50 Cent: 50 Ways To Get Rich

Interview By: The Wonder Twinz & Chris Gravagna
Story Written By: Katelyn Nudo

Although 50 Cent is the head of his several businesses, including his label G-Unit Records, he admits having management and the right team behind you is necessary. "I can't take every conversation or make every meeting. A big part of being able to excel, is being able to delegate responsibilities. You can't do everything yourself, nobody can. If you can accomplish making people underneath you feel like they're the boss too, then you'll boost overall moral to the highest level it can get."

50 credits his chooling in "music Biz 101" to the people at Columbia Records, where he first signed as an artist, years prior to Aftermath. After spending a year learning all the responsibilities of his past product manager, Ron Archer, publicist Yvette Gayle and now Art Director of G-Unit Records, Julian Alexander, 50 came out of his deal with Columbia with a well rounded education. "After being around that environment for a while, you learn how to navigate and maneuver. I don't regret that record deal at all. I thought I was ready in 1997, but it took for me to have that experience with Columbia to truly prepare myself."

Now Ten years later, 50 Cent has built a BRAND centered on his name and his G-Unit franchise. Despite all of his current million dollar companies and Formula 50 Vitamin water's gross, his record company is still his pride and joy. Alongside, one time manager and G-Unit Records President Sha Money XL, the label has signed numerous acts, all of which have brought the label success. "I was able to do what a lot of artists weren't. The public knows everyone in G-Unit because I didn't keep them around just to be my homeboys. I broke them up separately and presented them to the general public so that they could be recognized as individuals."

There's often a misconception about what truly happens when an artist receives a record deal. Many Artists believe that once they're signed, they're rich. They instantly want what follows with being a successful artist. The truth is that once you get signed, the road just begins. To beon the level of HipHop successes like Jay-Z and 50 himself, "it's harder than making it in the NBA. It's because of the amount of people trying to make it. Just imagine how many artists are in the studio right now, thinking that they're already in the business."

50 considers himself more conscious than the average guy in the music business. "If you can learn from your own mistakes you're smart. If you can watch other people and analyze their mistakes, then you're bright." To put it in perspective, 50 Cent currently has nearly ten business ventures besides his music career. So don't you think it's about time we all step our game up and learned from the HipHop mogul himself?

T.I. - Is his BRAND in trouble?

On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the BET Hip-Hop Awards were held in Atlanta, GA for the 2nd consecutive time. That is awesome for a City that is known as the Motown of the South and recognized as the 3rd Major Music City in the United States and the World behind New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. As more and more Industry Execs. with Deal Signing Power and Events like the BET Hip-Hop Awards come to Atlanta, GA, Atlanta will truly establish itself as the place to be.

Atlanta, GA has the 3rd Busiest Airport in the World, and after Hosting the 1996 Olympics, NBA All-Star Weekend, NASCAR Events, Braves Playoff and World Series Games, Falcons Playoff Games, and even Hawks Playoff Games in the past, Atlanta is known around the World and it's reputation is growing!

T.I., argubly one of the best rappers in the Music Business, was arrested shortly after Sound-Check for his performance at the BET Hip-Hop Awards later that night (10-13-07). The word spread fast! One of Bar-Red's own JaWar (Music Industry Connections) sent word to me what had happened and then my phone started buzzing with people checking in and people asking me what was going on with T.I. The 1st thing I did was check on the status of my two (2) friends that run with Grand Hustle to see if they were ok. After finding out that my people were straight, I started thinking about the implications this arrest may have on T.I.'s BRAND!

As an International Star now, T.I. reaches a lot of young people and endorses products that reach a lot of consumers. Does this arrest affect his BRAND? I believe it does. It is going to probably have two (2) different effects on his career. The 1st is that he may lose endorsement opportunities and the ones he currently has. I believe it may actually help increase the sales of his current release T.I. vs. TIP and it will definitely help the opening day ticket sales of American Gangsta which is a movie he is starring in alongside Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Common, etc. As some people say and believe, any press is good press. We will see!

May God Bless T.I. and the others arrested with him. Time will tell how this will effect T.I.'s Fame and Fortune!

