Expert Advice

After doing some research on Dave Lavinsky and Donald Trump, my two business plan experts, I learned a lot. Their advice will allow me to incorporate what I’ve learned from my research on the experts and make my business better. From Lavinsky, I think the two biggest things I will take from him is the importance of a financial model in order for investors to know when they will be paid back, and sales projections about products and services to be sold, then the other important thing I learned was to make sure my pitch is crystal clear in my one-line summary of what my company does.

Donald Trump’s tips that I learned are that it’s importance to find my passion, know my target audience, and when/if I fail…come back stronger. These tips are important because there’s no point in having a business plan if a person doesn’t know what their passion is for the business. I need to know my target audience so that I know who to cater to and not just anybody or whoever I can get. The last tip is vitally important because we are all bound to fail, we just have to learn from our mistakes then come back stronger and better.

The most important sections of my plan would be the company summary/description, the marketing plan/strategy, and the financial information. These three are important because the company summary helps potential investors know what they are getting from your company and the plans for the company. The marketing plan/strategy is important because its what the company plans on doing market wise to gain money, and the financial information is an overall outlook on what the company’s plans are to get out of debt from the initial loan they acquired.

Experts Views on the Value of Business Plans

While exploring for expert advice on how to improve my business plan for my company Muzik Mind Entertainment, I came upon on the views of two. The first is from one of the Co-Founder's of Growthink, the country's largest strategic advisory and investment banking firm. The other view is from Donald Trump, who is a business mogul and brand within his own right. Growthink's co-founder's Jay Turo and Dave Lavinsky have used their business to successfully secure a countless number of entrepreneurs and business' funding to help them to get started. For this blog we are going to focus on Dave Lavinsky, Growthink's President who as stated on BP Expert's blog "is internationally known for his work with business planning, capital raising, and new venture development...Lavinsky is also responsible for Growthink University, an institution created to assist entrepreneurs and business owners through the process of raising capital for their businesses." Lavinsky received his bachelor's from the University of Virginia and his MBA from UCLA. Lavinsky and his partner Turo state that a business plan needs to include 10 key sections: Executive Summary, Company Analysis, Industry Analysis, Customer Analysis, Analysis of Competition, Marketing Plan, Operations/Design and Development Plans, Management Team and the Financial Plan. On BP Expert's blog post on Dave Lavinsky, it states some essential elements that he believes need to be covered in a business plan which are:

1. A one-line summary of what your company does - This cuts right to the chase of the matter and helps potential investors know exactly what they are doing. Dave says he has sat on many panels hearing pitches and many times it is unclear to the investors what the company does. For this reason, he stresses the importance of this element.

2. Financial Model – A summary of finances, how and when investors will be paid back, and sales projections are essential to the success of a business plan.

3. Risk Mitigation Milestones – For every milestone your company achieves, the risk of investing diminishes significantly. Investors want to see an action plan to prevent the potential for failure.

4. Your unique qualifications for success – Dave says this is the most important component investors want to see. Personal qualifications and ideas such as a great marketing campaign must be included so investors know they can believe in you personally. This helps build confidence in the success of the investment.

The other expert, Donald Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics. Ever since he was a child he was pushed by his parents to be the best and he even today he continues to follow through with all the accomplishments he's achieved. BP Expert's says that Donald Trump's simple stance on a business plan is "with a business plan, there is direction and focus. (Williams, 2009)" Basically Trump is saying "No business plan means the business is bound to fail" and this true because nothing can be built without a plan to follow. An Associated Content article on Yahoo! states that Donald Trump's Top 10 Business Tips are:

1. Find your passion.

2. Business Plans: Plan for Success.

3. Know your target (niche) audience: Target people with money, but help those in need. People who target everyone are really not targeting everyone.

4. Setting Rates: Demand to be paid what your services are worth.

5. Mentors: Surround yourself with smart people, not yes people.

6. Negotiations: Don't be so invested that you cannot walk away.

7. Fail then come back stronger.

8. Business Growth: Always Be Open To New Ideas.

9. Critics: Answer your critics by your actions, not your words.

10. Live Well, but wisely: Never apologize for being successful.

After reading the blog posts and articles about Lavinsky and Trump, I've taken some important and essential tips that will help my business be successful.

Bonus: In an interview with Forbes, Trump speaks on a successful business and his kids following in his footsteps and his succession plans for his Trump Empire.

