Broderick Morris

Broderick Morris Featured in Japan Today

Two visits from Michael Jackson make 2006 thriller year for promoter

TOKYO - When it comes to the secret of his success, Broderick Morris' web address says it all: BmoPositive.com. His optimistic approach to life helped turn Mo,' as he's known among friends, from a corporal in the United States Marine Corps into one of the most influential hip-hop promoters in Japan, chief executive of Positive Productions Yokohama.

"When I started out in the business, I was surrounded by a lot of negative thinking and negative people," says the 37-year-old American. "I wanted a change, I wanted to move in a more positive direction, and that's why I chose the name."

The list of artists Positive Productions Yokohama has brought to Japan reads like a roll call at the hip-hop and R&B hall of fame, among them Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Lil' Kim, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys and Kanye West.

But the best is yet to come. Next month, Morris will bring Michael Jackson back to Japan for the one-off Michael Jackson Premium Christmas Party. It is Morris' second such scoop this year, after he arranged Jackson's visit in May to accept the Legend Award at the MTV Japan Video Music Awards. That was Jackson's first public appearance since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in June 2005.

"The biggest thing for me was when Michael got off the plane, he said, 'Thank you, Mr. Morris, for bringing me over.' I'm not even going to lie to you - I got teary eyed, man," recalls Morris. "It's so sad, because some of the other artists we bring over here, they are nowhere near the level of Michael. From when we pick them up, to when we take them home, I never really hear thank you."

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Morris came to Japan in 1988 as a U.S. Marine serving at Camp Foster in Okinawa. When allowed off base, he would dance in local hip-hop clubs, but in general there was little to do except "sit on the sea wall and drink," something he would remember years later.

After leaving the military, he moved to Kanto and took two jobs, one by day at a furniture store on Yokota Air Base and another by night as a waiter. He worked six days a week, hardly sleeping except on Sundays. He later became the general manager of a soul food restaurant and bar in the upscale Honmoku area of Yokohama. The restaurant became a popular venue for office and wedding parties, and, later in the evening, hip-hop and R&B events.

"We were getting between 70 and 130 people in there for the parties, and it started to get interesting," he recalls, the most interesting bit being his 500,000 yen-a-month profit. He expanded the parties to a club in Yokohama and by 1994 the logical next step was to move into concerts.

Morris borrowed 2.5 million yen and invited a group called The Deele, which had once included R&B singer Babyface, to perform three concerts in Tokyo and Yokohama. Things did not go according to plan. Hundreds of tickets went unsold, with just 120 people turning up for the final night at the 1,500-capacity Kawasaki Club Citta. The debacle left Morris 5 million yen out of pocket. It took him three jobs and more than a year to pay his debts.

Refused to run away from debt

"No matter how deep in the hole you get, you never run away," says Morris of the experience, and another difficult period in 1999, when he was half a million dollars in the red. "If you run away and don't pay your bills, you'll be running for the rest of your life. The word will get out, and everyone will know."

Morris had wildly underestimated the costs involved in flying over and looking after high-rolling foreign artists. He had also overestimated the popularity of black music and culture in Japan at that time. These days, hip-hop fashion is one of the dominant street styles and hip-hop and R&B are ingrained into the local music scene. But in 1994, things were very different.

"It was nothing like today. Black music and fashion only started to become mainstream about 1997," says Morris, adding that his events helped foster the trend. "People would come to our concerts and see what they were wearing on stage and they would want to dress like them. I'll say this in front of anyone: take Positive Productions out of the history of hip-hop in Japan and it wouldn't be the same as it is today."

Morris often MCs his parties and is a personality in his own right among hip-hop fans, many of whom have attended his events since the beginning. He has made a point of helping up-and-coming local acts over the years, including Zeebra, Rip Slyme, Rhymester, DS455 and Ozro Saurus before they were famous.

As his name became better known, Morris was able to persuade bigger artists to come to Japan at a time when many of them weren't performing outside of the U.S. He has particularly good memories of working with Snoop Dogg ("nothing like the media portray him"), Missy Elliott ("always professional") and Destiny's Child, whose 2002 concert in Okinawa was a high point.

Takes artists to Okinawa to entertain troops

Since he started out in the music business, Morris has made a point of taking artists to Okinawa to entertain U.S. troops. In October 2001, Destiny's Child was scheduled to perform there at the end of a two-stop Japan tour, the other concerts organized separately by rival promoter UDO. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. military revoked permission for the concert to be held on base, putting the whole tour - and Morris' future in the business - at risk.

Using the relationship he had nurtured with the Okinawa Chamber of Commerce, Morris secured permission, for the first and only time, to hold a concert at a local athletic field, rescheduled for the following May - the middle of Okinawa's rainy season. "I prayed every day that it wouldn't rain," he recalls. The weather held and Morris sold 9,500 tickets, more than anyone had anticipated. At 6 a.m. the morning after, the heavens opened.

"I was blessed," he recalls. "I had the right people around me when things went the wrong way. I always had those people there to keep me strong ... They don't ask for money or nothing, because they believe in me. And that makes a difference, when you have people believe in you."

Doing business here in Japan has not always been easy for Morris, especially in his chosen field. "The entertainment industry is cutthroat," he says. "It takes a strong person with a strong personality to make it."

To begin with, the media and record labels refused to support this non-Japanese upstart. His response was to deny them access to the artists (whose schedules he controlled because they were here on his dollar) unless they promoted his events just the same as those of his Japanese competitors, which they quickly did.

Doesn't blame prejudice due to skin color

He was disappointed again, however, when the local press declined to give him credit for arranging Jackson's visit in May. Even so, he is reluctant to blame it on any particular prejudice against him because he is black.

"It doesn't really matter about the color," he says. "I hear brothers and sisters complaining about black this and black that, but I disagree. It's all about the personality. If you know how to deal with people and you have the right personality, it doesn't matter ... The agents know that I'm the kind of promoter that if they need me to be there for a meeting, then I'd be getting my plane ticket today and leaving this evening from Narita and I'd be there tomorrow. And I've done that several times, to New York, LA, Atlanta, and back the next day."

Including Morris, there are only five people running Positive Productions Yokohama. When they put on big concerts, it's all hands on deck. "Even people in the music business think we have ten or 15 staff. It's not true. But everyone here loves their job, and if one person gets sick, the next person knows how to do it right away. No problem at all. That's the way I taught them. It comes from the Marine Corps. It's the way they taught me. It makes a difference."

That military discipline will be put to the test again over the coming weeks as Morris and his crew (working together with Daisuke Kodo, chief executive of God Gate Investment) arrange the Michael Jackson Premium Christmas Party on Dec 19 at an undisclosed location. The party for 1,600 die-hard fans will mark 10 years since Jackson performed eight sold-out concerts at Tokyo Dome in 1996.

Jackson, who made a controversial appearance at the World Music Awards in London last week, will be inside the venue with his fans while a gospel choir, live band and six-piece string arrangement perform Christmas songs and some of his hits. The winners of a "Thriller" dance contest taking place at Yokohama Bay Hall on Dec 2 will also perform for Jackson. There are no plans for the star to sing live, but Morris, ever the optimist, says, "You never know what will happen."

"Gold" tickets will cost 200,000 yen and "platinum" 400,000 yen. The 300 platinum ticket holders will get early access to the venue and the chance to have a photo taken with the star; everyone will get free food and drinks and a signed photo. It's clearly going to be a money-maker for Jackson, who reportedly had financial troubles in recent years, something Morris doesn't deny. "Last time we talked a lot about business and things we could do together," says Morris. "This time he'll be getting paid."

