Best Practices

Going into this course, I was sure I knew a few things about how to be a manager. I mean, I am in the entertainment industry. But, I was sure to find out, that I really didn't know much at all. During my week 1 readings, I discovered that there are many different roles in a manager depending on the agreement and state laws. For example, I thought the one of the major duties of a manager was to book events for the artist, but in California, it's prohibited. In fact, that's not the role of a manager at all unless it's in the agreement.

The first week's discussion was one of my favorites because I learned to think how an artist can differentiate themselves from similar artist. The assignment made me expand my thinking and show what abilities I have as a potential manager. 

In the second week assignment, I thought it would be very easy, being as though I am good at event planning. There were still some things I had to learn when planning for an artist though. First, I was unaware of the rider agreement that most artist have. It was something that was always a mystery to me. 

I also like the second week's discussion because it really showed how having a good management and production team is beneficial to any artist.

In the third week's assignment, I learned how much of a hustler one must always be in order to gain success in the artist's career as well as the managers. If the manager isn't doing their job, than neither person will be successful in their career. In my interview with Melvin, I also learned that being a manager for the money isn't the best thing to do. Choosing this career path must be a passion if you really want to enjoy it.

As we worked our way into product management, I wasn't to trill to learn more about it. But, the one thing I did learn is if your going to pitch an idea for a new product, everything must be concise. One must be able to tell what the product is, what is can do for you, how it's different and how it can compete. Most importantly, do not forget how much money it can make the company.

All in all, I really enjoyed this class, but i know there is more to learn.  

Interview with Melvin Yerby

Melvin Yerby is a independent artist manager. He is the manager of Washington DC local artist Ms. Carry.  In the interview with Mr. Yerby, he gave me an insight of what an artist manager is and what he brings to the table.

What is your definition of artist management?
An artist manager is someone who manages the artist career as far as what gigs should be taken, any special appearances, things of that nature. Artist managers basically plan and organize the artist's career. There are many different things an artist manager can do for the artist but that all lies within their contract.

You say it all depends on what is in the contract, what are your duties as an artist manager?
Since I work with independent artists a lot, I pretty much do everything for them. The biggest thing I do for them is find clubs or other venues where they can perform. That is my main focus, getting their name in everyone's ear. I also set appointments for studio sessions, meetings with producers, photographers, radio personalities, the list goes on. Many local artists can't afford to have publicist, image consultants and all those other people, so I try to be as big a help I can.

Where do you search for other talents at?
Usually when I go to clubs with my artist, I search around for the talent. If I like somebody, I'll definitely give out my card. But, I meet different artists at studios, open mics, photo shoots and then there are times I just have to do some good networking.

What kind of artists do you manage?
Well, I'm not picky of what kind of artist they are, male female, singer, rapper, it doesn't really matter as long as they are focused, driven and are ready to work, I'm ok. If I am working hard to get these artists gigs and help them start their career, I want them to be just as driven and eager. They should want it just as much as I do.

What are some of the skills of an artist manager? 
The number one things I would say is to have the passion to do it. It won't be an easy job if your just doing it for the paycheck. You have to be dedicated and ready to hustle. Of coarse having the right education credentials is a plus and will get you further faster but that doesn't always guarantee success. Good communication with the artist, trust and loyalty is definitely the key to a good manager.

What are some of the things you have to negotiate when it comes to your artists?
I've had to negotiate compensation for some artists because many clubs won't pay for them to appear at their clubs, they want us to pay them. So I try to book them for open mics, where they can win prize money. I negotiate how much studio time can be provided and what deals I can get for it. There's a young lady who does an internet radio station name MzUnderstood, I try to get my artists on her show. Everything I do, I try to get the best deal I can that will be beneficial to both the artists and whoever.

What are the ups and downs of being an artist manager?
Well....the ups of being an artist manager is meeting the different talented people and hearing all the creativity they bring to the world. Even though I'm only in D.C., I get much respect from some of the smaller local clubs and people know who I am. It's just a fun experience all around. The down part is having to constantly be on the grind. This is a 24/7 job, so you have to always be working. There's no room for slack.

What advise would you give to anyone trying to become an artist manager?
Anybody in the process of becoming an artist manager should make sure this is what you want to do. If you can't see yourself doing this 5 years from now than this job isn't for you. Also make sure you have the right skills and knowledge of what an artist manager does because if you don't know what you're doing than your career as well as your artist career is going straight down the toilet. The last thing is be prepared to work and work hard. This job can be a challenge but if it's really what someone wants to do than they be good at it.

I'm sure Melvin and his artist are on their way to success. Good luck to them all.

New to Negotiating

I decided to interview someone who is new to negotiation. Many people want to know how negotiating is when your new to the business. This would be a good study guide on what is the right way to go about negotiating and the wrong things that can hurt the negotiating.

The person I chose for this interview is a young entrepreneur named Douglas Ricks III. His company is called 1004 Innovations, which will be a multi-media company, focusing in web designing and designing green eco friendly products in various markets. Douglas is currently located in Norfolk, Va and has met with a few investors.

How did you feel when you had your first negotiation?

When I went into the first negotiation, I thought I had a strong view on the subject at hand. I was real optimistic and thought the investor would understand what I wanted. However, I didn't want to be overwhelmed and big-headed. I just wanted the investor to hear my plan.

