bigskilly@bigskillyfilms.com

http://facebook.com/bigskillyfilms

Where can we hear your stuff? bigskillyfilms.com

How did you get that name?: Illy With the Skills

What has been your biggest accomplishment?: Doing A video For Dblock Members

What has been your most difficult challenge?: Spreading The movement.

What makes you different?: I make classic videos

What projects are you working on?: the kartel family presents vol.2 dvd
big skilly films presents ‘i am’ dvd

Where are you from originally? : New York

How Long have you been making music? : 1994

What artists inspire you? : haters inspire me

How would you define your style of music? : guerrilla film maker

What teams are you affiliated with? : the kartel family

Who are some artists that you have worked with? : triple threat mo barz easy snyp life kennedy clement

Who would you like to collab with? : hype williams

Where do you see the future of music? : spiraling downward

Where do you see yourself in 1 year? : making lots of money owning my own co.

Describe yourself in one word. : i am the true definition of hiphop

Any shout outs? : the kartel family d-dinero, triple threat, shawn butters,mec one,easy, mo barz

What has been your biggest accomplishment?: wow i think that will happen in may of 2012 zoe flag day 3 its going to make history

What has been your most difficult challenge?: making something out of nothing …. start up cash lol and getting people in orlando to work together

What makes you different?: my name is rebel i dont conform i aint scared to be me

What projects are you working on? movement tv the dvd vol 7 and zoe flag day 3 may 2012

Where are you from originally? : my parents are from haiti and im born and raised in brooklyn ny and i live in orlando florida… i have lived in cali, indiana …..

How Long have you been making music? : ten years

What artists inspire you? : the youth and the struggle…. revolution…….

How would you define your style of music? : undefineable lol im a promoter, hip hop journalist, radio personality and event host…..

What teams are you affiliated with? : im co ceo of movement tv ….. im an official slip n slide dj,

Who are some artists that you have worked with? : wow treal, fidel cashflow, trina, plies, slip n slide records, to many artists to name for real….

Who would you like to collab with? : jay z

Where do you see the future of music? : underground! the corporations that run mainstream radio and tv will not let you on the radio unless you selling out!

Where do you see yourself in 1 year? : going into 2012 i see movement tv on tv in @ least ten states.

Describe yourself in one word. : I am passionate about hip hop culture and want the music to be diverse and show that we are maturing as a people!

Any shout outs? : shout out to haiti, all the zoes in the us and in canada. the movement tv crew! shout out to Fidel Cashflow, Skyy high, Killa Kelz, Dat Dude, Toni lashaye, Ree’al, Crack gang, Haitian baby, dj next level, the whole slip n slide djs fam, preacher, its to many people in Orlando and worldwide that have supported me its to many people to name. shout out to the whole world!

Last Words for us…..”my name is rebel black greatness … i havent earned the last name yet … stands for r.b.g …revolutionary but gangsta…real black guys,,,,, real black girls ……….. real big gun…………really busting gats ….. im about my people for real….. “

Email: movementtelevision@gmail.com
www.hiphoprights.blogspot.com
facebook twitter and myspace im rebel black you cant miss me baby!

]]> http://purecashmagazine.com/rebel-black/feed/ 2 http://purecashmagazine.com/ray-rok-exclusive-interview/ http://purecashmagazine.com/ray-rok-exclusive-interview/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:07:12 +0000 admin http://www.purecashmagazine.com/?p=5016

“WE ARE WHAT HIP HOP IS TO AMERICA TO THE LATINO. IT’S THE MUSIC THAT DEFINED A GENERATION, MY GENERATION, THE  URBAN LATINO &  BILINGUAL SPEAKING LATINO”

Ray Rok…….. how’s life treating you? ITS A ROLLER COASTER RITE NOW BUT I’M NOT GONNA COMPLAIN, LOL THIS YEAR HAS BEEN FULL OF BLESSINGS UPS AN DOWNS. BUT I HAVE FAITH IN GOD AN KEEP MOVING EVERY DAY.

