I'm sure you have heard the stories. Nonetheless, in most cases, being an artist is not what it is all cracked up to be. Becoming a Superstar and actually becoming Rich helps out tremendously if that artist is one of the Blessed few!

In Jay-Z's book, DECODED, he talks about how every record label in the game turned him down and that's what sparked him, Dame and Biggs to start Roc-A-Fella Records. Here's what Jay-Z says about being a recording artist:

"Being a recording artist on a major label is the most contractually exploitative relationship you can have in America, and it's legal."

*B. Brown: How about that! Artists, times have changed because you can easily produce & release your own records now, but you still have to market and promote yourself and there lies the problem for the overwhelming majority of artists today even with such a powerful marketing and promotional tool as the internet. A plan, work ethic and some type of budget must be in place to play ball!

Click on this link for more information on a business plan, budgets, etc.

One Love!

Tank - Staying true to R&B

2011-02-01T19:27:00.007-05:00

*Thoughts by B. Brown (BREG)

My man Tank has always been a beast when it comes to writing and delivering hit songs like one of my favorites "I Deserve!" I take my hat off to this brother because he always seems to bring real-life-situation-music to the marketplace and that's why he has hit songs! Tank is overlooked a lot of times I believe, but I put him right up there with Babyface and R. Kelly in the song writing department.

Tank my brother, keep doing your thing and bringing great music to the ears and souls of many ......

By Melody K. Hoffman (Jet Magazine Dec. 27, 2010/Jan. 3, 2011; pg. 48)

Jet Magazine Website

In regards to his music, Tank says, "I like to call it classic, current R&B. I keep with the basic formula as far as who I'm sing to, what I'm singing about, and even the passion I'm singing it with. I keep that part of it in tact."

"R&B is about love---the good and bad. The stuff when we're together, the stuff when I'm trying to get you, the stuff when we're breaking up, the stuff when we're having fun, the stuff when we're fighting, all of it. I'm not mad at people singing about what they have on and being on their way to the club, that's fine. It just doesn't appeal to me on a substance level. For me, it's about legacy and making my mark in R&B and I want to be as true to the craft as possible."

Let me handle my business!

2011-01-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

*B. Brown's thoughts:

I am currently reading Jay-Z's book DECODED, and he makes point after point in his book about life in general and the music industry. The excerpt below talks about a powerful issue that has been a part of the industry for a long, long time, probably from the start of the music industry. What am I talking about? It is people saying that artist's should not learn about the business side of the industry, and they should just stay tuned-in with the artistry side of the business and that the artist will be fine. How could that be true? So an artist is supposed to be taken advantage of financially?

Jay-Z (Decoded; pgs. 30-31): The other part of "commercialization" is the idea that artists should only be thinking about their art, not about the business side of what we do. There was maybe a time when people in hip-hop made music only because they loved to make music. But the time came when it started to pay off, to the point that even dudes in the street started thinking, "Fuck selling drugs, this rap shit is going to be my hustle!" A lot of people came to hip-hop like that, not out of a pure love of music, but as a legit hustle, another path out of the hood. I've reflected some of that in my music because, to be honest, it was my mentality to some degree---when I committed to a career in rap, I wasn't taking a vow of poverty. I saw it as another hustle, one that happened to coincide with my natural talents and the culture I loved. I was an eager hustler and a reluctant artist. But the irony of it is that to make the hustle work, really work, over the long term, you have to be a true artist, too.

In the streets there aren't written contracts. Instead, you live by certain codes. There are no codes and ethics in music because there are lawyers. People can hide behind their lawyers and contracts and then rob you blind. A lot of street cats come into the music game and expect a certain kind of honor and ethics, even outside of contracts. But in business, like they say, you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. So I mind my business and I don't apologize for it.

There's this sick fascination with the dead artist, the broke artist, the drugged-out artist, the artist who blows all his money on drugs and big chains and ends up on a VH1 special. Or artists so conflicted about making money from their art---which so often means making money from their pain and confusion and dreams---that they do stupid shit with it, set it on fire or something. This is a game people sometimes play with musicians: that to be real, to be authentic, you have to hate having money or that success has to feel like such a burden you want to kill yourself. But whoever said that artists shouldn't pay attention to their business was probably someone with their hand in some artist's pocket.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from B. Brown (BREG)

2011-01-06T22:37:00.001-05:00

By: B. Brown (BREG)

Happy New Year!!! It is always great to start a new year and give thanks to the Most High for Blessing us with another year of life!

I am very excited about the opportunities out there that will positively impact my business endeavors in 2011, and I am looking forward to helping as many people as I can gain affordable access to the legal system and help as many people as possible protect and grow their businesses, be it an artist, a plumber, etc.!

One of the things that makes me feel very good thus far in 2011 is the Ted Williams story. Here is a man that would be considered down and out, but he continued to share his talent and gift with everyone he came in contact with and now he is receiving a second chance at life. May God continue to Bless him and keep him as he moves forward in his soberiety, re-connecting with his family and career. God is good!

Remember, "Big journeys begin with a single step!"

Have a great 2011!

One Love!

R&B Women

2010-11-29T13:20:00.000-05:00

By: Rashod Ollison (Pop Music & Culture Critic; Jet Mag. [Nov. 15, 2010]; Jet Perspective pg. 47)

I recently caught a Mary J. Blige show not far from my home. The amphitheater was packed with sisters, most close to 40, about the same age as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Mary J.'s emotionally journalistic music has surely echoed their heartbreaks and triumphs over the last 20 years.