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L.O.D.-SUMC Anniversary Week - Schedule

October 8-12, 2007 Legion of Doom-SUMC Anniversary Week!!!
-Celebrating The Legion OF Doom 4th Anniversary Week-

SCHEDULE

Monday October 8th

10pm-2am: Legion OF Doom DJ’S & SUMC-LOD Present “Ballers Gone Wild” @ Blue Flame Strip Club with Hot 107.9 DJ Hershey on the Ones & Two’s Along with Block Entertainment and The Legion OF Doom DJS and SUMC (you must be on the guest list )


Tuesday October 9th

8pm-1am : Legion OF Doom – Opening Night Reception (invite only) At Over Da Edge Restaurant & Lounge 483 Edgewood Ave Atlanta GA 30312
Black Carpet Arrivals 8pm until 10pm (NO SNEAKERS OR T SHIRTS)


Wednesday October 10th

7pm-10pm: Record Label Sponsored Event TBA @ Over Da Edge 483 Edgewood Ave Atlanta GA 30312

11pm-Until: The Legion OF Doom DJ’S Invades The Legendary “Magic City” (You Must Be On The Guest List)


Thursday October 11th

7pm-1am: The Legion OF Doom 4th Anniversary Bash @ Club Masquerade Featuring “The Night OF Stars Showcase & The LOD Back To Basic Seminar Along with Food & Networking


Friday October 12th

7pm-10pm Legion OF Doom & SUMC Invite You To The “Official” Listening Party & Live Performance Featuring Rap Legend “Bizzy Bone” “Sponsored By “After Platinum Records Media Sponsor : Urban Network Magazine
Location: Over Da Edge 483 Edgewood Ave Atlanta , Georgia 30312


Saturday October 13th

10pm-Until-Legion OF Doom After Party Celebrating The BET Hip Hop Awards

Location-Over Da Edge 483 Edgewood Ave Atlanta, GA 30312


SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! Space will be limited so please arrive early at the events!


One Love from BREG!!!

Music Marketing @ Music Conferences - Atlantis Music Conference 2007

During the 2007 Atlantis Music Conference (AMC) in Atlanta, GA, my good friend and Music Business Consultant JaWar conducted his Seminar/Panel titled Music Therapy 101 (MT101) - Make Money Online. Mr. Willie Hunter and B. Brown served as Panelists and introduced the attendees to JaWar as his presentation began. The way MT101 is done is unconventional and very personal and interactive. Our frequent Seminars at the West-End Library in Atlanta, GA are testaments to what we do, how effective we are, and most importantly, how many people we help! It's amazing how many compliments we receive. I believe we are headed in the right direction!

There were several great display booths set-up during the AMC and there were a lot of individual Artists and Music Industry people promoting and networking. When we attend Music Conferences, we must learn as much information as possible and meet, network, and connect with as many people at the music conference as possible. Then, we must follow-up with our new contacts within a relatively short amount of time. This is key to building a relationship and maximizing your marketing efforts.

Once you have started your follow-up efforts, you will be able to assess who will be beneficial to you and what marketing techniques worked for you at the music conference.

So when we all prepare for our upcoming music events and music conferences, let's make sure that we prepare ourselves to take full advantage of the opportunity. That means having our promotional items ready, presentation techniques down, and our mind & spirits in the right place. Oh yeah, a pleasant personality goes a long way too!

See you at the next Music Conference and/or Music Event!!!

One Love from BREG!!!

http://www.breg1994.com

http://www.myspace.com/breg1994

Using Music Showcases, Music Open Mics, and Promotional Shows to Brand Yourself & Your Music!

There are a lot of Artists out there that believe that they are too good to pay to perform or they believe that they have been doing their thing for so long and that justifies them not paying a fee to perform. Artists, don't get ahead of yourself!

Most Artists that are signed to Major Labels even do Music Showcases, Open Mics and Promotional Shows. The Labels pay the expenses involved with the Promotional Tour and most of the time these expenses are recoupable meaning that you as the artist are still paying to perform. Only leverage keeps you from having these expenses recouped. You will need to have a tremendous buzz and/or track record to have any kind of leverage!