Who is Ray Rok? I AM A STRONG SELF MOTIVATED ENTREPRENEUR, THAT NEVER TAKES ‘NO’ OR ‘YOU CAN’T’ FROM ANYONE. I’M AN ARTIST, PRODUCER AND PROMOTER THAT GRINDS IN THIS GAME LIKE NO ONE ELSE!

What are some things that you do?
NOW I HAVE A DJ PULL ROKALLSTARS DJ’S WE HAVE DJ’S ACROSS THE COUNTRY BREAKING RECORDS OF OUR ARTIST AN THE ARTIST THAT WE BOOK. I’M BACK IN THE CLUB PROMOTING SEEN AGAIN IN ORLANDO CLUB ROXY’S WED NIGHTS AN SUNDAY NIGHT, AN NOW LAX TAKING IT A STEP HIGHER ON A SATURDAY NIGHT BRINGING SOME OF THE HOTTEST REGGAETON CONCERTS INTO ORLANDO. CEO OF TSM STUDIO WITH FAMA BEATZ HIP HOP AND REGGAETON LABEL IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.

How long have you been in Orlando? 22 YEARS

How have you seen the city change in the past 5 years? SAD TO SAY BUT IT HAS TAKEN A TURN FOR THE WORSE. I LOVE MY CITY AN REP IT WERE EVER I GO. BUT PEOPLE LEAVE THERE CITY’S TO COME TO ORLANDO FOR A PEACEFUL LIFE AN BRING THE SAME HABITS OF LIVING FROM WITCH THEY CAME. CRIME RATE HAS INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY IN 5 YEARS. WE ARE GROWING CITY LETS TAKE PRIDE IN IT, AN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.

Where are you from originally? LOL DEFIANCE, OHIO THE MID WEST! BUT PRETTY MUCH RAISED RITE HERE IN O TOWN SOUTH SEMORAN BABY!!1

Tell us about a few of your major accomplishments… HAVE RECORDED IN OVER 7 COMPILATIONS ALBUMS THAT HAVE HIT STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WITH DUO ANTHONY MR BOU WE HAD THE NUMBER #3 SONG IN PERU TOP 10 AN STAYED IN THE TOP 10 FOR OVER 9 MONTHS. AS WELL AS LA CALLE RADIO IN CHICAGO WE HELD THE TOP 10 SPOT FOR 6 MONTHS WITH HIT SINGLE “TU ME QUEMAS”.I HAVE PARTICIPATED AS A REGGAETON ARTIST IN THE PUERTO RICAN PARADE IN NYC AN CHICAGO FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS.
HAVE SEEN OVER 3 CONTINENTS WITH MY MUSIC AN HOPE TO REACH THE OTHER 4 BEFORE MY CAREER IS DONE. NEVER BEEN SIGHNED TO A MAJOR RECORD DEAL AN STILL HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO SHARE STAGES WITH ARTIST LIKE TREBOL CLAN MASTER JOE OG BLACK AN GUAYOMAN FELINO YOUNG HOLLYWOOD DADDY YANNKEE AN MR BOU GETTING SHOWS AN BOOKINGS FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AN SOUTH AMERICA! HAD A HIT SINGLE WITH GOLDSTAR RECORDING ARTISTS TREBOL CLAN “CHIKA MODELO” WITCH HIT RADIO WAVES IN PUERTO RICOS REGGAETON 94.5. TO THIS DATE WE ARE THE ONLY GROUP TO COME OUT OF ORLANDO AN REPRESENT THIS CITY AT A NATIONAL LEVEL.