The show was great. Mary J. is nothing like the performer she was at the start of her career, when she was more street than sweet, donning wraparound shades, a blond weave and combat boots. She often missed notes, sang off-key and cussed out the audience. She seemingly wanted to be anywhere other than the stage.

After surviving a chain of fools, Mary J. declared "no more drama" and shed the ghetto-fabulous image. She took etiquette classes, embraced spirituality, stopped abusing drugs and alcohol and got married. She's now an evolved, confident and engaging performer whose songs extol self-love.

For better or worse, Mary J.'s arrival opened the door for a new breed of Black Female performers: the ungraceful ones. Their music, like Mary J.'s early material, often ripples with pain.

The artists who fit this mold, some of whose fishbowl lives were exploited in hit reality TV shows, give fans a sense of an immediate connection with them. Onstage, they flub lines, sweat out their weaves and "keep it real." The way they carry themselves is understandable, given their backgrounds and the lack of etiquette training once offered in the industry (such as the renowned Motown charm school). But it's time to grow up if they want longevity.

Around-the-way girl singers are nothing new in Black Music. Offstage, Billie Holiday, Sarh Vaughan and especially Dinah Washington were known to be ghetto-fabulous before the term existed. But they approached their art with a certain reverence, jaw-dropping style and unmatched grace. Today, selling an "authentic" image often trumps nurturing a craft, which partly explains the reason careers come and go.

Mary J. Blige's remarkable evolution - the key to her staying power - should serve as an example to those following in her wake.

B. Brown's Opinion:

I believe Rashod is correct in saying these female R&B singers need more polishing these days. I also believe our male R&B singers need it as well! A lot of the male R&B singers dress like, look like & carry themselves as hip-hop/rap artists.

Etiquette is very important when it comes to having "class." May a person have "class" without proper etiquette? I don't know, but I do suggest that all artist's (R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, Country, Rock, Reggae, Gospel, etc.) get some type of training on how to carry themselves on and off the stage. The training will no doubt help their stage presence and career, along with helping them improve their life in general which is more important in my book!

One Love!

Why are all these rappers going to jail?

2010-11-03T14:56:00.000-04:00

By: B. Brown (BREG)

Why are all these rappers going to jail? It's actually quite simple and sad.

These men and women (who are my brothers & sisters) are a certain way before they achieve fame and some type of fortune. Some larger fortunes than others. However, the same thing basically happens to each of them which is the fact that they are able to become more of who they really are and delve deeper into that lifestyle with the trappings of fame & fortune.

T.I. (one of my favorite rappers of all-time) for instance obviously has a problem (either a drug or alcohol or both). From his debut, he has grown tremendously as a person and as an artist, but he has yet to stop his love affair with controlled substances. I Pray that he receives the help he needs now, because I do not believe he can absorb another round of lost endorsement deals, and I Pray that this jail stint doesn't cost him his recording career or his very promising acting career. God Bless T.I., Tiny (she is definitely a part of the situation) & their family!

Gucci Man is absolutely going to suffer from his continuous run-in's with the law! A once in a lifetime opportunity for this young man appears to keep turning into a one-trip around the board & then go directly to jail without passing go scenario (that's Monopoly talk for those who didn't know)! Gucci is going to have to do some soul searching this time around and look in the mirror for the answer. Again, we are looking at drugs & alcohol most likely contributing to terrible decision making. May God Bless you brother.

Now Lil Wayne is getting out tomorrow I believe, and he did a stint for gun possession & marijuana possession I believe. On top of the world and this guy doesn't know how to travel properly with the right gun permits to carry or least the right personnel that have the right to carry, and do I even have to mention the drugs? Wayne probably thought he was untouchable. I feel'em, but none of us are untouchable. Trust me, everyone of us can be touched. Prayfully, Wayne will come out of jail ready to make better decisions.

To all the artists out there and to young people in general, it is not cool to go to jail and it's definitely not cool to be uneducated and make very, very, very terrible decisions. Losing your freedom, possibly your family, your income & possibly your life isn't worth the drugs, illegal weapons, women, men or any other temptations that are out here in the world. Let's start making better decisions up front so that we do not have to keep seeing very talented people go to jail over and over again. It's pathetic and ridiculous and it has to stop now!

If it is not clear that some positive changes have to be made now, then wait and see what happens when these politicians that were just elected last night take office in a few months. "If you cannot control yourself, you are giving the right for someone else to control you." --- B. Brown

Believe that!

One Love!

Music's Digital Age: Who Wins? Who Loses?

2010-06-17T13:23:00.001-04:00

By: Miki Turner (Jet Magazine; June 14 - 21, 2010; pg. 43)

Quotes from Artists & Executives .......

WILL.I.AM - "Yes, there are no record stores, but hell, artists never got paid selling records anyway. And the ones that did, there were very few. I was Blessed to be one of the few, but do you know how many records I had to sell to recoup? We got by selling merchandise & writing songs."

Jon B. - "What the industry stopped doing was believing in real artistry. There is so much liability for a label to trust an artist and there have been a lot of artists who have messed it up for other artists because they took their budgets for granted. They would have a multimillion-dollar budget and then produce a mediocre record. I understand both sides of the coin."

