Hip Hop Entrepreneur n.-- an entrepreneur who has turned his/her Hip Hop passion into business profits!

"Start your own Hip Hop record label or hip hop business like sean p diddy puffy sean john combs, Russell Simmons of DefJam,Jay Z,Damon Dash of Roc-A-Fella Records,Fubu, etc., and follow the path of artists like Tupac, Eminem, Nelly,Usher,Da Brat, OutKast,Public Enemy,50 Cent, Talib Kweli,Ja Rule and other hip hop artists, designers and creative talents!
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Hi Connie,

Thank you for all of the great information, I am definitely storing these e-mails. I hope to be able to help others as you do in this business some day. I am a Artist manager in my third year of practice and study and my group is ready!! We are working with a production company who has a lot more connections than I do. There is a possibility that he may put us in front of some major opportunities. He is asking for a finder's fee which is fair, however he wants me to propose a percentage. I will draw up a contract and negotiate but I need a little advice. From my readings I hear 10 % finder's fee is average, is this true? If not what is average? Should I start low and then, thru negotiations let him come up to the average? Should his percentage be based on the amount of proposed contract, i.e. 5 % for 2 hundred thousand or less, 7% for 201 thousand to 5 hundred thousand, and so on and so forth. Please point me into the right direction so that my Group will not be hurt! ing for certain when we get a deal.

Thank You, Raymele

Hey Raymele,

I’m glad you enjoy the answers I’ve been giving and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help people. Let me first say that you are very smart to hook up with someone that can help you reach your goal of getting a deal for your artist. So many people get caught up in wanting to do everything alone (in order to keep all the money), that they miss out on golden opportunities. They are only hurting themselves and they soon learn that 100% of nothing is NOTHING.

Now, most producers in this situation usually ask for a finder’s fee of about 15%, but the fact that he wants you to propose the percentage makes me wonder. Either he’s inexperienced and doesn’t know what he should get (but sees a chance to get in on the ground floor of something that is about to break) or he’s trying to see where your head is. Either way, I would start low, maybe around 5%. This way you can see what he counters with and that will tell you where HIS head is.

As far as offering an escalating percentage based on the advance you receive, I say if he goes for it, do it. Your goal is to walk away from this deal without having given away the farm. You don’t want him to get the majority of your advance and leave your artist with nothing.

This brings me to my last point, and this is very important. Make sure that in your contract with the producer (I would suggest you see a lawyer) you outline what monies he is entitled to get a percentage of. Is his cut to come out of the advance alone, or is he going to get a piece of the album sales money as well? What I’m trying to say is, be SPECIFIC in your agreement. You don’t want to think that all is said and done after you pay him and have the guy come back after a year or two demanding more money. It will probably take a few back and forth exchanges and a lot of thinking, but the more you iron out ahead of time, the better off all parties will be.

So good luck and send me a copy of the album when it comes out, Connie M. Howell

Name: Erica M. Wilson How hear: i'm a member of hiphopbiz

I am looking to get into the business in A&R or artist management. I have a Music Industry degree from Middle Tennessee State University. I didn't get the chance to have an internship in school and I know the majority of companies won't give me one without receiving college credit for it. I'm now back home in Memphis, is there any way I can get started here? There aren't many places that jump out at you like in Atlanta or NY and I don't have enough money to move to a bigger music mecca. I'm looking for some experience while I'm here in Memphis. Any suggestions?

Hey Erica,

It is unfortunate that you didn’t get a chance to intern while you were in college because that would have been the best time to do it and based on your performance you probably could have walked away from it with a job offer. But let’s live in the now, first I would check around Memphis. I’m sure there are some labels you could ask for internship at, or better yet why not ask for a paying job. After all, you won’t know if you don’t ask.

If the opportunities in Memphis are few and far between, try Nashville. Nashville is a music mecca in and of itself. Granted, you may end up at a label whose music you aren’t necessarily into (or maybe you will like it, I don’t know) but keep in mind that you are there for the experience and knowledge. Once you get that you will be better equipped to move on to bigger and better things.

So get on out there and make it happen Connie M. Howell

Connie,

How many units must one sell before seeking some sort of distribution or label deal?

Hey Jay,

There isn’t an exact number of units one has to sell in order to get a deal, but in all honesty the more you sell on your own, the easier it will be for you to obtain a favorable deal. So if you have a system in place where you are selling your CDs in your area, continue to do so. Once they notice that you are consistently selling units, their interest will peak and they’ll come a’callin’.

But… if you really want a point of reference, let’s take Master P. His first album “The Ghetto’s Trying To Kill Me” sold over 100,000 units independently. His second album “99 Ways To Die” sold over 200,000 units. This made the industry take notice and several major labels came out of the woodwork offering him a deal.

So keep selling, Connie M. Howell

Just getting into the music industry. I am working with a lawyer and a few artists in North carolina. I was wondering how to get them noticed with A&R people at major companies here in New York. Especially since I have no type of contacts since I and the Lawyer and artist new to this.

Hey O.J.