Whats been the best event you’ve ever promoted and why?
IN 2004 I DID AN EVENT FOR THE HURRICANE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA, I JOINED UP WITH THE RED CROSS AN POWER 953 WE DONATED CLOTHES FOOD AN MEDICAL SUPPLIES AS WELL AS COLLECT OVER 60K FOR THE VICTIMS OF KATRINA WITH A CONCERT. THE ARTIST INVOLVED WHO DONATED THERE TIME  WERE PITBULL, MASTER JOE AN OG BLACK JOAN Y ONEIL, RED RAT, YOUNG HOLLYWOOD AN DJ BUDHA. I DIDN’T SEE A DOLLAR BUT TO KNOW THAT I MADE A DIFFERENCE IN ANOTHER HUMAN BEINGS LIFE FOR HIM TO FEED HIMSELF WIFE OR CHILD. FOR ME IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER BEEN A PART OF SHOUT OUTS TO THE 12 O’CLOCK CREW. A GROUP OF FRIENDS WITCH ACTUALY WENT WITH ME TO LOUISIANA AN KEY WEST TO HELP PUT BLUE TARPS AN SHELTER FOR FAMILYS IN NEED!

Do you produce music? If so what do you use? AT THE MOMENT NO-  I’M NOT PRODUCING BUT WHEN I WAS I USED FRUITY LOOPS, AND A PHANTOM IS ALL YOU NEED LOL

Is reggaeton dying, dead or living more life than ever?
WOW IF I GOT A $1 FOR EVERY TIME I HAVE BEEN ASKED THIS I WOULD BE RICH!!! I HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE MOVEMENT FROM THE BEGINNING AN HAVE SEEN IT SPREAD AROUND THE WORLD. IN THE STATES IS TAKING A HIT YES IT IS. IS IT DEAD KNOW. ORLANDO KEEPS IT ALIVE YOU DIGGG!!!! NOW YOU GO TO THE WEST COAST ITS ALIVE YOU GO TO SOUTH AMERICA ITS REALLY ALIVE AN THE MOVEMENT IN EUROPE IS GROWING EVERY DAY.. SO IS IT DEAD IT WILL NEVER DIE WE ARE WHAT HIP HOP IS TO AMERICA TO THE LATINO ITS THE MUSIC THAT DEFINED A GENERATION MY GENERATION URBAN LATINO BILINGUAL SPEAKING LATINO

Who are some of the most top dollar producing acts?
MAN RITE NOW I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT THE LATINO’S HAVE TAKEN IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. PITBULL, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, MARK ANTHONY, WISIN Y YANDEL THEY HAVE PUT THEM SELVES RITE UP THERE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD AS TOP SELLING ACTS.

What artists, DJ’s do you manage? PRODUCERS: FAMA BEATZ, RESTLESS, YOUNG HOLLYWOOD DJ’S DJ GATO(ORL), DIRTY DIZZLE (ORL), DJ TITO WU TANG CLAN(INT), DJ PABLO(MIN) DJ METRO (CHI) ARTIST: MASTER JOE, YOUNG HOLLYWOOD, DELIRIOUS, SINCERO (305 MUSIC),  BIMBO EL OSO MANIOSO, SLIM GOODYE, LUGO KID GET RITE, MIMI, KSINO AN KEVEN Y ERY

How easy or difficult is it dealing with them?
ONE THING I CAN SAY ABOUT THE ROK ALLSTARS FAMILY AN TSM FAMILY THATS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE A FAMILY WE HAVE FOR THE MOST PART KNOWN EACHOSER FOR OVER 8 AN SOME 16 YEARS OF OUR LIVES.

What have you learned is the best way to get the word out for promo nowadays? INTERNET! NUMBER 1 WAY TO GET YOUR MUSIC OUT IS INTERNET

Where us your favorite place to shop? LOL WAL MART YOU CAN GET ANYTHING THERE. NAME ONE PLACE YOU CAN GO IN AT ONE TIME AN GET WHAT EVER YOU NEED DONE AT ONE TIME. LOL..

WHats your favorite restaurant? OLIVE GARDEN THE SALAD IS BANGING!

Whats your favorite drink? ORANGE JUICE OR INCREDIBLE HULK

Where do you get your haircut? SO MANY OF MY BOYS HAVE BARBER SHOPS THAT IF I MENTION ONE I’M GONNA HURT THE OTHERS FEELINGS. LOL.. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE..