Toni Braxton - "The advantages of everything being digital now is that it's instantaneous and you can get it immediately. I really don't like to look at is as bad, I like to look at it as progression."

Ice Cube - "What's been happening is that you look around and some of your favorite artists don't do records no more and fans don't understand why. It's not a lucrative business no more. So, that artist is off doing something else to make a living."

Letoya Luckett - "Back when I first started, there was money, money, money! It was just spending and not even looking at the deficit. It was like you want it, you got it! Now with all the downloading, the money isn't there anymore. The music industry was the thing to be a part of. That's not to say that's not the way it is now, but you've got to have plan A, B, C and D these days."

Johnnie Walker (Former Def Jam Exec. & now Exec. Dir. of the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission & Founder/Chairman of The National Assoc. of Black Female Executives in Music & Ent.) - "Labels have been focusing so much on songs and the quick delivery of those songs that they neglected to focus on developing acts. So, when the song was over, so was the artist.

The record industry - the one that controlled everything for so long - they're in trouble. The music industry is fine. The fan is really not buying the CD, he's buying the music. The internet and all the social sites have limited the record company's control of the fan's access to the music."

Is there a Conspiracy?

2010-02-16T22:51:00.004-05:00

Written By: Coolwater (Artificially Flavored Inc.)

There has been much gossip in the news about Jay Z being part to The Occult and The New World Order agenda. Every where you look Jay Z is throwing up some sort of hand sign or making some sort of masonic gesture to the brotherhood. Many people are starting to think that he and other artists like Rihanna, Kayne West and Beyonce are part of some global elitest plan to control people through music. The Conspiracy lies within most people not knowing what to believe when it comes to the forbidden or hidden knowledge.

In my personal opinion and being an artist myself, I do feel like there is a hidden agenda that all top artists like a 50-Cent, Lil' Wayne, Kayne West, Beyonce, Prince and many others are....

to continue reading this article visit:

http://www.socialsundays.blogspot.com

In Support of Earthquake-Torn Haiti!!!

2010-01-27T00:04:00.001-05:00

By: B. Brown

I would like to take my hat off to the people of the United States of America!!!

We have supported Haiti in record-breaking fashion and I am very proud of that fact.

We have Wyclef's "Yele'" Organization, The Red Cross, The Clinton-Bush Fund, etc. That is what has really tripped me out, Former Presidents Clinton & Bush have united for a cause. Unbelievable! President Obama has made it clear that his administration is going to help Haiti through its tragedy and help it rebuild. As one of the strongest countries in the world even during our recession, we are still committed to helping an ailing country that desparately needs help. I am very proud of that committment!

I have personally supported Haiti by donating to Wyclef's organization and you can too by texting YELE to 501501 to donate $5.00. Let's continue to show our compassionate side and do what we would want someone to do for us.

God Bless the people of New Orleans, LA & Mississippi that experienced Hurricane Katrina and God Bless the people of Haiti and all the workers who are there helping!!!

God is good!!!

One Love!

Young Forever in Hip-Hop

2009-12-29T23:49:00.005-05:00

--- 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!

Learn something from Gucci Mane!

2009-12-02T00:05:00.005-05:00

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!

2009-11-05T23:46:00.001-05:00

*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!

Ludacris - Doing good in the hood!!!

2009-09-13T20:19:00.005-04:00

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!

The State of the Music Industry - from the ROOTS!!!

2009-08-16T20:53:00.005-04:00

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."

T.I. - Cell Therapy

2009-06-11T00:27:00.004-04:00

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!

What is going on in the Music Industry?

2009-04-18T13:14:00.008-04:00

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

What are you going to do in 2009?

2009-01-26T21:28:00.001-05:00

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!!!

Hustle University - Hotep!!!

2008-12-17T14:20:00.005-05:00

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!

Cheetah Girls help girls 'to believe in themselves'

2008-10-30T11:13:00.004-04:00

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."

T.I. has overcome major obstacles!

2008-10-13T11:48:00.006-04:00

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!

Options, we have them, but what are we actually willing to do?

2008-09-18T22:36:00.007-04:00

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!

Bernie Mac & Issac Hayes --- Thank you!

2008-08-24T14:30:00.005-04:00

By: B. Brown

My Prayers go out to and are with the families of Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes. To lose two (2) giants of the Entertainment Industry within the same weekend is unbelievable! God is good and his way is unquestionable, so we know everything is going to be okay.

Bernie has made me laugh so hard because of his incredible wit, punchlines and overall style. From Def Comedy Jam to all the movies and concerts, Bernie commanded attention in all of his performances no matter how small his role was because of his huge presence and that's what I am going to miss about him the most --- his great presence! God Bless you Bernie --- Rest in Peace!

What can I say about Issac Hayes, the man that composed the theme song for the movie SHAFT and helped create a character that epitomized the meaning of "cool", Issac Hayes is a musician of Icon status and we have lost a role model and gentleman that has helped music transcend and unite people all around the world! God Bless you Issac --- Rest in Peace!

You will never regret time spent with family and friends. Let your loved ones know that they are loved as much as possible. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

One Love!

Let's Make A Deal!

2008-06-29T23:54:00.000-04:00

By: Keith Murphy (Vibe Magazine; pg. 42; May 2008)

Riding high on the success of this spring's Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige tour, LIVE NATION is officially bum rushing the recording industry. And the stakes are higher than ever.