Morris was introduced to Jackson five years ago by a mutual friend. Despite everything that has been said and written about the singer over the years, Morris' impression is positive.

"He's nothing like people make him out to be," says Morris, who built a strong working relationship during daily meetings with Jackson in May. "We've both been through a lot, him as an African-American superstar, me as an African-American in this business in Japan. I understand him and he understands me. And that's why we're trying to help each other."

If the party goes according to plan, fans will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend time with their idol, Jackson will go home a little bit richer, and Positive Productions Yokohama will have scored its second coup of the year. "It's about making people happy and keeping them happy," says Morris, living proof that it pays to be positive.

December 1, 2006

J Hatch

J Hatch has offices at our 1650 Broadway, Suite 609, New York, New York location.

J Hatch is a freelance writer for Hiphopgame.com, Connex List, Music Notes and Rap Fanatic and has interviewed such established artists as Slum Village, Fat Joe, Mr. Cheeks, Raphael Saadiq and Jacki-O, as well as monthly articles as Why? And Holla @ Hatch which provide a question and answer format for those who seek industry Knowledge. J Hatch is also a CEO of Inarskl Music Group.

Inasirkl Music Group (http://www.inasirkl.com/index.htm) is a fully functional Production, Promotion and Project Management based company within the Hip Hip and R&B genres. Owned and operated by CEO Jason Hadshian aka J Hatch and VP/ Director of Musical Production, Derrick T Carter aka Drawzilla. Together, they have formed one of the most promising and refreshing entertainment commodities to hit the scene in a long minute.

Inasirkl Music Group Inasirkl has production credits with Hip Hop and R&B artists such as Sadat X (Brand Nubian), OC, AG, CL, Twin Gambino (Infamous Mobb), Nature, Jamie Drastik (MTV Making Of The Band W/ P Diddy) and Casserine (Warner Bros). Inasirkl Music Group also recently received placement on the movie scoring of Coalition featuring Raekwon, Fat Joe, Micheal Wright and Chuck Zitto, and has recently licensed 23 original tracks to MTV Networks and has had placements on Eminem's "Shady National Convention," 50 Cent's "House Party" as well as Christina Millian's Diary, Tru Life, TRL (Spring 2005), Made and Direct EFX. Inasirkl Music Group contains a songwriting staff of 6 (ASCAP) as well as 4 reference singers that all capture the essence of today and tomorrows melodic visions while using the past as a guide for timeless, ongoing success.

Inasirkl Music Group also manages an upcoming Mix tape DJ duo Bedtyme357 and Chuck Massacre (collectively known as PFR Entertainment) which releases 4 to 5 quality mixtapes hosted by some of the biggest names in the Music and Media Industries such as Tony Yayo (G Unit), Amanda Diva (MTV2 and Sirius Radio), Heather Hunter (Adult Film Star) and AZ to name a few. Inasirkl also manages an upcoming Hip Hop act Sic Osyrus and R&B act named Erika Deluna and is focusing on their individual projects simultaneously. Inasirkl Music Group and affiliate company All Is One Entertainment also provide 4 monthly platforms for unsigned artists and producers in all genres of music, as well as exclusive industry events and parties to create networking opportunities for all in attendance.

Sha Money XL

Sha Money XL is a producer who has successfully helped bring rapper 50 Cent to the mainstream. He along with 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo established themselves to the markets to great success. He produced famous tracks as Poor Lil Rich, Beg For Mercy, and This Is 50. 50 Cent and Sha Money XL formed G-Unit Records after the success of the G-Unit album Beg For Mercy and soon began signing artists to the label. Outside of G-Unit, Sha Money produces singles for Slim Thug, Snoop Dogg, Paul Wall as well as others to generate success as a producer. Sha Money also manages his Sha Money Management, where he manages a crew of new producers. Sha Money has also produced four tracks from the latest 2Pac release, Pac's Life.

Makiko Niimura

Makiko Niimura is the Deputy Manager and the Managing Director of the Film Planning Group of CCRE. CCRE is a Japanese Media spinoff of CCC, which owns Tsutaya, the largest media distribution stores in Japan. CCRE also funds and produces projects for MTV Japan.

Lisa Cortes

Lisa Cortes is SVP, Production for Lee Daniels Entertainment. She produced The Shadowboxer as well as co-produced The Woodsman which premiered at Sundance and was showcased at Cannes. After a 20-year friendship Lee Daniels enlisted Cortes as he prepared to shoot Monster’s Ball. Having enjoyed great success in the music business, Cortes was looking to transition and pursue her first love, film. While her first career boasts such laurels as being a founding member of Def Jam Records and Rush Management, working for a stint at Mercury Records where she signed such successful acts as Black Sheep and Buju Banton, and ultimately running her own label imprint, Loose Cannon, the need for a change eventually became undeniable. She took a huge leap of faith and traded in all her perks as an executive in her former field to embark on her new career from the ground up. She went to film school and took on some of the most thankless positions in the business. Displaying an impressive amount of character, Cortes did everything from Grip, Gaffer, and PA work in order to fully understand every aspect of the process.

Interview with Ms. Cortes at Blackfilm.com

Anthony Maddox

Anthony Maddox is founder and CEO of MADMAN Entertainment Group, where he develops cutting-edge network programs and documentaries (recently he has created and produced the Showtime/Lionsgate series: White Boyz in Da Hood). His resume includes the hit series Bad Boys of Comedy, Diddy Runs The City and the Vibe Awards. When not producing television, Maddox works as a creative consultant to Vibe Media Group. Maddox has also produced in the past for PBS & MTV, and worked with McCann Erickson on national Coca Cola campaigns. Maddox has credits working in independent films, and directed a host of music videos and branded DVDs for top industry labels, including Geffen, Universal Records and Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group.

Maddox also worked with the current President of NBC Entertainment Jeff Zucker for nearly 4 years at The Today Show, and has worked extensively with Bad Boy Films in the past. Anthony Maddox was the Head of Production for Bad Boy Films, a division of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group. In that role, Maddox was responsible for the creation and creative direction of Sean P. Diddy Combs’ production arm.

Lillian Lasalle

Please visit Lillian Lasalle's website by clicking here.

Romeo Entertainment/AMG

Please Visit the Romeo Entertainment/AMG site here.

Maurizio Gubellini

Please visit Maurizio Gubellini's site here.

Abe Maldonado

Abe Maldonado is an Executive of Czar Entertainment.

About Czar Entertainment

Czar Entertainment is one of the most powerful entertainment management agencies in the past decade and home to multi-platinum artists The Game, Mario Winans, Rick Ross, Big Gipp, Shyne, Sharissa, Smitty, Gator, Cruna, Webbz, Spot and trillville. Led by managerial mastermind Jimmy Rosemond who is responsible for over 20 million records sold. Czar Entertainment is expanding into film and has launched Premo Pictures, a division that develops quality television and cinematic urban productions. Driven by big aspirations and a bigger drive to achieve, Jimmy Rosemond is ensuring that Czar Entertainment’s future success will mirror its past; transcending music to become a true entertainment industry legacy. For more information visit www.czar-ent.com.

Robert A. Celestin, Esq.

With over fifteen (15) years of experience in the entertainment industry as an attorney, manager and record label owner, Robert A. Celestin has represented and worked with a number of talented artists and top music executives within the recording industry.