Do you think the magic is going to take all this year? MAN I LOVE MY BLACK AN BLUE BABY YOU DIGGG ORLANDO ALL THE WAY EVERY YEAR THAT’S HOW I TRY TO THINK AT LEAST…

Who do you think they will be playing against if so ?
MAN I WANT KOBE’S PUNK BEHIND TO COME BACK. YOU HAVE TO BEAT THE CHAMPS TO BECOME THE CHAMPS I WANT L.A.

Who do you think will win the Superbowl? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GIANTS BUT WHO KNOWS ITS A TUFF CALL RITE NOW.

In you opinion – Top 5 Artists out right now for hip hop and Reggaeton……….

Hip Hop
1WEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZYYYYYYY
2DRAKE
3JAYZ
4EMINEM
5.50CENT

Reggaeton
1 MY ALL TIME FAVORITE WONT EVER CHANGE TEMPO EL DURO
2 WISIN Y YANDEL
3 DON OMAR
4 YANKEE
5 COSCU

Top 5 local artists

1 MR SMILES, CANT TAKE AWAY WHAT HE HAS DONE
2 SLIM GOODYE
3 STREETS
4 TREAL
5 ATIBA

Top 5 local DJs
1 NASTY IS THE KING OF ORLANDO HANDS DOWN
2 DJ GREG GODZILLA G
3 DJ GATO
4 DJ CHINO
5 VOS DJS

How did you get your name – Ray Rok?
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP I WAS ALWAYS A SKINNY LITTLE SACK OF BONES. I WAS CHIZZELED BUT SKINNY AS HELL MAN LOL.. I USE TO PLAY FOOTBALL AN WHEN PEOPLE WOULD TAKLE ME THEY SAID IT WAS LIKE TACKLING A ROCK. OOOYYYYAAAA LOL NOW I CALL MY SELF RAY ROK CAUSE I’M THE ROK AN FOUNDATION OF MY COMPANY IF I DON’T DO MY JOB WE DON’T SHINE.. YOU CANT EVER STOP A STAR FROM SHINNING ROK ALLSTARS

Have you always gone by that? KNOW MY STAGE NAME WAS EL DOBLE RR. THE TWO RR’S STANDING FOR MY PARENTS RAMON AN RUTHIE. MY ROCK AN FOUNDATION. WITH OUT THEM THERE WOULD OF NEVER BEEN ME!!

If there was one thing that you wanted the world to now about Ray Rok what would it be? THAT I NEVER LET ANYONE TELL ME I COULDN’T ACCOMPLISH MY DREAMS! THAT I WAS A GREAT FATHER AN MENTOR AN WILL ALWAYS AN FOR MOST DO ANYTHING FOR MY FAMILY!!!!

Any last words for us? I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ORLANDO FOR THERE SUPPORT TO ME AN MY COMPANY FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS. IT HAS BEEN A LONG ROAD OF MANY ACOMPLISHMENTS AN LOSSES BUT THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME. I LOVE MY CITY AN REP IT WITH PRIDE. ROK ALLSTARS ITS A MOVEMENT NOT A LABEL CREATING DREAMS SINCE 2OO1. WE DON’T MAKE RECORDS WE MAKE HITS, GONNA CATCH UP TO PETE ROSE ONE DAY… TSM JMR DH VOS IMP I REP MY CITY PROUDLY WITH YOU GUYS..

Thanks for your time.

CONTACT INFO

FACEBOOK :RAYROCENT

TWITTER :RAYROK

MYSPACE.COM/RAYROCENT

EMAIL :RAYROCENT@YAHOO.COM OR ROKALLSTARS@GMAIL.COM

YOU CAN CATCH ME ON SATURDAY NIGHTS AT CLUB LAX BRINGING YOU THE MOST UPSCALE LATIN NIGHT IN THE CITY! AND WED AND SUNDAYS @ROXY’S ORLANDO’S ONLY CLUB THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. GET ON MY GUEST LIST AN GET IN FREE TO ANY OF MY NIGHTS TILL 11:30PM ROKALLSTARS@GMAIL.COM

“Work the streets, Once you have the streets…then go for radio. At that point, Radio will be simple. You know you have the streets when folks are demanding you without being provoked by you or your people.”