What is it?
Established by Bronx, NY - raised media entrepreneur Robert F.X. Sillerman in 1997, Live Nation is a $3 billion concert promotions giant that has handled tours for such acts as The Police, Genesis, and Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z. The company is currently rolling the dice on its Artist Nation Division, an outlet that serves as a one-stop recording/merchandising/touring entity for acts looking for an alternative to traditional record deals.

Who's Running Things?
CEO Michael Rapino, 42, who oversaw Live Nation's reported $120 million, 10-year deal with Madonna last October, Artist Nation's first deal.

How does it work?
While there has been an increase in so-called "360" record deals between artists and traditional record labels, Live Nation's partnership with Madonna is new territory. In the pact, Live Nation gets the rights to percentages of all of Madonna's business ventures---including upcoming albums, DVD's, tours, merchandising, TV Shows, Websites and films. In return, the veteran performer reportedly receives company stock and $17.5 million in up-front payments on $50-$60 million for three albums.

How Will it Affect You?
It is unlikely that consumers will see an increase in CD prices under big-time 360 deals since retailers have already been pressuring labels for the past two years to drop CD prices in order to compete with the $9.99 albums offered by iTunes Music Store and Wal-Mart. Instead, price increases most likely will be seen in merchandise and concert tickets. For The Police's record-breaking 2007-2008 reunion tour, which Live Nation handled, ticket prices bubbled to $114 on average while tickets for the Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige outing are averaging a hefty $127. With the concert industry going through a revenue decline (Live Nation itself lost revenue in 2005 and 2006 and took in just $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2007) and historically dependable revenue streams drying up for artists, such numbers will continue to go up.

What's the Big Picture?
On the surface, 360 deals make sense for established superstar acts that no longer need a record label for administrative and promotional support. The news of Live Nation's concert tour promotions rival AEG structuring an imminent partnership with Ticketmaster and parent company Cablevision adds even more intrigue. But while there have been rumors of acts like U2 jumping on the 360 bandwagon, the Madonna deal is still seen as a huge gamble.

Violator Management head Chris Lighty says, "360 deals are the next natural phase in the business." But Lighty dismisses speculation about his client 50 Cent eyeing a Live Nation deal in the near future. "I don't think the Madonna deal signals a colossal change in the industry. There are only a handful of artists who can combine worldwide touring, record sales and merchandising." Who's got next?

Holy Intellect

2008-06-07T22:20:00.000-04:00

By: Michael Muhammad Knight (excerpts from VIBE May 2008 Issue, pg. 88-93)

"We can never fall off," said Brand Nubian's Sadat X to Fab 5 Freddy, "cause this is God right here."

Filming a 1992 episode of Yo! MTV Raps in front of the Five Percenters' headquarters, Allah School in Mecca (aka Harlem, NYC), the dread locked Lord Jamar ran down the long list of classic Five Percenter MCs. It read like a hall of fame from the east coast's golden age: the World's Famous Supreme Team, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Poor Righteous Teachers, and Lakim Shabazz-rappers who used their considerable skills to espouse the street gnosticism of the Five Percent Nation. And it don't stop. Though condemned as heretics by Sunni Muslims and demonized by law enforcement, the Five Percenter movement has thrived in various forms until the present day, due in large part to the sense of purpose and dignity that gods brought to the microphone.

"The music just sounded really intelligent, with some of the terminology that they used," said 50 Cent in 2006. "They studied their lessons, so they speak a certain way, he said, causing Five Percenters like Rakim to "appear a lot more intelligent than the other artists who were out there just rappin'." The Five Percenters bridged the gap between hip hop's humble beginnings and New York's long tradition of black Muslim consciousness.

Alternately known as the Nation of Gods and Earths, the movement began in the early 1960s with Clarence Edward Smith. Leaving the Nation and losing his "X," Clarence went to pool halls and corner dice games to share the secret lessons freely with teen hustlers, dropouts, and throw-outs. Drawing up his own self-styled message, Clarence taught that reefer "referred" the mind, while shooting dice revealed the mathematical properties of the universe.

According to the lessons, 85 percent of society remained deaf, dumb, and blind to the truth, having been deceived by the "slave-makers of the poor," the 10 percent. That left only a sliver of humanity, a mere five percent, to liberate the minds of the masses. Clarence told his young disciples that they were this messianic Five Percent, "poor righteous teachers" bringing truth to "all the human families of the planet Earth."

You are gods, he said. And for the street kids, he was no longer Clarence; they called him Allah. ... Allah read his new name as an acronym for "Arm, Leg, Leg, Arm, Head" signifying the divinity of man, and he broke down "Islam" as "I Self Lord And Master" ...

"A true Five Percenter," remembers Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, "could sit on a stoop or stand out on a street corner and explain the tenets of the sect for hours on end-and be totally entertaining!" ... Gathering in a circle known as a "cipher," Gods would take turns addressing the group. Terms used to describe their teaching battles would enter into classic hip hop slang: "dropping science," "dropping knowledge," "dropping jewels." To praise something as "the bomb" goes back to Five Percenters verbally bombing each other with the lessons. Simmons describes the Gods of those days as "slick" and "smooth-talking," preaching "with as much flair as possible." But they also complemented their style with a highly politicized awareness born from the black nationalism of the 1960s. In its original use, "G" meant not "gansta," but "God." Rakim breaks it down in 1988's "No Competition.": "I'm God, G is the seventh letter made." Seven represents "God" in the Supreme Mathematics.