The Music Industry Masterminds

Jay-Z. Justin Bieber. Wiz Khalifa. Young Jeezy. Trey Songz. Ne-Yo. Rick Ross. Lil' Wayne. Ludacris. All these artists are great and successful in their own right, but what many fans don't know it's not just the artist themselves but the people who were hired to perform various roles that make a signed act work. There's the A&R, Marketing & PR, Lawyers, Agents, Publishers, Managers, and the Producers & Engineers. All these vital roles make sure everything about an artists' career and albums are successful. These are the people that spend sleepless nights and work tirelessly in order to make sure you're favorite artist is successful and sells a lot of records. The "Creative Choices" article "A guide to the music industry" examines all those positions and defines what the positions are supposed to do. All these positions work together to make an artists' career go smooth and successfully. People like Russell Simmons, Blue Williams, Kevin Liles, Diddy, Scooter Braun, Lyor Cohen, and plenty of other successful industry people started off doing jobs like A&R, Marketing, talent & booking, etc. The best execs in these positions make sure the artist not only makes a hit, but a chart topping album and can make themselves a brand that can garner more money for themselves and the execs. They require someone who is an innovative person with a love for the business side of music, film and television. They also need to be a go getter and have an ear for music and good talent to scout for producers and songwriters if they aren't already a producer or songwriter. It is positions like these that get me excited for the music industry so that I can work my way up like some of my favorite industry execs like Russell Simmons, Diddy, and Kevin Liles. I am ready to be one of the music industry masterminds behind your favorite artists' career!

Importance of Management

As a future mogul in the music business, I’ve learned in this Entertainment Business from my continually growing love for Hip-Hop & R&B, that an artists’ manager is really important. In some realms of the music industry, especially on more of the business side, the manager may be the pull for an artist to get a business relationship/collaboration accomplished. Some of the successful managers I’ve come to learn about are Tina Davis (Chris Brown), Scooter Braun (Justin Bieber & Asher Roth), Blue Williams (OutKast), Kevin Liles (Trey Songz & Big Sean), and Chris Lighty (50 Cent, Soulja Boy, Diggy Simmons). Rap Rehab said in a recent article that “The manager is perhaps the most important
member of your team.” A manager should always be about enhancing their artists career without disturbing how the artist is viewed as to their fans, they shouldn’t do anything that’s not really their style. It’s important to have some groundwork put down in order to show the hopeful manager that you have some fans and that musically you’ve been grinding with constant quality music through mixtapes and/or albums. Plus in today’s world, it helps to have a nice following on twitter and facebook. The Rap Rehab article states “there are three characteristics
that a manager must have in order to help your career effectively—both
before and after you get a record deal. Those characteristics are passion,
connections, and funding.” This is important because just as much its important to have what the manager is looing for in artist, it also works vice versa and in the case of beginning/low level managers who may not have connections or funding, passion becomes the most important because they have to be able to truly show they believe in an artists’ talent and they use everything in their power to make sure the world experiences that talent as well. The article says when both the artist and manager are both starting off in the music industry in a business relationship that “This method, while perhaps being a slower route, is a good one, as it
directly and closely involves you, the artist, in the process of your career
development.” Overall the article sums up that

Good managers understand that new and developing artists are much
like startup businesses. The first couple of years (or records) typically are
money losers. The hope is that after the painful initial period has ended,
there will be a financial reward that will recoup all the early losses and then
some.

I’ve also added some links to an article with Blue Williams about his management and his recent joint venture with Chris Lighty to create Primary Violator Mangement. Also, a video of Kevin Liles speaking on his career, how Trey Songz got him into managing, and how he started managing Big Sean.

References:

Production Market Place. 23 Sept. 2010. http://www.pmpworldwide.com/articles.cfm?contentID=3B50A80A-9A1D-C20F-67300F9B66464EF4

“Feature Video: Make It Happen with Kevin Liles (@KevinLiles1). Al Lindstrom. 26 Oct. 2011. http://allindstrom.com/2011/10/feature-video-make-it-happen-with-kevin-liles-kevinliles1/

“Primary Wave and Violator Merge To Form Primary Violator Management”. Ed Christman. Billboard.16 Sept. 2011. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/legal-and-management/primary-wave-and-violator-merge-to-form-1005355762.story

“Primary Violator”. Primary Wave Music. 16 Sept. 2011. http://www.primarywavemusic.com/news/post/MjczLTI0MjBmYQ

“Finding The Right Management”. Rap Rehab. 18 Oct. 2011. http://raprehab.com/2011/10/finding-the-right-manager/