How did the negotiation go?


I think it went well because I learned what actual steps I should take. The investor could tell I was new to industry and I needed some guidance. He gave me some insight on what was realistic. I feel like I gained a good contact and he referred me to the right people who can guide me in the right direction.

Do you feel your company will succeed and how will you go about it?


I feel my company will succeed as long as I stay diligent and focus on what needs to be done. I will take the necessary steps needed in order to reach my goal. I know I need to do more research on competitors and stats. I feel that with the right connections I will be alright and on my way to the top.

Black Friday VS Roman's Revenge

As we all know, the beef was soon to come and it is the best thing to happen in a long time. One of hip-hop's greatest female MCs, Lil Kim response to new comer Nick Minaj's Roman's Revenge with her latest diss Black Friday. 

For those who grew up in the 90s knows Lil Kim for her greatest hits, "No Time", "Crush on You", "The Jumpoff", "Magicstick" and many more. She is also known for her vicious lyrics with group Junior M.A.F.I.A. such as "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money", both being in top 20 in Billboard Charts and top 10 in the R&B and Rap Charts. The Queen B has been one of hip-hops favorite ladies for over a decade.

Lil Kim has one album with fellow group members Junior Mafia, entitled Conspiracy, with most of their songs being top ten in the charts. She followed with four solo albums, Hardcore (#11 Billboard), The Notorious KIM (#4 Billboard), Labella Mafia (#5 Billboard) and The Naked Truth (#6 Billboard). She also is credited in a number of film and television shows. Lil Kim was also sentenced to a year and a day in prison in 2006 for conspiracy and perjury. Since then she has done Dancing with the Stars and acted in various television shows. The Queen is far from done but there is a new female MC with a similar look and  the controversy has begun.

Nicki Minaj, who was discovered by Cash Money's own Lil Wayne, has been gaining everybody's attention. With her numerous appearances on some of the hottest tracks such as Kanye's "Monster", Usher's "Little Freak", Trey Songz "Bottoms Up" and many more, she has become a household name early in her career. She is also known for her mixtapes and sassy lyrics with group Young Money. Nicki has recently dropped her debut album entitled Pink Friday, which reached 16 in the Billboards and is the first female artist to have seven singles on the billboard at one time. Nicki has had over 10 nominations and winning 7 of them. She is new in the game but is climbing the charts very rapidly but does she has what it take to be the next Queen B. Many have compared the two and some might say she is trying to be Lil Kim but no one will never know the truth. 

The BEEF has officially started once Nicki Minaj aka Barbie released her single "Roman's Revenge" featuring Eminem. In the song Nicki doesn't say Kim's name but it doesn't take a genius to know who she's talking about. 

Some of the lyrics read: "Nicki, she just mad that you took the spot" Word, that b***h mad ’cause I took the spot? Well, b***h, if you ain’t s*****n’, then get off the pot. Got some ***** out in Brooklyn that’ll off your top....

It's clear who she is talking about being that Lil Kim is from Brooklyn, but who are we to say?

Don't worry though Lil Kim replies in her diss "Black Friday" with: Who the f**k want war, FedEx beef straight to your front door, It’ll be a murder scene, I’m turning Pink Friday to Friday the 13th, Aight you Lil Kim clone clown, all this buffoonery, the s**t stops now, time for you to lay down, I’m sick of the fraud, I put hands on this b***h like a spa massage....

With these two going at it, its definitely about to make a lot of people happy, with the return of Lil Kim, this would bring great sales if she came out with another album. I like Nicki Minaj and thinks she is a great artist but my loyalty is to the Queen B and it would be great to have her bring the hip-hop world another album.

Sources:

BETNews

Wikipedia

http://rapfix.mtv.com/2010/11/28/nicki-minaj-vs-lil-kim/

Google

My Favorite Gossip!

Many of you may be fans of the popular urban gossip blog web site Mediatakeout.com. According to Quancast.com it is ranked at 273 in US charts. It is viewed by more than 700,000 viewers globally. Over 50% women and over 60% African Americans view the web site. Media Take Out was founded by Washington D.C. native Fred Mwangaguhuna, a former corporate lawyer. 

I am also a fan of Media Take Out as any other gossiper, I love to know what is going on with my favorite celebrities but sometimes it can get a bit out of control. Media Take Out is known for praising and uplifting African Americans and African American celebrities but has also been known to bash and humiliate them as well. The web site does not write only about African Americans but most of their stories are about Black people and as an urban web site, it is imperative that we stay positive towards our race. It is ridiculous and embarrassing how the writers of the website ridicule people in their story posts.

However, Media Take Out claims to get their sources through BET, TMZ, MTV and more but, if you ever read what they say, it's always from a MTO reader or anonymous celebrity snitch. How creditable is an anonymous snitch really?

Media Take Out is becoming the rumor starter for many celebrities, with lack of evidence. Beyonce being on of the biggest examples, she has been exploited as being pregnant about 6-8 times now. But, where's the evidence?  I now only read some stories just for entertainment purposes now. Their information isn't creditable or reliable enough to believe the hype.

Hopefully, Media Take Out can have some better creditable stories and give up the lies because if not, they just might get sued for deformation.

Just another day in the gossip world!

Sources:
Quantcast