The Five Percent Nation's most urgent priority was not creating pious followers but empowering young people with self-respect.

Despite everything-the assassination of Allah, government persecution, and religious disapproval-the Five Percenters teach on. "The knowledge has helped our generation," insists RZA, who includes all races and walks of life among those touched by the culture. "Hip Hop brought these positive people together." As both hip hop and the Five Percent Nation continue to elevate and expand, reaching places beyond their originators' dreams, they travel together, one unimaginable without the other. "The Five Percent is now accepted all around the world," the RZA told VIBE. "It's going to continue to grow until that's 100 percent."

What is Lil Wayne rapping about?

2008-05-15T15:50:00.000-04:00

By: B. Brown (BREG)

It's quite amazing! Declare yourself the best rapper alive long enough and people actually start believing that you are the best rapper. Human nature and propaganda are a trip. If you do not know who I am talking about yet, let me tell you. I'm talking about Lil Wayne. Yeah, he's talented, but by know means is he the best rapper alive! Have we forgotten about Jay Z, LL Cool J, Nas, Ice Cube, KRS One, Andre 3000, Ludacris, T.I., etc. I don't even remember the last time Lil Wayne said something of substance. Everyone knows about him sipping on syzzzurp now, so he is obviously disoriented on his most recent features with Mario, Mary J. Blige, Usher, etc. On "Lolipop", he says absolutely nothing! He tries to come back strong on Baby's new banger "I Run This ...", but Wayne's verses do not put him in my top 5 of anything.

But let me be fair, I can call Lil Wayne the most popular rapper alive at this time. Now that may be true because every young lady I ask, "Who is your favorite rapper?", they all say, "Lil Wayne." Unbelievable!

So aspiring rappers or even established rappers, feature on as many songs as possible and start saying that you are the best rapper ever or alive, and one day everyone may be hyped into believing that you too are the best!

One Love!

Train of Thought - Sheek Louch: "Don't Be Them"

2008-04-15T16:14:00.000-04:00

By: Hillary Crosley

Why shouldn't kids want to be like their favorite rappers?

I got an almost 4-yr. old son, and he's like, "Daddy, I wanna rap." I told him, "Don't rap. Be the head of the company the rappers are signed to." We don't need another Styles, Sheek or Jadakiss. When B.I.G. came into the game, he wasn't tryin' to be anyone else. He was just B.I.G. He was rapping about how he was Black and ugly as ever, and made himself cool.

Well, an artist like Soulja Boy is totally being himself. What's your take on him?

A lot of people take shots at Soulja Boy 'cause he's coming with gimmicks. But let lil' homie do his thing. It's whatever. I don't bump it in my car, but he's doing him. At least he's not tryin' to be
Kool G Rap.

You say, "Everything pretty behind the scene/until you find out your favorite rapper's a fiend." Were you talking about anyone in particular?

No, it I was talkin' about somebody, I would've damn sure said his name, 'cause that's how me and my crew get down. I don't think cocaine went away, but it's not the only popular drug right now. People still on them prescription pills, weed, angel dust. There's a lot of wetheads out here.

So life on the road isn't all it's cracked up to be?

I'm not broke, and as an artist, you do get money, but it's a grind. That's why labels call the promotional week for your album - "hell week." You do all these big shows, but it's for promo. You be like, "Where's the money?" Gettin' into the game, it is what it is. Going to these shady clubs, people gettin' shot, but this is how we get our money.

You mention being careful about chicks giving you brains. Have you ever been burned?

Nah, but AIDS is out there, and sex is part of being on the road. Groupies come immediately. You're with your crew, hoppin' in whoever's mouth, and you're young and you're livin'. the groupies get sillier as time goes on, but I'm not interested. the hotter you are, the hotter the groupies are. But, in retrospect, once the game is over and you get that doctor call ... This song is strictly geared to the artist that's home writing, that can't wait to get on.

Any other advice for these aspiring MC's?

Get some equipment. Screw the Jordan Shoes. Invest that little money in a keyboard or a beat machine. You can record at home and keep the budget. Stay shape. Leave them cheeseburgers alone. And keep your circle tight. You're gonna meet new people ... you can't let them ruin your circle.

Radio Music Conference - Albany, GA (3-22-08)

2008-03-27T17:57:00.000-04:00

By: B. Brown of BREG

It was a history making moment in Albany, GA on Saturday, March 22, 2008! Team JaWar (Music Industry Connection) invaded Albany, GA for the Radio Music Conference. The first Music Conference of its kind took place in this long ignored area and the audience loved it!

JaWar (Music Industry Connection), Allen Johnston (The Music Specialist), John Christmas (Sports & Ent. Attorney/Bio Disel Fuel), DJ Judgemental (Hittmen DJ; Radio Mixshow DJ), Willie Hunter (Sentinel Newspaper), B. Brown (Bar-Red Ent. Grp.), J-Dog (Select-O-Hits Distribution), and El & Goose (Mogul Tunes) gave awesome presentations that really gave conference attendees the ability to make money and moves in the industry as soon as they left the conference. The theme of the conference-seminar was "How to Make Money Online"!

Great networking took place at the conference, and I have personally been speaking with contacts that I made at the Radio Music Conference and I will probably do some business with some of them.