The Mixtape Makes The Artist

The Mixtape. In today's hip-hop generation, it's pretty hard for an artist to survive without having a mixtape or slew of mixtapes for fans to listen, critique, analyze, and compare. Years ago, mixtapes were popular by famous DJs such as Kid Capri and Red Alert then it came to DJs such as DJ Clue, Greenlatern, and Enuff. Today's popular choices consist of DJ Drama, DJing Duo Ill Will & Rockstar, and DJ Khaled. Before they started off as "Blends" of popular R&B and Hip-Hop tracks over other beats to exclusive freestyles and original tracks to today's mixtapes being a mixture of the previously mentioned types as well as all original tracks. Today some of the more popular artists and mixtapes came from Fabolous' "There Is No Competition" Parts 1 & 2 and "The Soul Tape", Big K.R.I.T.'s "K.R.I.T. Wuz Here" and "Return Of 4Eva", J. Cole's "Friday Night Lights", Wale "More About Nothing", Young Jeezy's "The Real Is Back" Parts 1 & 2, and Wiz Khalifa's "Kush & OJ" and "Cabin Fever". For artist these days Mixtapes = Consistency & Relevancy. Even R&B artists like Trey Songz, Chris Brown, The-Dream, Ne-Yo and newcomer The Weeknd have adapted the "mixtape" strategy to stay relevant. New artists such as Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and J. Cole have used their mixtape releases as the "actual album-before-the-album, one that could spawn chart-topping singles"as well as gain them record deals and successful selling albums (Mixtape Economy). In the article "The Economy of Mixtapes" they mention how 

They're offered on websites like DatPiff.com and LiveMixtapes.com, which have erased CD-peddling bootleggers from city street corners...And where MCs once hijacked beats from others to serve as the sonic quilt for their release, mixtapes have become a creative survival of the fittest. Rappers who dropped freestyle mixtapes can no longer show-and-prove through lyrics alone-original beat selection, artwork and overall artistry determine worthiness.The philosophy is often described this way: As a reward for artists remaining loyal to them (by giving away original music), fans return the favor by buying concert tickets, merchandise and "real" albums from record labels. The result is a give-and-take relationship that keeps rappers in control of their brand and marketing, and iTunes playlists full of free albums disguised as "mixtapes." The payoff is an active fan base, which labels and management hope stimulates retail purchases.

For myself as a fan of Hip-Hop & R&B, I truly believe in the philosophy, I recently bought BOTH the physical and digital versions of Big Sean's "Finally Famous" & J. Cole's "Cole World" The Sideline Story" albums because of my love for their "mixtapes", grind, consistency, and features on some of my favorite records. That's around $40 because I am true fan for these artist and them achieving success like artists like their mentors Kanye West & Jay-Z. I believe this is where the problem still exists because fans will download the "free" mixtapes that artist spent their time and money to create and give out but when it comes to returning that favor for the free music by purchasing the album, many fans would rather illegally download the album than take $10 to buy the album in iTunes or from a record store.

On the other hand, an issue for mixtapes in general because of the growing popularity of mixtapes over the past few years, the RIAA has begun to crack down on DJs such as DJ Drama and Don Cannon, and DJ Big Mike for music piracy. The RIAA and labels don't like that artists are giving out so much free music, they consider it property of the label and the artist. Many labels however are coming around to understanding that this process of giving away free music is the norm, this can be seen by the signing of Wiz Khalifa to Atlantic Records who gained notoriety off his mixtapes and his endless touring.

With the music business today basically suffering off of the recession and illegal downloading, the "mixtape" helps an Artist survive off hopes that tracks and videos from the free release can garner touring, future radio singles, album deals, top selling albums and just overall money for them. "Indeed, for artists who have constructed careers on a mixtape foundation, signing with a major may not always be the end-goal" but it's a great way to stay relevant and consistent with the fans.

Making Universal Moves

The Universal Music Group has been making the news lately with the multiple power moves and accomplishments that they've made as of late. The first piece of news their new partnership with Live Nation Entertainment. In a press release about the new joint-venture between Live Nation Entertainment's Front Line Management Group division and Universal Music Group stated that the new company will be "aimed at managing and strengthening artists and their brands through a variety of worldwide sponsorships, strategic marketing campaigns and brand extension opportunities," as well as "will focus on developing direct-to-consumer bundling initiatives for select UMG artists in key markets around the world that bring together concert tickets and a variety of music products with artist websites," with Live Nation's Tickemaster handling the ticketing portion for the new company. The Chairmen of both companies had these comments below about their companies partnering together:


Irving Azoff, Executive Chairman of Live Nation Entertainment and Chairman and CEO of Front Line Management Group, commented: "This is an unprecedented partnership that unites the world's top music artists with the world's leading artist management, live entertainment, event ticketing and sponsorship resources to drive innovation across our industry. We see tremendous opportunities to work together to create a broad range of products built on the power of music and the direct connection between artists and fans.    We look forward to working closely with Lucian Grainge and the talented UMG team in this new and exciting chapter of the music industry."