Mr. Celestin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Philosophy in 1981 from Yale University and his Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law in 1984. He first got his start in the music business as the Program and Music Director of WYBC-FM while a student at Yale. It was there that record industry heavyweights like Sylvia Rhone and Sharon Heyward suggested that he attend law school. While a law student, Mr. Celestin interned at Inner City Broadcasting’s WBLS-FM as a Programming Assistant working with the late great Frankie Crocker. After graduating from law school, Mr. Celestin commenced his legal career at the prestigious law firm of Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays and Handler, LLP (“Kaye, Scholer”) concentrating primarily in Corporate Financing.

Drawn to the more creative side of his personality, Mr. Celestin ventured into the music industry, which he considers his first love. He left Kaye Scholar and started his music law career at Arista Records, LLC. (“Arista”) in its legal department. Arista at the time, was the home of superstar “WHITNEY HOUSTON” and rap superstars “WHODINI”. During that time period, Mr. Celestin became friends with ANDRE HARRELL, a former Def Jam Records, Inc. executive and the founder of a fledgling record label named Uptown Records, Inc. (“Uptown”).

After spending a year at Arista, Mr. Harrell invited Mr. Celestin to join Uptown as its Vice-President and General Manager. At Uptown, Mr. Celestin was not only responsible for administrating the operations of Uptown, but he was also actively involved in creative decisions regarding the acquisition of recording artists and administrative decisions regarding the recording of various recording artists‘ albums.

In addition, Mr. Celestin’s duties included handling the negotiations and the actual signing to Uptown of artists such as “JODECI”, “GUY”, “MARY J. BLIGE”, “HEAVY D AND THE BOYZ” and others. Most notably, with JODECI, Mr. Celestin coordinated the recording of the first album project entitled “Forever My Lady” and as Co-Executive producer consulted with Mr. Harrell and SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS regarding the A&R direction of the album.

After leaving Uptown, Mr. Celestin was hired as the Vice President and General Manager of Untouchables Entertainment, Inc. (“Untouchables”), a record label founded by Heavy D and the Boyz’s member producer Edward “DJ Eddie F” Ferrell. Untouchables had entered into a joint-venture agreement with Laface Records, LLC (a record label founded and owned by L.A. Reid and Kenny “BabyFace” Edmunds) and was responsible for the success of multi-platinum artists such as “DONNELL JONES”, “INtrO” and “PETE ROCK AND CL SMOOTH”. In addition, Mr. Celestin managed producers signed to the Untouchables Producer Management Division (“UPM”). As Vice President and General Manager of UPM, Mr. Celestin was responsible for managing the careers of hit producers such as Dave “Jam” Hall (MADONNA, MARY J. BLIGE and MARIAH CAREY), Edward “DJ Eddie F” Ferrell (HEAVY D & the BOYZ, INtrO and TLC), KENNY “Smoove” KORNEGAY (CASE, CHANGING FACES and MARY J. BLIGE), among others. After a two (2) year stint at Untouchables, Mr. Celestin went into private practice and joined the law practice of Louise West and assisted her in the representation of superstar recording artists/producers like “MISSY ELLIOTT”, “TIMBALAND” and “GINUWINE”.

In 2000, Mr. Celestin established the Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin representing major platinum-selling recording artists such as “PETEY PABLO,” “3LW” as well as other up and coming recording artists, producers, songwriters and record labels. In addition to running a successful law practice, Mr. Celestin has managed Interscope recording artists “CITY HIGH” and presently manages Univision recording artist “ENEMIGO” and Jiggiri/Atlantic recording artist “CHYNO NYNO”. Through his production company, Intelligent Music, Inc., he independently released Enemigo’s debut album entitled “Quien Es Enemigo?” which went on to sell over 25,000 units and is presently developing recording artists such as “Chyno Nyno”, Australian R&B singer “CASSIE”, and Swedish Pop/R&B singer “BARBI ESCO.” Mr. Celestin has spoken on numerous panels and at “countless” seminars regarding the entertainment and music industry. He is also a member of the following trade groups and associations: American Bar Association (ABA), Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), American Federation of Independent Music (AFIM), the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and the New York County Lawyers Association.

Varonica Cooper, Esq.

Varonica Cooper is the Of-Counsel Attorney for Demoshoppers, Labelshoppers, and Scriptshoppers. A graduate of Villanova University, Ms. Cooper is a trained entertainment attorney who has recently negotiated label and publishing deals for Ashanti. Her law firm is acredited with representing such artists and industry executives as: TG4, Haqq Islam (President of University Records) and Chivon Dean (President of Ruff Ryders). She also represents several producers that work with Roc-A-Fella Records, 3Lw, and up and coming J Records artists.

Michael Cheung, Esq.

Michael Cheung is the Associate Director of A&R Relations and Legal Affairs assistant at Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers. He is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Management, where he received a B.S. in Business Administration. During his time at Boston University, he traveled to Sydney where he was immersed into the burgeoning Hip-Hop and R&B scene. He has interviewed and networked with professionals from all areas of Hip-Hop including artists, DJ’s, producers, as well as various music industry personnel.

Having completed his law degree at the New England School of Law, where he was the Vice President of the Entertainment & Sports Law Organization, he is now an Attorney specializing in Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law in New York City.

Michael has worked with companies who deal with artists such as Britney Spears, Ashanti, Justin Timberlake, Keith Murray, Rakim as well as actors Hillary Duff and Rosario Dawson. His passion, expertise and commmitment to excellence in the entertainment industry has secured his place as one of the most promising deal makers in the business.

Liza C. Bowers, Esq.

Liza C. Bowers, Esq. is a Client Specialist for Demoshoppers, Labelshoppers, and Scriptshoppers. Ms. Bowers earned a Juris Doctorate from New York Law School in New York, NY, which she attended on a partial merit-based scholarship. In addition, Liza holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the prestigious Ivy League school, Dartmouth College located in Hanover, NH.

Ms. Bowers has a diverse legal and event planning background which allows her to serve our clientele at Demoshoppers, Labelshoppers, and Scriptshoppers with a level of excellence that is unparalleled in the industry. During her legal career, she primarily practiced in the public interest for government and non-profit organizations. She is also active in community service organizations. As such, Ms. Bowers is skilled at fund-raising and negotiating contracts and deals. She has planned numerous events, ranging from Showcases, Album & Film Release Parties, Art Shows, and Book Signings. In bringing her skills to the entertainment venue, Ms. Bowers will ensure that our client's events are heavy and strategically promoted and well-received by industry professionals and the public, alike.

Jason Bunyan

Jason Bunyan began his career at Bad Boy Worldwide handling development and managerial issues for the Vice President of Bad Boy Films, and was later selected to be the Assistant to Andre Harrell. He is Vice President of Madman Entertainment Group, a production company founded by the President of Vibe Entertainment to handle campaigns for high end mainstream and urban clients. Bunyan was entrusted with the responsibility of developing treatments for content which were essential for the closure and advancement of deals with entities such as Sony/MGM, Showtime, IDT, and Stan Lee’s Pow! Entertainment.

While at Washington, D.C.’s Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, Bunyan concentrated on the intricacies of multimedia, and became a member of the DC Independent Film Festival’s (DCIFF) Board of Directors at age 22. During his time at the Film Market’s helm, he absorbed the fundamentals of acquisition and fundraising, increased the influx of quality animation from domestic and international sources, and developed the festival’s first panel dedicated strictly to animation. These experiences gave him the opportunity to interface with executives at entities such as ASCAP, Cartoon Network, AFI, Tokyopop, and Otakon. He is particularly interested in the convergence of the film, music, and video game industries, and sees a future in which these mediums will only become increasingly connected.