As discussed in a past blog, don't be afraid to invest in yourself. When people see you grinding, they usually respect your hustle and want to be a part of your success.

Use Music Showcases, Open Mics, and Promotional Shows as your Radio Air-Play. It is usually the only time Independent Artists can have their music heard at one-time by a large group of people. Radio Air-Play is very expensive in most cases, so performances are your most inexpensive ways of being heard. Find out who produces the hottest Music Showcases, Open Mics, and Promotional Events in your area and secure your performance slot. You will be amazed at the networking you can do and the exposure you will receive especially if your music is good, your image is hot, and you have a good personality! Yung Joc received his big break at a Weekly Open Mic in Atlanta, GA.

Identify the music events that fit you and do them consistently enough to build a following where the crowd is singing your song and guess what? You don't even have Radio Air-Play. Believe me, it can and will happen if you have a song that has the potential to blow!

The best book out on how to take advantage of everything mentioned in this blog is by JaWar and the book is titled THE TRUTH ABOUT: Record Pools, Music Conferences, Talent Shows, and Open Mics

One Love from BREG!!!


http://www.breg1994.com/

http://www.myspace.com/breg1994

50 Cent vs. Kanye West - Great Music Marketing Scheme!

It has been all over the Music Industry News, Regular News, Sporting Events, etc. They even presented an award together at the MTV Video Awards this past Sunday Night (9-9-07). Who am I talking about? It's no other than your man "Fitty" and "Ye" better known as 50 Cent and Kanye West! Both of these men know how to make hit songs and both are actually marketing dreams. Here's the issue for me though, they are actually two different kind of Hip-Hop/Rap Artists. If you look at their styles and subject matter in the majority of their music, they appeal to two (2) different music markets.

50 has the well documented street past and his music is more gritty, but he also makes Radio Friendly songs with "Thug" appeal. That is a major music skill that he possesses. The ladies love it!

Kanye is "Hip-Hop Consciousness!" He says things that a lot of artists won't or can't say. He says a lot things everyday people wish they could say. He seems to appeal to the educated, pop, and international audiences.

Next week we will find out which one of these outstanding artists sales the most music in one (1) week. Who do you think will win?

I believe that 50 & Kanye got together and planned this duel. 50 is the king of controversey and Kanye is not bad at getting attention either. Remember his remarks about President Bush? May God Bless both of these brothers and may they continue to create good music and contribute to society in a positive way.

With 50's new windfall from his business interest in Vitamin Water, his rapping may never be the same, if he raps at all. He has just moved into Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, & P. Diddy territory!

One Love from BREG!


http://www.breg1994.com/

http://www.myspace.com/breg1994

Music Marketing for the "Vick Generation"

When you start thinking about how you are going to reach the young people that would like your music, you are probably thinking about your High School and College Students. These current young people are between the ages of 14 - 22. They are commonly known as Generation X, but I'm going to rename them the "Vick Generation"! I know you are asking why the Vick Generation? Well, it's simple. Your music needs to relate to and reach an entire generation of Music Content Buying Customers that have a different set of values. Yes Sir and Yes Ma'am are out of the window. Opening doors for ladies, what is that? Valuing Education, why? Violence, give me more! Sex, all we can get with or without protection! Respect, we want it, but we don't want to give it! Tell a lie, why not? Yes, the Vick Generation lives by a different code and as Music is created and marketed, we must keep these things in mind.

IPods and MP3 Players are their Music Listening Devices. Is your music digital? It must be! The Vick Generation downloads a ton of Music and they share it freely. The fastest way to spread your music is digitally! Research and Investigate all the Online Music Sites available to you to market and promote your music. You will be surprised!

At a recent Music Conference, a panelist that is a DJ clearly said that he will check out almost every MP3 sent to him via email, however, it is very difficult for him to listen to each physical CD he receives.

God Bless Michael Vick & his crew! They will pay their debt to society. Prayfully the Vick Generation will learn from this tragedy and prayfully, we as music industry professionals will help create better and more positive music content that will uplift and empower a confused generation of Music Buying Content Customers.

Let's be creative with our Music Marketing & Music Promotion skills!!!

One Love from BREG!

http://www.breg1994.com/

http://www.myspace.com/breg1994