Grainge, chairman and CEO of UMG, commented: "Together with Irving and Michael, we are creating a series of new platforms and global direct-to-consumer initiatives that will further expand the presence of our artists in this evolving marketplace while providing music fans with even more flexibility in how they consume music. Our artists and their music are at the heart of everything that we do, and by leveraging our combined skills, strengths and global reach with that of Live Nation Entertainment, our management companies, artists and their fans will benefit immeasurably."


These type of partnerships beg the question of the moves that other companies in the music business will be making and what the music business will be shifting into. As far as hip-hop, Internet and Touring are the two channels that many artist need to stay steady doing because fans these days use the two as more of a connection to their favorite artist.


In other news, Universal Music Group just announced they are increasing their marketing budget by hiring MediaCom as their new media marketing agency to work with. This moves almost doubles their 2010 budget to the range of $30 million to $40 million for media marketing. This move will hopefully see more marketing for hip-hop artists under various labels within the Universal Music Group which includes  Interscope Records, Cash Money Records, and Def Jam. How they use the money will be the big question because for every artist their marketing strategy towards consumers differs.


The last piece of big news for Universal Music Group involves their Universal Music Publishing division. This year at the BMI Urban Awards "Universal Music Publishing Group scored 13 songs among the year’s most-performed and claimed the BMI Urban Publisher of the Year crystal at the BMI Urban Awards." Rapper B.o.B also became the youngest songwriter ever to win the BMI Urban Song Of The Year with "Nothin' On You" featuring singer Bruno Mars, another award winning songwriter apart of the group "The Smeezingtons". The total accolades they achieved were:


URBAN SONG OF THE YEAR
“NOTHIN’ ON YOU” 
B.o.B
Ham Squad Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars

URBAN PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
“Airplanes” (via Alex Da Kid and B.o.B.)
“Bedrock” (via Jasper Cameron and Nicki Minaj)
“Bottoms Up”(via E. Miles and Nicki Minaj)
“Deuces” (via Chris Brown and K-Mac)
“Hot Tottie”(via Polow and Hot Sauce)
“How Low” (via Carlton Ridenhour)
“Love the Way You Lie” (via Eminem, Alex Da Kid, and Skylar Grey)
“My Chick Bad” (via Nicki Minaj)
“Not Afraid” (via Eminem)
“Nothin’ On You” (via B.o.B.)
“Papers” (via Sean Garrett)
“Sex Therapy” (via Polow and Hot Sauce)
“Your Love” (via Nicki Minaj and Andrew “Pop” Wansel)

TOP URBAN PRODUCERS
Polow Da Don
R. Kelly


With all this news, Universal Music Group is looked to continue to make "Universal Moves" like this the rest of the year and continue on in 2012.


References:
Live Nation & Universal Music Group Partnership
Universal Music Group Doubles Marketing Budget
Universal Wins Big At BMI Urban Awards

Hip-Hop Law Blog

For this blog post, I decided to listen and review the Entertainment Law Update Podcast. This podcast is a monthly discussion between Gordon P. Firemark and Tamera Bennett, two Entertainment Attorneys. The three podcasts I listened to were Episode 13: copyrights, trademarks. fair use and net profit suits, Episode 17: can kanye write songs 140 characters at a time?, and Episode 23: monkeying around with copyright law.

The first podcast was about the use of fleeting expletives in broadcasts. Broadcasters have been arguing that there is a need for more leeway from the FCC with a more clear and concise list of the bad words not to say and what the consequences were going to be. The next situation they discussed was the issue of “Broadcast Performance Royalty for Sound Recordings” which was about artists getting royalty for their songs being on terrestrial radio. Broadcasters agreed that they do believe artists should get paid for their recordings, now the issue is getting their higher-ups to agree as well as a bill drafted for legislature review and acceptance. They also had a case that rapper Jay-Z was involved in over “Big Pimpin’”. “Big Pimpin’” violated the “moral rights” of heirs of a 1960s Egyptian film composer. The end result was Jay-Z won a summary judgment against Egyptian plaintiff that sued him over the song infringement suit. They discussed in the podcast that however, the family of the sampled song may seek a future case against Jay-Z.