First of all, is this lawyer you are working with an entertainment lawyer specializing in the music business? If not, get one that is. Next, it’s time for you to start making contacts. Start attending music business seminars and conferences because here is where you will meet producers, A&Rs, songwriters and other industry executives that could help further your career.

Unfortunately, North Carolina is not the place in which it is likely to happen because most industry events are held in either New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and most recently Miami, so book a flight man because it will be well worth it. One event that comes to mind is taking place on September 17-19 in NY. It’s the 2nd Annual Ear To Da Streets Producers Conference. I attended last year and there was a lot of good information dispensed. Go to www.eartodastreets.com and check out the list of topics being covered. If it seems like something you’d be into come on up. For the small registration fee you will get a wealth of knowledge.

Good Luck, Connie M. Howell

I want to sell Hip Hop beats. I know I have to network etc... I was wondering if it is normal practice to call up a label A& R and setup an appointment. If so can you give me a few examples of what I can say or what wording I should use to get the appointment.

Hey Jo,

I spoke to my friend Dwayne Adams who works in the A&R department at Jive Records to get a little insight on this issue.

The question isn’t “is calling A&Rs normal practice?” it’s “how willing are they to take your call?” The answer: “Not very”. The best way to go about this is to have a manager or lawyer make the call for you, preferably a lawyer. A&Rs just feel more comfortable when they are speaking to someone they know wont waste their time (not to say that you would).

If your must call yourself, make sure you KNOW YOUR MUSIC! I’ve met so many artist who when asked “what kind of music do you make?” they answer, “well, hmm, I’m not sure what to call it, its a little pop and rap and soul and country…” Whatever, yo! Know your strength and sell yourself accordingly.

This way when you call you can ask for a specific department and go from there. Simply explain who you are and that you would like to submit a demo. Keep it short, be professional, clear and cordial. And unless they ask you (though I doubt they will). DO NOT START RAPPING OR SINGING ON THE PHONE!

Also, continue to network because it is still the best way to make contacts and get your music heard.

Connie M. Howell

Hi Connie, glad you are back. Here is my Question. I am an Artist manager of a rap group that is very very good. They have been winning various talent showcases around the Atlanta Area, and I feel they are about to break. What would be the best direction to take to get them in front of some people that can make a difference?? I have met Maurice Starr, who is responsible for New Edition, New Kids On The Block, etc and he thought they were outstanding. Also, I have developed my own record label, and wanted a brief description on how record labels make their money. Thanks Connie

Hi Keith,

I would definitely get the group on some mixtapes because it will increase their exposure. Also, I think you should put together your own showcase with them as the featured artist and invite primarily A&Rs, producers and label executives. You can either do that in Atlanta, or you can come to NY and do it here. Personally, I would get back in touch with Maurice and ask for his help. If he believes in your group as you say he might be willing to help you out. Also, tape the show and use it as a demo to send to all the A&Rs that don’t attend the show.

But honestly, I think your best bet is the mixtape route and if you don’t believe in the power of mixtapes ask 50 Cent if they work. Mixtapes launched his career and made his 1st official CD immensely successful.

Good Luck Connie M. Howell

What should one bring to the table when trying to get a pressing/distribution deal? Does a distribution company press records for you? If so, under what circumstances?

Hey Crayon,

I will try to sum up some of the important points distributors look for. Although distributors look at a lot of things pertaining to your business I think you’ll be in good shape if you consider and work on the following items.

1) Is the music HOT?
2) Do you have the resources and the means to release new albums consistently (at least every few months)?
3) Will you support your releases (touring, airplay, videos)?
4) Do you have the resources to launch effective marketing and promotion plans so people will buy your releases?
5) Have you released any albums in the past and how have they sold?
6) Do your artists have a following, if yes, how big?
7) Can you afford to press up additional product if necessary?
8) Are any of your releases currently in stores (probably on consignment)?
9) Are you currently receiving any radio or video airplay?

Next, whether or not the distributor presses the records for you depends on the deal you have with them. Let’s suppose you sign on to have your label distributed by Universal Records. If you sign with them for distribution only then that is what they will do. However, if you sign a P&D deal (Pressing AND Distribution) then they will manufacture all of your records as well. Keep in mind that they will also take a bigger piece of the profits because they investing money in you in the beginning.

Hope this helps, Connie M. Howell

hi, are lawyers actually good enough to shop demos products of your artist ,are they very reliable and if so what fees would actually occur if you find one and what’s reasonable quote to do so can give me some feed back.

Hey Clinton,

Lawyers are actually a great way to shop your demo. Many lawyers the specialize in music business have great contacts and friends at records labels, so it is more likely that an A&R will take their call as opposed to yours. Most labels don’t accept unsolicited material but they will take music from a lawyer, they feel it gives them a little protection from any lawsuits that may arise concerning your demo. It also shows them that someone they know and respect has faith in your so it may be in their best interest to give your CD a listen. Most attorneys work on an hourly basis and their rate can be anywhere for $200/hr and up.

Connie M. Howell

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