Alongside other industry insiders, Bunyan has judged emerging Hip Hop and R&B talent showcases in New York City and enjoys a good live DJ set to this day. He attended Dartmouth College, where he earned a B.A. in Film Studies with an English modification and had his first formal brush with animation under the direction of world-renowned animator and activist David Ehrlich. He currently resides in Manhattan.

Gazelle Alexander

Gazelle Alexander is the Executive Director of Label Promotions and Distribution for Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers. He oversees the production and promotion of nationally distributed Compilation albums, and White Labels for our prospective clients.

With over fifteen years of experience in the Music Industry, he has done artist management, operated a successful independent record label, a successful booking agency, and coordinated distribution for independent labels. Mr. Alexander is versed in the inner workings of an independent label, as well as the issues and the pitfalls that come along with not being a part of the major label system.

For the past several years, Gazelle has been instrumental in creating the blueprint that has allowed Reggae and Dancehall music to flourish on commercial radio. He has been instrumental in creating White Labels for artists as Beenie Man, De La Soul, Devonte, DMX, Jay-Z, JT Money, Khia, KC Jockey, Ludacris, Memphis Bleek, Mr. Bigg, Mr. Vegas, Mystikal, Nappy Roots, Panjabi MC, RZA, Sean Paul, Talib Qweli, Tanto Metro, TOK, and Wayne Wonder.

Gazelle currently works for KOCH ENTERTAINMENT, the top Independent Record Distributor which recently signed American Idol’s William Hung.

Recently, Gazelle has helped break and/or promote the following records:

Beenie Man Who Am I, Tanto Metro & Devonte Everyone Falls In Love, Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas Hot Gal Today, Mr. Vegas Heads High, TOK Chi Chi Man, Tanto Metro & Devonte Give It To Her, Sean Paul Gimme The Light, Wayne Wonder No Letting Go, D12 Purple Pills, De La Soul Oooh, DMX Who We Be, Fat Joe We Thuggin, Haystak Reckon, Ja Rule Between me And You, Ja Rule Put it On Me, Ja Rule What’s Luv?, Jay Z Big Pimpin, JT Money Superchick, Khia My Neck, My Back, Ludacris Southern Hospitality, Ludacris What’s Your Fantasy, Memphis Bleek Is That Your Chick?, Mr. Bigg Ho’s, Mystikal Danger

Theda Sandiford

As an aficionado of both pop culture and modern technology, Theda Sandiford users her combined expertise in computers and music to create unique content and marketing strategies for her clients. Although Sandiford began her diverse career working in radio programming, and later as a columnist (Hot 100 Singles Spotlight) for Billboard Magazine, it was her job as Senior Director, New Media at the award-winning Def Jam Records that introduced her talents to the cyber and later wireless, universe. Nicknamed Theda Dotcom by rapper Ja Rule, whose site Ja believe contributed to his mega success, Sandiford developed a reputation for creating groundbreaking work. In addition, the Def Jam site won for best label site in the Online Hip Hop Awards in 2000.

Theda graduated from Tufts University, where she pursued American Studies with concentrations in African American history and music (jazz). Later she traveled extensively and wrote about her experiences in Africa (Kenya) during the Gulf War.

Fritz Celestin

Fritz Celestin is a communications and media consultant for Demoshoppers, Labelshoppers and Scriptshoppers. Fritz is a graduate of both Cornell University and the School of Communications at Howard University, where he earned Art and Film degrees, respectively.

As it was his lifetime goal to enter into the prominent and highly-competitive mass media industry, Fritz currently works as a producer and editor in New York’s filmmaking and music video community, specializing in analog film as well as cutting-edge digital video.

His accolades include videos featuring Staga Lee, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Busta Rhymes, Ginuwine, Usher, GangStarr, The Fugees, “Missy” Elliott, Blackstreet, Vitamin C, and Kenny Lattimore. Fritz also works as an editor, producer, and post supervisor of various syndicated broadcasts such as the Montell Williams Show, and on cable TV for such networks as the Style Network, Lifetime, and the travel Channel. He has worked for production companies including: Jonhsonworks, Casablanca/Universal Records, Paramount, New Line, and Fox. Today, Fritz enjoys deejaying at some of the hottest and most exclusive industry parties. He has deejayed for such parties as BlackFilm.com at Lincoln Center, (events sponsored by Black Diamonds Entertainment founded by AJ of 106 & Park), and for celebrity “shindigs” for Spike Lee (Fritz interned on the set of Do The Right Thing, and was a Location Assistant for Malcolm X), for the Sports Ball sponsored by the Arthur Ashe Institute, The 2005 Sundance Film Festival and for many prominent professional athletes.

Rashidi Hendrix

Rashidi Hendrix serves as the Vice President of Creative for Reach Global Music Publishing in New York City . In this capacity, he is respo’s catalog of writers in the areas of film, television and media, which includes: motion pictures, television shows, TV Commercials/Ads, internet, ringtones and video games. Under his tenure as Head of Creative, Reach Global garnered a worldwide #1 record, Rhianna’s “S.O.S.,” on 10 radio formats, including #1 on Billboard; as well Hendrix personally signing hit producer Jason Perry, who co wrote hit singles Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You”; Jamie Foxx’s “DJ Play A Love Song” and Pussycat Dolls’ new single “Buttons.”

Prior to Reach Music, Hendrix worked at Rhythmbank Music Publishing, where he served as a Consultant and Creative A&R for Film TV Music/Soundtracks, an in-house music supervisor for Rhythmbank Music Publishing and an A&R, Soundtracks for Rhythmbank Records/Warner Music Group, where he secured and executive produce soundtrack album opportunities. While at Rhythmbank, Hendrix created deals with CBS Sports NASCAR Finals, MTV/LOGO hit show “Noah’s Arc,” Bravo’s “Queer Eye from the Straight Guy” and various networks, such Oxygen, BET and Fox Sports, as temp score music.

In addition to publishing, Hendrix formed and created a music supervision and consultation company called MasterVision Supervision, which is a full service company that consults films, television shows, advertising agencies, video games and soundtracks. While working on the supervisor-side of film and television shows, Hendrix has been involved with various films/soundtracks including “Brown Sugar,” “Hitch,” “Drumline,” “Deliver Us From Eva,” “Yellow” among others. The television shows include FOX’s “Bernie Mac Show,” “Best’s Top 25 Countdown,” Showtime’s “Sleeper Cell” and others. Along with multiple commercials with Mountain Dew, Mini Cooper (BMW), Jaguar, Sprite and Samsung, MasterVision is prepping for this season of new shows and two up and coming film projects.

After working on these various soundtracks, Hendrix was able to secure a deal for his own soundtrack label, BankStone Recordings, at Universal Music; in which, he will sign, executive produce and market the soundtracks of major and independent motion picture and television soundtrack albums.

Also in 2006, Hendrix will begin a new chapter in television and film production through his production company BankStone Entertainment, where he has been hired as a Co-Executive Producer for the World Music Awards and 3 up and coming indie feature films!

Hendrix came to Reach Music Publishing, MasterVision and Rhythmbank from his own successful music talent management firm, RaRaMusic Entertainment, and his own independent publishing company Citadel/RaRaMusic Publishing. Prior to that, Hendrix worked in executive positions at Island Def Jam and Arista Records, in tour marketing/management, as well as A&R Administration, respectively. Throughout his career Hendrix has worked with a variety of artists in various capacities, some of the artists include: Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Nelly & The St. Lunatics, Limp Biskit, System of the Down, Mos Def, DMX, Staind, Redman, Method Man, Sisqo, Kelly Price, D’Angelo, Montell Jordon, Common, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, The Roots, Bilal, Beanie Siegel, Memphis Bleek, DJ Clue and many others.