I would like to give a big shout-out to the Host of the event --- Solo! Brother, you did a good job and the next conference is going to be even better. I would like to recognize some more entertainment professionals that were present --- Cool Water (Artificially Flavored, Inc.); Rovella (Versus Ent.); Thedy B. (Hits-A-Million Ent.); Hotep (Skinnymen Productions); Ayodele Vassell (Ent. Attorney); GameFace Video Production & Bizness.

I would like to say thank you to all the conference attendees and ask that you make the next conference even bigger and better! May God Bless you and keep you!

The Direction of an Artist and/or Independent Record Company

2008-03-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

By: B. Brown of BREG

I receive a lot of phone calls and emails asking about what direction an Artist and/or an Independent Record Company should go in for their project. In the last two (2) days, I have had three (3) conversations about this very important issue.

As far as direction is concerned, there is always more than one way to skin a cat and it is the same way in the music industry. Many people have a clear vision of the result they want, but do not have a clear vision of how to get to those results. That's why you would contact and hire Bar-Red Entertainment Group (BREG), JaWar and/or any of my business associates to assist you in making your project a success.

One of the first things you have to do is be willing to work hard. The second thing is to be willing to listen & learn. The third thing is to actually have some financial resources available and be willing to use your own financial resources strategically. These three (3) things are very important!

The direction we all may want to be headed in and definitely invest research time and money into is digital marketing, promotions and sales. We are in a music based content environment and we have to tap into this arena or we will definitely be left behind. Solja Boy sold 3 million + ringtones and 500,000 physical Albums (CD). See the difference!

As business men and women, we must elevate our minds and businesses to reach our goals. Believe me, we can do it!

One Love!

Attitude - Kanye West

2008-02-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

By: B. Brown of BREG

There is no denying Kanye West’s talent, appeal and drive. The man is flat out one of the best producers and artists in the business right now! His songs are hits and he seems to attract everyone he needs to attract to be successful. He has one fatal flaw however!

He is too self-absorbed and arrogant. I never question people when they thank as many people as possible during their award acceptance speeches. We must all thank and acknowledge everyone that has assisted us in achieving our success, but being flat out obnoxious isn’t good. Kanye actually kept talking when the music started playing for him to exit the stage and then he said, “I know ya’ll are not playing the music on me.” He kept talking, and then he said, “It would be in good taste for you all to stop playing the music.” It was funny, but at the same time, extremely disturbing because Kanye wines all the time and this was a time when everyone wanted him to shine because of the recent passing of his mother and the great performance he did prior to receiving his award. There is a time and a place for everything. For some reason, he chooses any place and any time to say whatever he wants to say. Appropriateness does not seem to matter.

I suggest that every Artist think before they speak and actually know the time allotted for them to speak or present so that they do not impose on someone else’s time slot, performance and/or position.

I believe in being humble and when you do that, people tend to want to help you and be a part of your success. When you are not being humble, people tend to want to see you down and out.Remember, in all things, talent will only take you so far. At some point and time, a pleasant personality and positive attitude will take you farther than you may ever believe!

Making sure your CD gets heard!

2008-01-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

By: K. Cannick (Makin' It Magazine)

As an independent artist one of the worse sights to see is your CD's scattered on the club floor or parking lot. Even if you were a signed artist, a fair share of your promo CD's are going to make their way to the rash heap. Though many independent artists get discouraged by this, it is just the nature of the beast. Promotional CD's and free goods are a necessary component to successfully promote your project. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your results. Have a well packaged product and no cheap paper sleeves and hand written labels. I recommend a thermal printed CD in a slim jewel. The better the packaging is the higher the perceived value of the CD. If it looks like trash ... that is how it will be treated.

Speak to people - Don't just randomly hand out CD's as you make your way around the room. Use this opportunity to create a personal bond with potential fans. Introduce yourself to people holding brief conversations. Later in the evening go back to those same people addressing them by name, and reference your earlier conversation while giving them the CD. The goal is to attach a personal element to it. If that's too much for you, at least introduce yourself as you pass out the CD and tell people who you are.

Ask - A simple way to greatly increase how many of your promo CD's get heard is to ask people to listen. The trick is to ask a specific question that will elicit a response. I.e. "If I give you a copy of this CD will you check out number 4 when you get in the car? If they say "no" you have saved a CD from the trash. If they say "yes" you thank them and as you give them a CD tell them you appreciate their honesty. This is effective because people have a strong urge to be consistent. When they get to the car, they have two options, listen to the song or admit to themselves that they are liars.

Place a value on the CD - Another tactic that I've used is selling the CD for a dollar. Most people will have no problem shelling out a buck to show their support and the fact that you are selling the CD places a value on it. If a person doesn't have a dollar, but shows a genuine interest, give it to them and the affect will not be lost. You can also place a value on the CD by making people take action to receive it whether it is a contest, answering a question or just walking across the room to get it. The key is to make them pay for the CD whether with money or effort.

Wait till the time is right - Passing out CD's in the club can be a double edged sword. Sure it may be your target market for your music, but people are typically preoccupied with liquor, friends, and the opposite sex. A good time to pass out CD's is at the car before they go in. They are typically sober and you can ask them to toss it in the stereo. This increases the chances that they will be listening to your CD on the way home. Another good time to pass out CD's is during or after performing.