The second podcast was about cases like Universal Music Group v. Augusto, which involved Universal suing Troy Augusto, a man who sold some Universal Music Group promotional CDs on the website eBay. They argued that Augusto's sales constituted copyright infringement. Augusto argued that it was apart of the “First Sale Doctrine” and that it was his property. On January 4, 2011, the Ninth Circuit ruled in Augusto’s favor stating it was indeed apart of the “First Sale Doctrine”. The next issue that was discussed about how there is an issue if “tweets” are covered under copyright because singer Josh Groban made a skit singing Kanye West’s tweets. It wasn’t a dispute but the issue was could a person’s tweets be copyrightable because “tweets” are considered original. They said it could be looked at as “fair use” though.

The third podcast discussed Disney appealed a case with Jack Kirby who sent notices terminating copyright to both Marvel and Disney over movies and TV shows that have been made based on characters he created or co-created. The copyright claims against were over such iconic characters as Thor, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk and others. They discuss in the podcast about how the issue is over how much control he had in the creation of the characters because he was work for hire and how much input he had is up for debate. They also discussed a trademark/copyright case about The Wizard Of Oz being safe in public domain because a company called AVELA recreated posters, lunch boxes, and other nostalgia items. Warner Bros. however argued over the characters and copyright issues because of the film even if the original products were based off the book. Another case that was discussed in the podcast involved Shaquille O'Neil. Shaq brought a case against Michael Calmese and True Fan Logo, Inc. for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and right of publicity. Calmese and his company registered a domain name as well as tried to have a cease and desist issued to ESPN when they aired commercials featuring Shaq and a cactus over the "Shaqtus" name. The end result was Shaq won the case because of the "Family Of Marks Doctrine".

The results of these podcasts had me thinking for my business, copyright is really a major issue that needs to be covered so that no lawsuits are ever taken up against us. Anything that is sampled needs to be cleared up before release to the public. Also, if any producers, writers, etc. help with a project that for hire like the Jack Kirby v. Disney/Marvel Case there needs to be a detailed contract on ownership and payment laid out before any progress is made for the project to be released.

References:

Firemark, Esq., G. P. (Performer). (2010, August 25). Episode 13: copyrights, trademarks. fair use and net profit suits [Audio podcast]. Entertainment Law Update. Retrieved from http://www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/2010/08/episode_13/#more-624

Firemark, Esq., G. P. (Performer). (2011, January 26). Episode 17: can kanye write songs 140 characters at a time? [Audio podcast]. Entertainment Law Update. Retrieved from http://www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/2011/01/episode-17-can-kanye-write-songs-140-characters-at-a-time/#more-691

Firemark, Esq., G. P. (Performer). (2011, August 19). Episode 23: monkeying around with copyright law [Audio podcast]. Entertainment Law Update. Retrieved from http://www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/2011/08/elu-episode-023-monkeying-around-with-copyright-law/#more-771

Artist! I Sue You!

First off, I'd like to say I thought the title of this blog post with the picture was funny because when I found out the blog post I had to do this week dealt with legalities, I instantly thought about rapper, Lil' Wayne. It seem's like over the past couple years he's been constantly sued against over sampling issues, not paying the producer, or other song related issues. Everybody was choosing to sue Lil' Wayne as if he was a Pokemon lol. I really don't understand how artist can go about stealing another artist lyrics, not pay a producer for a beat, or not clear sampling issues over a song. It's only the 1st day of class & I've already learned a lot from this class about the importance of having legal counsel, Copyright, Trademarking, and just Entertainment Law overall.

One of the current lawsuits against Mr. Carter is with producer Darius Harrison (a.k.a. Deezle) over the sales of "Lollipop"single as well as other tracks off his Tha Carter III album. The article on MTV states that "According to TMZ, the $20 million lawsuit claims that Deezle, who says he produced "Whip It," "Prostitute 2," "Action," "Mrs. Officer" and "Let the Beat Build" as well as "Lollipop," is entitled to his cut of royalties on the reported $70 million the album has grossed on sales of 6 million copies." The article also mentions how the producer previously sued Lil' Wayne and his Young Money/Cash Money company over unpaid royalties for his "Mrs. Officer" track that featured singer, Bobby Valentino.

