Naledge from Kidz in The Hall stops by for a bit!

Being that I have known Jabari aka “Naledge” of Kidz in the Hall for a little over 2 years, it feels a little weird actually interviewing him. But it also feels right that he is my first interview.

A-First let me say HAPPY BELATED Bday...I know it's pretty late though, lol so Naledge looking back on your now 28 years of life what was your childhood like?

N-Pretty middle class. I had two parents that worked really hard and were college educators. Still, I grew up in a very urban environment. I played a lot of sports. The fact that my parents worked, I was involved in a lot of activities with my friends.

A-Now I understand you graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, being that you are a college graduate how do you feel that has enhanced your style?

N-College allows you three things: the space to find your "identity" amongst those from all walks of life, the ability to develop time management skills to get jobs done and the structure needed for solid work ethic. Those things can come to anyone without school too...it’s just harder to be motivated and develop those things quickly on your own.

A-How did your musical career begin and when did you know you could see this as your career?

N-My older cousin Korey who made beats in his room used to babysit me. I thought he was cool and looked up to him, so I wanted to get good enough to rap over his beats. However, I didn’t know I wanted this as a career until I did my first tour!

A-Naledge, you’ve put out three albums: School was my Hustle (2006), The In Crowd (2008), and Land of Make Believe; you have also sold over 70,000 albums independently…what are you currently working on?

N- Well, we recently put out Land of Make believe I put out my mixtape- TwentySomething and we now have our own label DuckDown Records

A-With that said…where do you want to take your hip-hop career?

N-I just want to be free to live off music for the rest of my life.

A-I know you have been on several tours, out of the many cities and 12 countries I am sure you were completely embraced by your fans what places stand out to you the most?

N-I would have to say that London. New York. Miami. Las Vegas. Paris. Berlin. Stockholm. Los Angeles. Chicago. Austin. Atlanta and Denver are the few that probably made the most impact on me.

A-Which Fans do you feel showed the most love to Kidz in the Hall?

N-I would definitely say the UK.

A-Of course I know you personally and I see you all over my Twitter timeline, so it is safe to say you are a pretty open person. What is it that you want your fans to know?

N-I am a slave to the music. For better or worse. I fear god and I love my family.

A-Do you feel that Social Media has influenced music?

N-It has influenced the spread of music. I don't know if it has influenced the songs themselves. I think musicians have more access to information. Entry into the industry is harder because everyone wants to do it

A-What is your favorite Quote or Motto?

N-"Only thing in life that remains the same is change." - J. Caesar

A-You have done so much in such a short time, what would you say you are most proud of?

N- I would have to say my son.

A- Any regrets?

N- A lot of ex-girlfriends

A-ha-ha **chuckles* I can see how that would be in your line of work

A-You have done “Love Hangover” w/Estelle, Who else is on your collaboration wish list?

N-Raphael Saddiq, Andre Benjamin, and Common

A-Last But not least….If there were 5 producers and/or directors you could work with (currently living) who would they be?

N-Rick Rubin, George Clinton, Kanye West, Quincy Jones and Timbaland.

A- That is quite a diverse list

Thank you so much Jabari.....oops excuse me, "NALEDGE" for allowing me this interview. I need everyone to make sure you all check out Naledge and Kidz In The Hall via Brainiacsociety.com, and/or kidzinthehall.com

And I leave you all with this!!! >>>>>

The Stages of Becoming an Artist Manager

I was reading an article on the Music Think Tank blog about “Music Management Skills: Network in person, not just online.” By Joe Taylor. A link led me to his website, which directed me to his book, and I found this to be very useful for my business endeavors.  This shows that strategic placing of links and how it can be beneficial.  Artist management seems to be a profession that many jump into with the thoughts of becoming the next Russell Simmons, Diddy, or even Jay-Z. However it takes much more skill than just the knowledge of music. It takes tenacity, persistence, and FOCUS ON YOUR ARTIST!!

The most important thing you need to remember is to make sure you are covering all the legalities of working as an artist manager.  Have you researched the name you wish to use? You may do so by going to www.SunBiz.org if you are in Florida. If not check w/your Secretary of State in the state that you are located in.  You then want to make sure you Google & search your desired name w/ the US Patent & Trademarks department.. When you are deciding to conduct  business from home it is also best to acquire a separate address even a P.O. Box would do.  They usually start at $12 for a 6 month term. That way all of your business mail is separate form your personal. Because remember you must conduct yourself in a professional manner.  The separate mail box further protects your privacy as an individual.  One thing that Rising Phoenix Entertainment Group (RPEG) did second was order an EIN number so that you register yourself as a business. There are several other legalities that you have to cover, however the last two I am going to mention will be to make sure that you acquire a business license from your town or county. And SEPARATE YOUR PERSONAL FUNDS FROM THE BUSINESS FUNDS by getting a separate bank account!!

When it comes to managing an artist and booking shows for them you have to be aware of the Florida Statutes as it pertains to “acting as a talent manager” § 468.403. Managers tend to get themselves in trouble by not learning enough of what they are doing. You must properly research the field in which you are entering to avoid any legal troubles. You must make sure that all contracts have been clear and concise, and that all verbal & non-verbal communication is open for all parties involved.  Although it is essential to the business, it definitely takes more than just a LOVE or an EAR FOR MUSIC to become an Artist manager. But one thing it does take is HEART!

Look out for more in depth information on my blog regarding becoming an Artist Manager the right way.

Caught up in the whirlwind of LIFE!!!

WOWWWWWWW!!!!! Where do I start?
September 9, 2010 has been a day/night that I will never forget and also one that I am so thankful for. That day is when two 1st month Entertainment Business Masters students decided to go out together for the first time. As I previously blogged about the show was amazing and hanging out with The Nappy Roots was amazing. However, we did not know what was in store for us from just a simple conversation about "what are you planning on doing w/your degree" would turn into a dream job. Not my ultimate dream job but this is definitely a stepping stone to the progress of my life. From that simple conversation with Fish Scales, my classmate/BUSINESS PARTNER Trisha C. and I are now managing Fish Scales of The Nappy Roots. Along with handling all of his marketing for his upcoming solo project we will be working w/Nappy Roots to help develop their Album awareness. Not to mention that we will be handling the managing and marketing for The Skinny & Scales project. All I have to say is GOD IS AMAZING!!! He works in ways you can't even fathom. God has put Trisha & myself right where we needed to be. Now introducing to you to RISING PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT GROUP-co-founders Aris Blossom & Trisha Connell.

Humbling Experience

Today has been the most humbling experience I think I have had so far in my life. My organization (Full Sail Black Student Union) was instrumental in bringing Nappy Roots to Full Sail University. They did a panel that received an overflow of  questions as well as was introduced to an array of talent. Not only did Fish Scales, Skinny Deville & Big Vito enlighten the students they gave a mini show. No special effects of spotlights were needed.....The eyes of the students were more than enough to brighten up the auditorium in the Full Sail Entertainment Business building. Afterwards there was an impromptu meet & greet, where the students were able to personally go and speak with the artists. Even though time was not permitting they mad sure that they shook the hands of as many students that they could before being pulled away for their next venue, THE SOCIAL. WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Man did they put on a show for the crowd there!!! The attendance was so welcomed and they are truly fan orientated. They are what HIP HOP NEEDS to help revive it, from their story about being college students to life on the road promoting their new album ("The Pursuit of Nappyness"). Tonight was definitely a humbling experience and I am so grateful to The Lord above for putting me where I am right now to be apart of such awesome day/night. Be blessed!