A small amount of effort on your part can save you a ton of money and make your street promotions much more effective. Until next time ... keep Grinding.

Two (2) Positive Hip-Hop Songs you need to hear!

2007-12-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

Class is in Session with Professor: DJ Sonic

"I Tried" (2007) - By: Bone, Thugs-N-Harmony featuring Akon

They say nothing in life worth having comes easy. Success is triumph over struggles. The demon within the struggles will surface in a physical form. However, its most potent venom is delivered mentally. The moment you submit to the struggle, is the exact moment that your journey ends. You must always know where you want to be in life, but also keep conscious of where you don't want to be ...

"Don't Let it go to your Head" (1998) - By: Brand Nubians

It's every artist's dream to take his or her craft to the highest level. There's no feeling that beats the one that you get from people recognizing and appreciating your work. The secret to keeping that respect is not abusing it. Once you allow the fame and attention to make you feel invincible, that's when your longevity will be most vulnerable. You always have to remember the ingredients that made people notice you in the first place ...

A Message to all RAPPERS!!!

2007-12-02T20:59:00.000-05:00

By: Jamie Lewis
REACH FAME

Hello Rappers! Practice makes perfect! No matter what your time frame, you should think in 3's. Three (3) separate verses (all different songs) is good, different tempos (or "feels") as well as different subjects. Learn to freestyle as well as write your material. Improvisation (Freestyling) is very important and gives you the freedom to customize your material to possibly fit the presentation. Written material and freestyle are easily told apart from the other especially if an audience is familiar with your style and skill. The freestyle will usually consist of far more simple one syllable rhymes, as well as far more simplistic content matter and metaphors, while the written material is far more advanced and the rhymes can sometimes consist of two (2) to as many as eight (8) syllable punchlines. The thing that is great about being an advancing rapper or singer is you don't need music, you can do it anywhere you might be.

Bad Attitude:

Say for instance you have incredible material, you look great and everything is wonderful, but your attitude stinks. When you are working on getting your first album out, and everyone starts interviewing you, all you have to do is act like you don't like anything, or act a little too cocky, and then you will lose half of your sales due to the fact people are first envious of your success and then now, hate you because you are cocky or boring. Also, even while starting out in the beginning, the industry does not have tolerance for a bad attitude. Your producer might love your voice or act, but if you have a bad attitude, your fired!

Being on your best behavior all the time is a little challenging to say the least, I'll admit, but staying positive through an interview or actual business deal is walking the line in the middle and not risking getting squashed. You should always maintain a friendly persona, even if you were just given $40 million dollars. Enemies and people who do not like you because of your attitude will take you for all you're worth one way or another. But if you always walked in the middle and respected all people, no one will mess with you and make up stories about you because they will know it would be impossible to first, ever be believed; and second, suffer the pounding from the people who believe in you.

Music Publicist vs. Music Manager

2007-11-16T17:47:00.000-05:00

Written by: B. Brown of BREG

http://www.breg1994.com/ http://www.myspace.com/breg1994

Publicist – A person whose business is publicity. Publicity is any information or action that brings a person, cause, and/or thing to public notice. (Webster’s New World Dictionary of American Language; 1987)

Manager - *Management: The act, manner, or practice of managing, supervising, or controlling. The persons who manage a business establishment, organization, or institution; Executive skill. *Manager - One in charge of the business affairs of an entertainer. (Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary; 1984)

As you have read above, there is a distinct difference between a Publicist and a Manager. Most new artists, producers, etc. have limited knowledge of what their initial team should consist of; and just as important, knowing the actual job function of each team member.

Usually, your Music Manager is your number one (1) pick when building your team. Your Manager is your most trusted team member and is an extension of you. The Manager’s job is to “Advise & Guide”. They are not your babysitter, chauffer, personal ATM, Bondsman, etc. There are a lot of misconceptions, but the reality is that your manager is your closest confidant and assists you in picking the rest of your Team Members. Your manager can and most likely will be your initial Booking Agent which is a separate function, but when you become popular, you will start receiving requests from many different places and your manager will need to work hand-in-hand with different Booking Agencies and Promoters to confirm Performance Fees and Performance Riders. A Publicist is a key position with your team because the Publicist is responsible for getting you in Magazines, Newspaper Reviews, Award Shows, etc. As you are starting to see, a Manager and some of the other Team Members will overlap in duties, but getting publicity is not necessarily your Manager’s job. Your Manager is your Teams’ President.

Your Music Publicist is usually your third (3rd) pick after your Manager & Attorney. Possibly fourth (4th) if you need to get an accountant very quickly. Nonetheless, a Publicist is a critical Team Member because the relationships of an experienced and established Publicist may secure you opportunities that you would never believe. This is true because a Publicist may have relationships with Booking Agents, Casting Directors, Magazine Editors, Advertising Agencies, etc. So when you see certain artists in commercials, know that is a good chance that their Publicist created that opportunity. A Publicist’s job is to get you noticed by as many people as possible. They want you to be a recognizable Artist!

Now you have a clearer picture & idea of what the difference is between a Publicist and Manager. Choose your team wisely! One Love!

Rico Brooks: Yung Joc's Manager/Block Entertainment

2007-10-28T21:50:00.000-04:00

Interview By: Shawn McAllister (The McAllister Law Group)
Southeast Independent Report Magazine (SIR Mag.)

How did you get started in the music industry?