Lil' Wayne also currently has a lawsuit in the works over "How To Love" track off his newest album "Tha Carter IV" (Album was released today Mon. Aug. 29th), he's been sued over his Young Money Collabo track "BedRock", his "I Feel Like Dying" track, and other tracks with different producers and artists. I don't know if it's Lil' Wayne himself that's not making sure these people aren't getting their royalties, his management team, record label, or if people are wanting to just feed off the hype of Lil' Wayne but I personally think something needs to be done, that's why it's important to have legal counsel and contracts for all agreements and issues between parties.

In other Entertainment Business lawsuit news, rapper Pitbull is being sued by actress Lindsay Lohan over a lyric that Pitbull used in one of his tracks. The lyric in question states “Hustlers move in silence, so I’m tiptoein’, to keep blown’/I got it locked up like Lindsay Lohan.” In the article on Allindstrom.com it mentions how "This is part of the well-known track “Give Me Everything,” which features Ne-Yo and Afrojack" and that "Lohan, filing under Stephanie Ovadia in New York, has alleged that Pitbull & Co. are defaming and exploiting the Lohan name, while causing her distress and pain. That is why she’s demanding an injunction." Everyone in the entertainment industry knows that both music, movies, and TV use spoofs and/or lines that may have double meaning for something else. I mean what if rapper Yung Berg sued every time a rapper uses a line about him being slapped or having his chain snatched? Or Ne-Yo every time somebody talks about him being bald & always wearing Hat?? Plus what about all the Lindsay Lohan/Coke references that are used in lyrics these days? I don't see her suing Young Jeezy & Fabolous over "White Girl (Remix)", My message to Lindsay Lohan, "Get Over It!"

The next legal issue for discussion is Jay-Z & Kanye West aka "The Throne" being sued over their bonus track "The Joy" off their debut collabo album "Watch The Throne". The issue here is over a supposed uncleared sample, the article states

Veteran soul singer Syl Johnson recently came upon Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “The Joy,” included on the deluxe edition of Watch the Throne, but was surprised to hear an uncleared sample from his song “Different Strokes” used on the track.
According to an official statement from Numero Group, Island Def Jam originally contacted the label to clear the sample for a deluxe version of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. But after the deluxe version failed to surface, Johnson was shocked to see the song on WTT and the wrong copyright holders credited in the liner notes.


In my opinion, this is just like the Lil' Wayne issue, don't know if it's the artist or the label's fault but if beats are going to be sampled (Most beats contain some kind of sample), make sure the right channels are gone thru to make sure the creator of the original track that was sampled is paid. This is important because when tracks like "The Joy" and countless other tracks that use samples go on to be placed on top selling albums as well as become top charting singles, there are going to be repercussions for the artist who didn't make sure the sample was cleared.

If and When my company comes into fruition, I will make sure my clients/artist have legal counsel to help make sure all producers and samples are properly paid for, even if it means I have to contact the person myself.

Thanks for Checking Out another blog from ya boy Smilez! I'm Out!
Follow Me: @MuzikMan88


References

Lil' Wayne Sued By "Lollipop" Producer

Lindsay Lohan v. Pitbull

The Throne sued over "The Joy"

Importance Of Social Networks

Personal Websites, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Ooovoo, YouTube, UStream, etc. Social Media has taken over society. If a person doesn't use at least one of these social networking tools, they're seen as lost in what goes on in society. Me personally, I have this blog, twitter, Facebook, a YouTube Page, and a UStream account. In the music industry, it's like a priority to use these sites in order to stay relevant and have a connection with the fans. In an article on Social Media Today's website it mentions how with marketing "Using social media can not only increase reliability and build the image, but also effectively increase revenues and increase the number of customers." This also relates to artist in the music industry because it increases an artist visibility, can build their image, increase the number of fans, and can increase their revenue in terms of album sales and concert sales. Artist like Diddy has used social media to increase his brand and the sales of his many business ventures such as his group, Dirty Money; Ciroc, and Sean John. An article with Black Enterprise stated that Ciroc experienced a 552% brand growth " (Yes, you read correctly: 552%.) The brand’s exponential surge is attributed directly to Diddy’s involvement. After Diageo—the parent company for the liquor—partnered with him, featured him in several commercials and named him current brand manager and chief marketing officer in 2007." In the article it states some techniques that with the use of social media, can help propel one's growth: Be the face of the Brand, Cross Promote with Lifestyle Integration, Consistency and repetition is a must, Authenticity Sells, Provide A Quality Product, and Give to Receive. After reading about these techniques, I learned that any artist can take what Diddy has done with Ciroc and do the same thing for themselves using social media. To sum it up in order to be successful using social media in the music industry Stay relevant!, Stay connected!, Stay engaged!, Stay sharing!, Stay interactive!, Stay networking! and Stay Fresh!