Lindsay Rodman

Lindsay Rodman is officially become the new “Main Power Broker” for Blacksmith Management. (home of Talib Kweli, Res, Jean Grae, and Anjulie).

Music has always played a major part in Lindsay’s life. For this reason, after earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from Villanova University, she set out to establish her career in the Entertainment Industry.

In the beginning, Lindsay gained her experience in the industry by interning within the Publicity Departments of Interscope Records and Arista Records. After master the ins and outs of publicity, she spent time learning the ropes in the A&R Department under the tutelage of VP of A&R, Mark Pitts (former manager of the late Notorious B.I.G.) In this position, she assisted in the development of this year’s biggest selling album, Usher’s Confessions as well as the development of trackmaster artist, mixtape king, Red Café and R&B group Deja Rd.

After fully exploiting her internships in the music industry, she yet again challenged herself by moving to Blue Flame Marketing + Advertising (a division of Bad Boy Entertainment)—a small boutique marketing and advertising company specializing in the urban market. As a result of her hard work and stellar personality, Lindsay was offered a position in the Bad Boy Publishing and Producer Management Department, home of many of today’s top producers and writers, such as Bink!, whose discography includes Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Beanie Siegel, and Mr. Cheeks, and Adonis Shropshire, writer of Usher and Alicia Key’s My Boo.

Anthony Ant Rich

Anthony Ant Rich, Manager of A&R for Jive Records, was born and raised in the East Village, NY, where he lived with his mother, who worked in fashion. Rich’s mother would not let him watch TV, as she didn’t think that it was stimulating enough. So, to escape his boredom, he would raid his mother’s record collection and stay up all night absorbing the sounds of jazz, early rhythm & blues and doo-wop classics. A lifelong love of music was born.

The release of Run DMC’s Raising Hell, was a pivotal point for Rich, opening his eyes to hip-hop music, starting a passionate love affair. Shortly thereafter, Rich began collecting records. As a student in high school, Rich DJ’ed school dances as a way to earn spending money and feed this fledgling record-buying habit. He graduated and began attending St. Josephs University in Philadelphia, where he joined the campus radio station, WSJU, and created the first hip-hop show, Broken Language. By the end of his freshman year, he was completely engrossed in going to shows, performing at open mic nights, DJing, etc.

The following Christmas, while shopping with a friend in Bloomindales, the two ran into Columbia recording artist, John Forte. Rich took advantage of this celebrity sighting and expressed to Forte his love for music and his desire to work on the business side, despite his lack of an entry point. Forte saw Rich’s passion and gave him the phone number of his product manager at Columbia Records. Calling everyday for a month, Rich was given an internship with tracy Waples. However, with the ups-and-downs of the business, his new boss was fired on the third day of his internship and therefore, Rich had to leave as well.

Never deterred, Rich photocopied the A&R registry and began cold calling every label and music company. Rich ended up with an internship at Diggit Entertainment, the company that managed TLC, Fat Joe, Billie Myers, etc. Through the connections that he made there, he landed internships at major labels throughout college. In his senior year Rich was promoted to Philadelphia college marketing representative for Def Jam Records, while commuting back and forth from New York to work for Wendy Goldstein at MCA.

Post-graduation, Rich interviewed for a position in Monte Lipman’s office (President of Universal Records) and was given a one-week trial period, but by the third day was given the job. Lipman saw the potential in Rich and promoted him after only six months to the Pop Promotions department. Rich excelled, but was desperate to try his hand at his first love, Urban Artists & Repertoire (Urban A&R). At a party, Rich met Dave Lighty and after hounding him for a month, became his assistant at Jive Records.

At Jive, Rich got involved with everything he could, strive to learn the skills one needed as an A&R. He attended tons of recording sessions, submitting unsigned artists for consideration (including David Banner, who was later signed to SRC/ Universal and a big success), founding an A&R research program and working on extending the marketing reach of various Jive artists and in turn, landing Nivea a deal with Nicole Miller. He bonded with many artists, especially Petey Pablo, whom he began helping with his A&R direction and by the second album was the point person on the project.

Rich decided to found his own company, Point Blank Entertainment, as a way to expand his offerings outside of his role at Jive. He began managing several producers, artists and DJs, as well as acting as an independent A&R and executive record producer. His roster includes up- coming hip-hop group, FCM and internationally known and resident Carson Daly show DJ, DJ Reach. With tracks on major projects including V3, Nick Cannon, Eamon, Petey Pablo, Roc Raida, etc., the Point Blank producers are positioned for success. Additionally, Rich founded the J.A.H.M.F. (Jive Ass Honky Mother F*cker) record pool, as a means to continue to expand the listening audience of his projects. In 2002, Rich executive produced the Underground Hip-Hop’s tribute to 9/11 mix tape compilation. Future plans include producing a line of compilation CDs to be sold in upscale restaurants and lounges and a showcase in South Africa for Point Blank artists FCM.

In June of 2005, after discovering Pretty Rickie and the Mavericks (Jive ultimately wound up loosing the biding war to Atlantic) and bringing the Usual Suspects to Jive for wide spread production, Jive promoted Rich to Manager of A&R where he now operates. Rich currently has several artists on the cusp of being signed.

With his innovative ideas, strong network and unshakable drive, Rich has solidified his role in the future of the urban music business.

Damon Nomad Patterson

Damon Nomad Patterson has over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry where he has developed an impressive resume and become the premiere industry architect, creating various strategic marketing programs for labels/distributors and other entertainment entities.

He produced his first television show in 1994 called Video Underground, which released on the Public Access Channel and won 4 Billboard Awards. In 1996, Nomad teamed up with other well-known producers to form a production company called 12 Nations. The list of songs 12 Nations has produced is extensive and includes A-list artists such as Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, R.E.M, Big Pun, Funk Master Flex, Mya and Sean Paul. Currently, 12 Nations has a production deal with SRC/Universal Records.

Nomad has also worked at the Family tree Management Company, who represents artists such as OutKast, Donnell Jones, Macy Gray, Case and Jagged Edge. As Director of A&R at SRC (Street Records Company)/Universal Records, Steve Rifkind’s imprint, he helped sign artists and groups such as David Banner, Akon, Fat Joe, Terror Squad, Wu Tang, Mobb Deep, Funkmaster Flex, Xzibit, Three 6 Mafia and Raekwon, among many others.

Currently, Nomad is President of Day By Day Entertainment, a media distribution company, as well as Day by Day Records’ Rock Music Division. Nomad’s combined experience and social connections make him a tremendous asset to any client looking to diversify and enhance their marketing mix.

Shawn Williams

Shawn Williams is an A&R relations consultant of Demoshoppers / Labelshoppers and CEO of www.directdemo.com. As A&R relations consultant, Mr. Williams assists clients of Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers by placing their selected packages on his site which is accessed by over 200 A&R’s and Record Executives from Major and Independent Labels such a Def Jam, DTP Records, Universal Records, Capitol Records, to name just a few.