Rico Brooks (R) - Well, my whole thing was after college my mom wasn't going to take care of me anymore. I was thinking of taking a job that summer and going to graduate school. I also loved music, so that summer I just decided to work in a record store. While I was working there I figured out that my calling was working in the music industry. By the end of the summer I was Assistant Manager, and by January of the next year, I had my own store. When I was working at the record store in Atlanta, Block used to come to the store. I started consulting with him and he gave me a position as a Manager at Block Entertainment around 2002-2003.

Today, it seems like major record companies want the artist to be established. Is that something that you have seen?

R - Oh yea, definitely. The labels' artist development can agree that building artists has pretty much gone out the window. Record Labels want to know what is your creative look and what you have done with internet advertising. They want to know how many CD's you have sold and if you have done a couple of indie records. They want to know what is going to separate you from the other artists on their roster. Also, labels are looking for a story. Someone like 50 Cent had a story where he was shot nine (9) times.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work as a manager or any other business position in the music industry?

R - For those who want to be the next Diddy or L.A. Reid, you have to be very passionate about the music industry. You have to have skills and be prepared. You need to be able to present and talk to people. You need to show people that you can put something together and complete it. The music industry can be a shady business, so you have to be prepared and well read about the industry.

Is there any parting advice that you would like to give an up-and-coming artist in the music industry?

R - Enjoy life, set goals or deadlines and have a daily to-do list. I try to return phone calls. Be respectful and courteous of people because you will never know who will be the next person to help you. It is easier to be nice than to be mean to people.

When do you need a Music Manager?

2007-10-14T22:03:00.000-04:00

By: B. Brown of BREG Mgt.

If you ask the average aspiring artist if they need a Music Manager, they would probably say yes off the rip. When you ask them why they need a manager, you may get everything under the sun and then some. The reality is that most up and coming artists do not know when to hire a Music Manager.

Here's the scoop! All my artists out there, listen up! You need a Music Manager when you have too many phone calls coming in, too many MySpace messages asking to do business with you, and a lot feature and performance requests. You see, you have to have enough going on to warrant a Music Manager! You have to be able to pay your Music Manager. He or she works for you, not you working for them.

A lot of Artists want a Music Manager because they want he/she to get them a deal and do everything for them. Some Artists want the Music Manager to provide money to them and be their personal chauffer. Some Artists just want to be baby-sitted.

When you are ready to have a Music Manager, usually they will start approaching you and even though some may approach you at a premature time in your career, you may just find a good fit. You should interview candidates and they should definitely interview you as an Artist. Managing your Music Career is a 24 hr. business and a very personal relationship in most cases. Take your time, don't rush things, and continue to develop your craft and then poof, a Music Manager will appear. At that time, you decide if it is time for a manager and who do you pick as your Music Manager!!!

One Love!

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The Art of Music Management

2007-09-29T23:14:00.000-04:00

Written By: B. Brown of BREG Mgt.

*Management: The act, manner, or practice of managing, supervising, or controlling. The persons who manage a business establishment, organization, or institution; Executive skill.

*Manager - One in charge of the business affairs of an entertainer. (Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary; 1984)

Hello, what’s up, como estas, hey! I’m trying to get your attention! If you are a Music Artist or Music Professional or a person trying to get into the Music Business/Industry or just curious and you want to learn more about the Music Business, then I’m talking to you!

There is a very bad myth out there which has a lot of Music Artists believing that a Music Manager is supposed to be an ATM, Mother, Father, Chauffer, Babysitter, etc. for them. A lot of Music Artists also believe that the Music Manager or Music Management Team is supposed to do everything for the Music Artist and the Music Artist does not have to do anything but be available, which could also be a challenge. Remember this; there are only a handful of Music Managers or Music Management Teams that can walk a Music Artist straight into a deal without any movement or buzz being created. Read what I’m writing very closely everyone. The job of the Music Manager is to Advise & Guide & helps create opportunities for the Music Artist. Any money spent on behalf of the Music Artist is considered an Advance and the money is recoupable off the top of any monies that are generated. The Music Manager works for the Music Artist, not vice versa. But in an ideal situation, they both must work together to achieve the goals that are set. Team Work is how things get done. If the Music Artist meets a contact or comes across an opportunity, then they need to pass the information on to the Music Manager. If the Music Manager meets a contact or comes across an opportunity, then they need to discuss the situation with the Music Artist. Work together to get things accomplished!

Now, everywhere a Music Artist goes, the Music Manager does not have to be present, but I do recommend that the Music Manager be present for Major Events and Situations. I would also recommend that the Music Manager be present at all meetings if possible with New Contacts. This is very important because it shows that the Music Artist has a team and wants to do proper business.

Length of the Music Management Agreement, Percentages, etc. should be discussed, confirmed and put together with an Entertainment Attorney. The Music Artist pays the Music Manager or Music Management Team. A percentage of Gross Income is the most traditional way, but some Music Managers receive Salaries or some kind of combination. This deal point needs to be negotiated and confirmed.

Thank you for reading this Blog and I Pray that it has helped you understand Music Management better! One Love from B. Brown of Bar-Red Ent. Grp. (BREG) – 770.912.8065 and/or
bregbrown@hotmail.com

http://www.breg1994.com/

http://www.bregentertainmentmarketing.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/breg1994

http://www.parentinghip-hopyouth.blogspot.com/