To further drive the importance of Social Networking, I've attached a link to an interview with Chaka Zulu, Ludacris' Manager and Business Partner with DTP Records.

Check out the Link Below:

Chaka Zulu Speaks On Social Networking

For More Info on the Importance Of Social Media & THe Music Industry Check Out: Social Media Success: The Music Industry

One Man, Many Jobs

When it comes to being a businessman of many hats, Dallas Rapper/CEO J. Rhodes is the true definition of an all around business man. WIth two appearances on MTV to speak with rapper Wiz Khalifa and production duo David Banner and 9th Wonder, a mix tape titled "The Talented Mr. Rhodes", his own record label, and upcoming collaborative project called "Taylored Rhodes" with female rapper Ni-Taylor in the works, J. Rhodes is definitely a man that lives a busy life. I got the opportunity to ask him a few questions about what Artist Management is to him and some of things that go along with it such as the PR, Promotion, and the actual management part. Check out his answer to the questions below.


Q: What are your all your current titles?

A: CEO/Producer/Artist/Father. I wear many hats.

Q: What is the name of your company/record label? When was it started?

A: 80's Baby Ent., Established in 2009.

Q: What is Artist Management in your opinion?

A: Being that person in the fore front guiding an artists' career. The person that always is looking out for the artists' best interests.

Q: What is A&R & what does it take to be an A&R in your opinion?

A: The Person on the label with the foresight on the street level. They have to know a song is a hit an artist is a start before anyone else.

Q: What is the meaning of Promotion in your opinion?

A: Getting a product or brand to the masses by any means.

Q: What is the meaning of Publicity in your opinion?

A: Exposure to the masses weather positive or negative.

Q: What does it take to manage a record label and artists?

A: Hard work, A big picture lens, & patience

Q: What are your personal goals for your career?

A: With me being a Producer/Artist, I'd love to reach the success of a Kanye West.

Q: What are your goals for your record label and artists?

A: I want our label to become the new aged Motown, & I want everyone of our artists to reach their full potential and become world wide names.

Check Out His Website, Twitter, & His Video for his new single "Uber"..."Uber (Remix)" coming soon!!

DJ Khaled Breaks Down "We The Best Forever"

Deal Making Interviews

Name: Cynthia McCarty

Industry: Entertainment

Job Position: Manager to major artists

Description of Position: I manage day to day activities, appearance/performance negotiations for my artists

1. How Important Is Making Deals Important to you and/or your position? Explain?
~Very important, making the right deal the right way plays a big role in my work ethic and builds lasting relationships with others in the business.

2. How do you deal with negative emotions when making deals?
~I try not to work/deal with those types of people who bring negativity to the table.

3. What is “Positional Bargaining” to you?
~People who use their status to get what they want/or offer you a certain rank to get you to do what they want.

4. Have you ever used or dealt with anybody that used dirty tricks or tricky tactics to get a deal accomplished? Explain?
~Yes, I no longer work with those individuals. I base my business dealings on honesty and integrity; no deal is that important to lower my standards or compromise my integrity.

5. How do you think being affiliated with someone or a certain brand affects business deals?
~The world teaches us that its not what you know but WHO you know. I don’t name drop and don’t like people who do.



Name: Brandi Browne

Industry: Radio

Job Position: Market Program Director for WIMX MIX 95.7/WJZE HOT 97-3 in Toledo, OH

1. Making deals are pretty important when it comes to pleasing my listeners but
promotionally. Having the support of the records companies as it relates to the hottest cd’s, trips, and great prizes which usually comes with the artist most of the time. The records companies love to execute promotions because of the big exposure that their artist will get. We on the other hand love them as well because that is another way to boost rating.

When it comes to making deals as it relates to community involvement it is always some type of deal. Basically if you support my event and help out with your street team and etc. then I will support yours. It’s an understanding between the parties and it continues and we build relationships with those organizations, companies, and etc.


2. Dealing with negative emotions is actually pretty simple. Being a great
listener is pretty important when emotions are involved. Keeping a leveled head
and staying professional at all times is the key to success. Loose your cool and
you could possibly loose the deal. I believe that stand your ground professionally
but there is more than one way to skin a cat. Always have a backup plan.