Shawn has worked in the music industry for over 10 years having worked at Def Jam Record as the national promotional coordinator, Def Jam South as the national director of marketing and promotions, and DTP Records as the national director of Marketing and promotions. Throughout the years Shawn has worked with a number of labels such as Def Jam, Def Jam South, DTP Records, Roc-A-Fella Record, BMG, Capitol Record, EMI, Universal Records, Murder Inc, Slip and Slide Records, He has also worked with a number of artist such as Jay-Z, Ludacris, DMX, Chingy, DJ Clue, Foxy Brown, Outkast, Funkmaster Flex, Redman, Method Man, trick Daddy, trina, I-20, Shawnna, Bobby V, Sisqo, Musiq, and this list goes on. Shawn has managed tours for Ludacris, DMX, Chingy, Sisqo, and Outkast. DTP, Having also worked with Russell Simmons Company rush on projects such as HBO, Mystic, Tommy Hilfiger, Phat farm, Baby Phat, 360Hip-Hop.com, and Courvoisier.

Indeed, Mr. Williams’ solid background and innovated site assist clients of Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers from all genres (Rap/Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock, Gospel, Jazz, Metal, Classical, Punk, Country, Reggae), In getting the exposure that they need.

Ed Rosa

ED ROSA IS THE DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS, PRESS AND MEDIA FOR WU MUSIC GROUP AND VICE PRESIDENT OF WU LATINO. HE HAS AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND IN THE HIPHOP AND LATINO MUSIC, RADIO AND PROMOTIONS INDUStrY. HIS PRIMARY FOCUS IS ON HIP-HOP AND REGGAETON/LATIN HIP HOP MUSIC. CLICK TO HERE A RECENT INTERVIEW.

A. Khaliyl Dillon

Monster truck Audio (the clearinghouse/label)

Founded by A. Khaliyl Dillon, a former member of the iconic hip hop trio “The Bush Babees” Monster truck Audio has grown from a one man production entity to an international media enterprise. Boasting a stellar track record in the music industry since 1994, Monster truck Audio has been instrumental in the development of the careers of many of today’s top names in music. Focusing initially on production, songwriting and artist development, Monster truck Audio’s credit sheet reads like the yellow pages of the music world. Having written, produced, and recorded with a plethora of artists such as Res, Mos Def, A tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Amerie, Talib Kweli, Beanie Man, Jagged Edge, Shawna of DTP, Jermaine Dupri, Killah Priest, Busta Rhymes, Stat Quo, Akon, Rahzel of the Roots, Bush Babees, Pharoahe Monche, and Chip Fu (let’s stop there for modesty’s sake), we’ve built our brand from the underground up—literally. With experience in event planning, strategic marketing, radio/video/dj and mixtape promotions, we have branched out into the world of direct sales via a newly formed partnership with famed and highly respected independent distribution company, “Day By Day Entertainment”. In this race to be the strongest and fastest growing independent brand, Monster truck Audio has officially taken the lead.

Monster truck Audio

(discography highlights)

c/o PNFW 156 w 56 street 4th floor New York, NY 10019
            Mr. Khaliyl 212.545.4103 info@monstertruckaudio.com

Damon Eden

Damon Eden is the A&R MANAGER for ATLANTIC RECORDS. Damon began his career in the music business with an internship at Bad Boy Entertainment in the A&R department. One year later he earned himself a job wearing two hats as a publisher and a manager and has worked with some of the most respected producers in the business. Damon maintained and updated The Bad Boy publishing catalogue that compromises signed artists such as 112, Black Rob and Faith Evans. He then returned to his roots of A&R with a major contribution to the Bad Boys II soundtrack, which is now platinum and climbing.

He recently made the move to Atlantic Records to work in the Urban A&R Department. Projects that Damon will be contributing to include: trick Daddy, T.I., trina, Twista, Bump J, treysongz, Pretty Ricky, and a host of others, including the top Reggaeton acts.

Charles Sir Charles Mixin Dixon

Charles Sir Charles Mixin Dixon has long been a force behind radio programming and promotions. Not only is he one of the music industry’s most celebrated pioneers, he is also one of the most dedicated. With over two decades of experience under his belt, Charles continues doing the daily grind, even working on Sundays, because as he puts it plainly, everyone else is still sleeping. As a result of his intense work ethic and infinite drive, Charles is a bonafide triple threat — a successful music producer, DJ, and promoter. The first R&B mixer ever to join Music Choice, Charles continues to satisfy the satellite television channel’s 36 million soul-starved listeners with The R&B/Hip-Hop Mixtape, his self-produced weekly music series. Now in its fifth year, His Music ChoiceMixtape on the R&B/Hip-Hop Channnel a classic blend of soul and hip-hop has garnered rave reviews from fans around the world. As the founder of Sir Charles Independent Productions, he markets and promotes music by a wide range of artists from Grammy Award-winning producer Vada Nobles (Lauryn Hill) to R&B/pop songstress Beyonce. And if that isn’t enough, Charles keeps his ear to the streets and tests out new music every weekend when he spins at the Coffee Shop Lounge, one of New York City’s trendy hot spots.

But this successful career didn’t blossom overnight. It all started back in 1983 when Charles was an engineering student at the University of Maryland, College Park. He was inspired by a combination of Grand Master Flash’s hip-hop sound and the house music of O’Dell’s, a local Baltimore club that rivaled New York City’s infamous night spot, The Garage. Dixon began DJing at parties around campus under the moniker Sir Charles. His DJ name was initially meant to describe his preppy British style, which featured his signature tweed blazers and horn-rimmed glasses. However, after his fellow students heard him spin, Sir Charles came to denote his royal turntable skills. He had a knack for mixing the current hits with refreshing new songs, while never missing a beat.

In 1985, Sir Charles secured a position as Assistant Urban Pool Director at OMAP Record Pool, where he reviewed and compiled the charts of 75 of the hottest DJs that played in 10 different formats in the Washington DC area. This was more than just a job to pay for school books and preppy clothing. Sir Charles was laying the groundwork for a successful career in making and breaking records. Two years later, he began DJing at a new local club called The Dome. Using the information he gathered as a chart editor, he implemented a format which would go on to change the sound of Washington DC. As the head DJ at the new nightspot, Sir Charles encompassed sounds of hip-hop, R&B, go-go, and house music, creating an unparalleled style that appealed to the masses. Under the guise of Dixon, The Dome was named Night Club of the Year by Washingtonian Magazine, a mere six months from its opening night.

Dixon also captured the attention of Albie D, the new Music Director of WPGC-FM, who felt that if Sir Charles could bring his wide audience to the station, he would helm their take-over of the DC market. As Charles remembers, He invited me to do a live mix on the air and the rest was history. I used my multi-musical format of go-go, rap, R&B, Latin freestyle, house, hi-energy, techno and 70’s classics, for a live five hour mixshow. Sir Charles’ record pool connections allowed him to compete effortlessly with other radio stations, as he had access to new records long before they received them. He introduced WPGC listeners to British imports like Soul to Soul’s Keep On Moving and Lisa Stanfield’s Been Around the World before they were released in the states. Sir Charles had carte blanche at WPGC and was able to get these international hits added to the station in regular rotation. Sir Charles hosted the first primetime mixshow on a commercial station during the highly coveted 7pm-midnight timeslot and after only three short years, his distinctive style helped take WPGC from number 22 to number 1 on the highly regarded Arbitron chart.

WPGC’s mixshow format was ultimately copied by over 40 stations including KBXX in Houston, KPWR in Los Angeles, and WQHT in New York. It was time for Sir Charles to take on the Big Apple. In 1993, he brought his innovative sound to WBLS, the leading urban station at the time. Dixon quickly made believers out of everyone who thought his blend style wouldn’t work in the New York market. His show, The Thunderstorm was the first to put classic jams like Believe In Love by Teddy Pendergrass and treat U Right by Angela Winbush in a mixshow with current hip-hop and R&B records. During his tenure at the station, Charles was also responsible for bringing Grandmaster Flash, the DJ he credits for inspiring him to spin, to WBLS.