3. Positional bargaining is when my record reps comes in to visit me and want you
To add a song that is getting no activity. It’s usually very hard for a new artist to get attention from Program Directors because I believe in the charts. I have many that I go by and a consultant who does an independent survey on the artist,
movement and holding or staying power. It’s always a back and forth effort
because they have to get their records played. (I had a rep bring a record to me
3yrs ago and I didn’t feel that it would be a hit at the time but another rep came
back to me with the same record and it sounded different at that time and I felt
it was time for it) It became a huge hit for the artist “Noel Gourdin”. New artist then but not now. Great story!




4. Of course I have and those are the people you don’t deal with because of their
business ethics. People who are cavalier when it comes to dealing with you
will eventually get you into a lot or some trouble which could ruin your
position and they definitely will try. What I have learned when dealing with
this type of individual or company you have to choose your battles. If its worth
it then we have to figure out a way to make it work for both parties.



5. It will affect it negatively or positively. I would prefer positively because you
would like to be in a position of power for a long time. I always want when I
hire someone that it would be a individual that would bring something to the
table that would help me in my business dealings. Of course its not always the case
because individuals will say anything to get the job. Its important to get references,
and do a back ground check on the person so that you will not messed up any deals
you have worked hard to accomplish.

Interview: Best Of Both Offices

In part 1 of our interview we talk with Young Sav and Steve-O. They help run the radio department in Def Jam and own Best Of Both Offices. In the interview we talk about how both got their start and how they created the Best Of Both Offices brand. We also talk about how they helped “guide” Rick Ross career.







In part 2 we talk the relationships between the BOBO team and the blog game. For those that know, Savv and Steve have really made an effort to include the blogs in the promo campaigns for their artists (conference calls, web content, etc.). We then talk about their relationship with Rik Cordero, and branching out to film.


Follow Them @YoungSavv and @StevoBOBO

Violating The Game: Chris Lighty Interview Pt. 2

Violating The Game: Chris Lighty Interview Pt. 1

In the first part of Al Linstrom‘s convo with the Violator Management mogul, Chris discusses his days at Rush Management, working with Lyor Cohen and Russell Simmons and choosing artists for the Violator roster.

Music Industry Update: Warner Music Group

First off, since I'm in a Finance class this month at Full Sail University, when I found out that "Warner Music Group Corp. (NYSE: WMG) is the world's only publicly-traded major music company" I was intrigued and knew that Warner Music Group (who was last traded at $8.17 today 6-10-11) was the perfect thing to discuss for the 1st Music Industry Update on my blog. The Overview on WMG's website states that Warner comprised of

"an array of businesses aimed at helping artists achieve long-term creative and financial success while providing consumers with the highest-quality music content available. WMG is engaged in the recorded music business (including artist services) and the music publishing business. WMG is a global leader in national and international repertoire and home to some of the best-known labels in the recorded music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros., Warner Music Nashville and Word. " In Hip-Hop & R&B, this means that WMG is the house of Artist such as Gucci Mane, T.I., Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Saigon, Musiq Soulchild, Travis Barker, Diggy and the newly signed & popular artists of Rick Ross' Maybach Music.

The overview also states how within the last few years, WMG has "grown to become the world's third-largest recorded music business and third-largest music publishing business and, during a time of dramatic industry transition," became established as one of the music industry's most successful companies.

The first piece of news comes from a blog post of Forbes Magazine's site about billionaire Len Blavatnik‘s purchase of Warner Music Group. He purchased the company with a $3.3 billion all-cash buyout. "Blavatnik’s company will pay $8.25 per share for publicly-traded Warner, a 34.4% premium over the stock’s six-month average price. The Russian-American billionaire is no stranger to Warner and its management–he served on the company’s board from 2004-2008 and purchased a Manhattan townhouse from chairman Edgar Bronfman, Jr. in 2007 for $50 million." WMG's CEO, Edgar Bronfman, who holds 7% of the company stands to gain $100 million from the deal.

In other WMG news, also on Forbes' blog, there is an article on WMG's Chief of Recorded Music, Lyor Cohen speaking on the future of the music business. The ex-president & co-founder of both Def Jam & Rush Management respectively spoke on various topics, including "the importance of multiple rights deals and implications of shrinking artist rosters industrywide." In the video posted on Forbes' site, Cohen overall speaks about how "The Revolution Will Be Digitized". Both articles on Forbes' site are important to know because these types of moves such as being bought and hearing from influential Music Industry people speak on how technology is changing the music industry is very important to those people like me interested in becoming apart of the Music Industry because we need to know what's going on & the effects they are going to have on the industry.