As his DJ career was coming full circle, Sir Charles was taking on radio promotions. With his record pool background, he understood how important the DJs were in the development of an artist’s career. Charles brought his expertise to several major record labels, including Tommy Boy Records, where he created and implemented their first mixshow mailing list, which was the first list ever established in the music industry. Sir Charles’ next goal was to tackle the internet. Recognizing the lack of an urban music presence on the web, he developed 88 Soul, an hour-long R&B mixshow on 88HipHop.com. The show ran for a little over a year, going live every Wednesday night with supermodel Wendy Brooks and vocalist Renee of the R&B duo Zhane serving as hosts.

Dixon continued to keep his finger on the trans-Atlantic music pulse, programming and mixing shows for Choice 96.9 FM in London and Music Choice, the premiere satellite television channel in America. At the same time, Sir Charles held key record label positions, serving as head of DJ Promotions at TVT Records and later as Senior Director of Mixshow Promotions at Columbia Records. In 2003, he decided to take the entrepreneurial leap and start his own production and promotions company. His services are now available to all record labels through Sir Charles Independent Productions (SCIP).

Rahim Beyah

Rahim is the A&R of Henchman Productions/Czar Entertainment. As a key player with co-founders Jimmy Henchman and Bryce Wilson (Groove Theory) in the game for over a decade, Rahim works with artists to see if they have what it takes to go to the next level.

Henchmen is credited with orchestrating some 20 million records sold over the last ten years. Co-Creator of the How Can I Be Down? urban music conference and a consultant to Steve Rifkin, Motown Records and Blackground Records, Henchman was also a key figure in the success of acts such as The Notorious B.I.G., The Fugees and Salt-N-Pepa, as well as producers like Deric D-Dot Angeletti, Ron Amen Ra Laurence and D-Moet.

Beyah A&Rs and manages Czar Entertainment’s roster which includes Mario Winans, Guerilla Black, Sharissa, Michael Williams (Omar from HBO’s The Wire), Black Rob, Big Gip/Kinfolk, and Game.

Rita Toikka

Rita Toikka is an A&R for PULSE NOW and takes submissions for digital satellite and internet broadcasts.

Her company also hosts music videos and sends compilations to record labels.

Joe Cerini

Joe Cerini is the former A&R Manager at Sony Music. Joe began his career at Sony as an assistant for David McPherson, Sr Exec. Vice President of Sony Urban and later as an assistant to Marvin Peart, Sr. Vice President of A&R.

His accolades include managing A&R of 3LW projects, A&R for Ruff Endz Someone to Love You (Gold album, #1 Single for 16 weeks), Jagged Edge and other noteworthy projects.

Currently, Joe is spearheading the incredibly successful www.hiphopsupastar.com, sponsored by Cingular, Sony, Columbia, and Ericcson, which gives artists the opportunity to get national exposure and have an opportunity to perform I front of thousands on Xzibit’s 10-city tour.

Gus-Mo

Gus-Mo has over 15 years of experience in the Music Industry. From 1989-2002, he played an instrumental role in the career of the seminal rap group Gang Starr, as the head of their foundation, marketing and promotions. In addition, he spearheaded the Records Marketing and Promotions of Rawkus Records (1996-1998); the Records Polls/Club Promotions for Universal Records (1999-2002); the Club Promotions/Mixtape Promotions for Dreamworks (2002) and PayDay Records (1993-1995).

Currently, working with artists from Gravy, Sha — like Rivers and Guru, Gus-Mo is also the Director of Mixshow Marketing for Sotti Records. His insight and experience regarding Marketing & Promotion; particularly Mixtape Promotions, Club Promotions, and Records Polls, undoubtedly helps our clients to build, market and promote their small labels and unsigned artists.

Littles

Littles is a Promotion and Distribution Consultant for both Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers, and he is a master at artist development and promotion. Having worked with some of the best in Hip-Hop, namely, Raekwon, Nas, Nature, Mobb Deep, and Prodigy, Littles has proven his skills in promotion through concert tours and publicity tours where he utitlized industy publications such as Source, XXL, Fridge, Mass Appeal, true, Elemental, Vice, Get Busy (U.K), Rap US (U.K), and Vibe. In addition, Littles has also dabbed in music distribution through Radio, CDs and Home DVDs. For more on Littles, please visit Best of the Block online.

Jahmal Sang

The taste for international flavor has been with Jahmal Sang from an early age. Involved with music from an early age has provided a solid platform to perform in the business. Commencing the learning with an internship with Hardzone Promotions in Brixton, England. Jahmal had the opportunity to understand the market of a foreign territory in his teens.

After being educated in with an Artist Management Certificate from Harris Institute, the progression took him to Virgin/EMI Canada promoting various projects both international and domestic. The latest highlight has been involved in promoting the only 3 domestic platinum recordings (Swollen Members - Bad Dreams/Fuel Injected, K-os - Joyful Rebellion) in the past decade.

As well, with the given understanding of the market Jahmal Sang adopted projects that applied his feel of the street. Contracts for 555 Soul, adidas Canada, Hennessey & Marithe & Francois Girbaud have provided a proven track record for meeting corporate clients needs as well. With BREAK he is attending to Client Relations and Strategic Marketing.

Ron Alexander

The Ron Alexander show started in the late 80's being broadcast on Manhattan cable public access. Today in 2005 moving into 2006 the Ron Alexander Variety Show is broadcast in the entire New York City and on various satellite networks around the United States (check your local listings). Notable artists that have first appeared and discovered by the Ron Alexander show include KRS-One and Pretty Rickie.

The Ron Alexander Variety Show was created as a place for independent artist to showcase their talent. Along with showcasing ones talent, the show turned into a vehicle for entertainers to receive professional video production on their performances to be able to shop their image to record labels. The show promotes and markets artist to the next level, if the artist want to get to the next level with the right attitude and drive.

As time progressed, so did the Ron Alexander Variety Show. The show now travels all around the United States with promotional tours and showcases. The show is a stone rock in the hip hop underground circuit.

David Kene

The Brooklyn FreePress is the vanguard bi-weekly community newspaper of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights. The Brooklyn FreePress is led by publisher D.C.Kene, who appreciates the struggles of those trying to make it big. As an experienced writer and paginator Kene considers himself an artist, and feels an affinity towards other artists. As publisher of The Brooklyn FreePress, he offers the power of the press to those new artists, by giving them the local limelight their talent deserves. For you, the talented artist, printed reviews are substantial and provide the best kind of platform or jump off in your flight to stardom. And talented artists who work well with Demo Shoppers/Label Shoppers can bet on being read about when D.C. Kene and The Brooklyn FreePress newspaper are around.

Wanda Mann

Please visit Wanda Mann's site here.

Sleep Johnson

Sleep Johnson, Communications and Media Consultant, is the President and C.E.O. of Da Streetz magazine, which features the hottest mainstream and underground artists and labels of the day. Working as an A&R Assistant at Loud Records (Wu Tang Clan), Sleep developed a sharp ear for knowing what is hot and what is not in da streetz.

Sleep was the first African American male to graduate from the Music Technology Program at Mercy College, and as a pioneer, continues to master his skills in the exclusive interviews he writes and the stories he edits for Da Streetz magazine. Sleep is knowledgable about what the A&Rs and Executives want to hear, and embarked on sharing this insight in his interview of all the top A&Rs in a recent issue of Da Streetz magazine.

Indeed, Sleep has da ear and da connects to help advance the careers of all of our clients at Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers. We are definitely honored to have Sleep as one of our Communications and Media Consultants.

Eric Rugged Brown

Eric Rugged Brown is an A&R relations consultant of Demoshoppers / Labelshoppers and CEO of www.FOCUSEDMARKETINGINC.com.

Rugged has worked in the music industry for over 7 years having worked at Def Jam Record as the Assistant to the National Promotional Coordinator, Murder Inc Records as the Assistant, V.P. of Promotions, and as an Consultant to SONY URBAN MUSIC now SONY BMG. Throughout the years Rugged has worked with a number of labels such as Def Jam, Def Jam South, Jive, SONY URBAN MUSIC, Roc-A-Fella Records, Def Soul, Carter Faculty, Atlantic Records, Murder Inc, Slip and Slide Records, He has also worked with a number of artist such as Jay-Z, Ludacris, DMX, DJ Clue, Foxy Brown, Outkast, Funkmaster Flex, Redman, Method Man, trick Daddy, trina, Shawnna, Bobby V, Sisqo, Musiq, and the list goes on. Rugged has assisted tour managers for Ludacris, Sisqo and Outkast. Having also worked with Russell Simmons’ Company Rush on projects for companies such as HBO, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, 360Hip-Hop.com, and Courvoisier. Rugged has overseen promotional ventures for other projects such as: Adidas, Marithe Girbaud Jeans, Akademiks, All Access The DVD Magazine, T-MOBILE just to name a few. Rugged has also worked with several unsigned artist and has managed producers as well such as GQ Beatz.

Indeed, Mr. Brown’s solid background and innovated site assist clients of Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers from all genres (Rap/Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock, Gospel, Jazz, Metal, Classical, Punk, Country, Reggae), in getting the promotions and marketing that they need.

DJ Angola

DJ Angola is the International Promotion and Distribution Consultant for Demoshoppers and Labelshoppers. Based in Brooklyn, New York based DJ Angola built his turntablist reputation through his diverse sets. Mixing smoothly through Latin, Funk, Samba, Hip-hop, Afrobeat, Jazzy, Rock, Bossa, Disco, and House sounds to his own original tracks and remixes. He literally moved club-goers around the world. In great demand for his unique mash-up/accapella blend DJ style, he combines a wide array of music and vocals in creating live remixes during his sets.

Whether rockin’ deep house clubs in London or Chicago, Rock/Funk parties in Hollywood, DJing Samba nights in Paris, designer shows and store openings in New York or Milan, touring w/ X-ecutioners, spinning at Latin house parties in Miami, or Hip-Hop sets in Oslo, he quickly adapts to whatever musical enviornment he is in and at any time.

He’s become a DJ favorite of the fashion world, DJing shows, nights, and opening parties for Yves Saint-Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Beyonc Knowles, Donatella Versace, Gucci, Missy Elliot, Maurice Malone, Richard Tyler, Grace Jones, Tommy Hilfiger, Patrick McMullan, John Rocha, Karolina Kurkova, Lynn Park, and many others. He also DJs for the cover photo shoots for Instyle Magazine.

DJ Angola is a DJ for the Elton John AIDS Foundation performing at Elton’s annual Oscar party, his charity benefit at the Osbourne House (along side Tony Bennett), as well as other events. Moreover, he DJs for Cirque du Soleil events around the world. He was also the first exclusive DJ for Robert Dinero’s tribeca hotspot, Hudson Lounge, as well.

Currently, DJ Angola is a resident DJ in NYC at Amy Sacco’s legendary Manhattan nightspot Bungalow 8 (Thursdays), Lotus (Fridays), Crobar (Saturdays) and at Jonathan Morr’s world-respected nightclub APT (Sundays). This weekly NYC party features a wide range of styles and guests — Fila Brazillia, Peanut Butter Wolf, Marley Marl, Grennskeepers, Quantic, Gotan Project, Mr. Scruff, etc.

DJ Angola’s Sunday party was voted as one of the Top Ten Club Nights Internationally by Jockey Slut Magazine. Each year, he DJs the annual MTV Video Music Awards party at Bungalow 8. Last year’s gala included guests Eminem, Guns & Roses, No Doubt, 50 Cent, etc. He also spins monthly at Boujis (London), and regularly at Townhouse (Miami) and Sugar (Chicago).

This year, DJ Angola will be spinning in Russia, Estonia, and several other eastern European countries for the first time as well as dates in Ibiza and Mexico City. Recently, DJ Angola has performed for thousands at the Smithsonian Festival in Washington, DC and the Hudson River Festival in NYC. He’s DJed with Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, DJ Krush, Jazzanova, Los Amigos Invisibles, Quantic, Rock Stead Crew, and countless others. He was featured along with Danny Krivit, Miguel Migs, DJ Smash and others at Goddess in Miami for the Winter Music Conference. Additionally, DJ Angola has recently done remixes for Kelis, Antibalas, Ricky Lee Jones, OutKast, Dead Prez, DJ Smash, Jungle Brothers, Funky Lowlives, and others. A multi-instrumentalist, he’s currently working on his own record which features collaborations with members of Fania All-Stars, Sugarman 3, Zion I, Anti-pop Consortium, Orchestra Mata Buena, as well as vocalists Kemdi, Amayo, Lisa Shaw (Naked), Jephté Guilliome (Spritual Life), Sharon Jones (Dap Knights), and others. His single Bailalo has garnered a rabid radio response and found its way into the top 10 lists of many of the world’s most respected DJs.

DJ Angola’s current projects include: * New 12" single on Wonder Wheel Recordings (feat. remix by Quantic), New 12" single w/ DJ Smash (Blue Note), New EP on Pulver Records (Germany), a track on the K7/Ascension Care in the Community compilation (features Funky Lowlives, Organic Grooves, Max Reinhart, etc.), a remix for new Funkly Lowlives 12" *remix for DMC Records (UK), soundtrack for Horns & Halos film (HBO), a track in Indian Cowboy (feature film out soon), two DJ Angola 12" records featuring members of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Fania All Stars, Zion I, Anti-pop Consortium, Sugarman 3, and vocalists Kemdi, Sharon Jones, Jephté, Lisa Shaw, and many more. For more details on the extensive career and upcoming events of DJ Angola, please visit www.deckstatic.com.

Dominic DJ tru Painter

Dominic DJ tru Painter has been a staple in the DC urban music scene for nearly 10 years working on many levels of the game. Starting in the mid 90s as an event coordinator he has been responsible for the Jay-Z Reasonable Doubt album release party in Washington DC (1996) and more recently SHINE, an industry party that featured DJ Mark Ronson, an EA Sports video game room, and free makeovers from MAC cosmetics. Last Fall tru played a major role in the coordination of the WKYS/Liberty Productions Back To School Jam with G-Unit, MTV's LaLa, and Xzibit to name a only a few of the featured celebrities. As an artist/producer DJ tru along with underground rapper Deity Dah was one of the first DC based artists in the mid 90s to shine light on his regions Hip-Hop scene by executing a number of nation wide promotions that garnered him several awards. Working off his indie fame, he worked his way up the ladder to represent Elektra Entertainment, Virgin Records, Columbia Pictures, and many more credible media companies as a promoter, regionally and nationally.

Currently, DJ tru works as a show producer, On-Air Personality and DJ on WPFW's brand new Hip-Hop program, Decipher, broadcasting from Washington DC to Baltimore, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.