Mr. Tony C…….. How are you? Man I’m blessed, so thankful for the ability to reach the masses at any given opportunity. Pure Cash Magazine is another.

For anyone who may not be familiar with Tony C, let the world know ……… Who is Tony C? Tony C’s a real dude, that just happen to be a very popular individual. Though I’ve been blessed with a lot of attention from my peers…I remain very humble. I have a genuine love for people and is thankful for the ability to touch so many lives.

When the first time that you decided to get in to the entertainment industry? Everyone I went to High school (Evans High School) with had an idea that this was my calling. I sang, I rapped, I Deejayed, Did Talent Shows and etc.

Where are you from originally? I was born in Philadelphia, and was brought up in Queens, N.Y. (Cambria Heights) and live most my life in Orlando, FL.

When we first met you were the most popular air personality in the city live on 102 Jamz radio. It was a shock to everybody when you were no longer there. What happened exactly? Well, I always considered 102 JAMZ my baby. Listening to 102 JAMZ is what confirmed that Radio is what I wanted to do. I started doing radio, while in college, at a station in Savannah, Ga. and returned to Orlando when my father became terminally ill. I was offered a job at 102 JAMZ the day after my father passed away. The reason I’m no longer there…Well in this industry, you never know when you’ve done your last show.

What other station have you been on? I started at WSGF 103.9 in Savannah, Ga., Then 102 JAMZ, 103-5 The Beat (Miami), Power 95.3, and Magic 101.3 (Gainesville)

What are some things that you learned about radio politics? Well it is what it is…its all about bottom line…Generate Revenue or there’s no use for you.

You have always been someone to feature independent talent. In your opinion what would you say are a few things that artists trying to get heard can do to make that happen? Work the streets, Once you have the streets…then go for radio. At that point, Radio will be simple. You know you have the streets when folks are demanding you without being provoked by you or your people.

When it comes to DJ’ ing, what’s your style like? I play for the crowd, many for the women. I consider myself an Open Format DJ (All Genres of music)

Whats the wildest thing any of your female fans have done to get your attention? I did a party in Beauford, SC and as I walked thru the crowd a young lady grabbed my “johnson” and asked if she can come to the booth with me until the club was over. Yes, I did decline…I was never into “Fast” women.

If you were to think about a few people that you would never work with again, what could they have done different to not have let it get that far? Think…..

What’s a few of the major differences that you see where your at now that didn’t exist in Orlando? Folks have the misconception that Orlando is behind, Don’t blame the City, blame the players…or their influence.

How important do you think relationships are in the business? Good relationships with good people are important, There is a such thing of being “Guilty by association.”

WHat are some things that you look at or look for when you meet somebody that help you determine if they are worth your time? I provoke them to win me over, its on them when I place the magnifying glass on em.. I’m usually a great judge of character

What do you have in your cd player/ ipod right now? Lil Wayne, Wale, Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Charlie Wilson, Deadmaus, so many!!!!

In your opinion – Top 10 Rappers of all time Dead or Alive

1. Tupac

2. Biggie

3. Jay Z

4. Krs-One

5. Outkast

6. Fabolous

7. Lil Wayne

8. Nicki Minaj

9. Ludacris

10. Wale

Is there any underground or up and coming artists that have really stuck out to you recently? Cy Hi Da Prince (Atlanta) Kash Soprano (Orlando) What is your main motivation to keep going? All the folks that want me to fail and those who want me to win!!!!

If there’s one thing you could have done different in your career, what would it have been? Nothing, My faith is in GOD

Who do you think is going to win the super bowl this year? Who I think? Of Course the Philadelphia Eagles will bring a Super Bowl VICK-tory

Nicki or Kim? Nicki is amazing!!!!! Kim isN’T far behind though

Mac or Pc? MAC!!!!!!!!!

Whats your favorite restaurant? PIO PIO (ORLANDO) R. THOMAS (ATLANTA)

Whats your favorite drink? Wray & Nephew Jamaican White rum

Facebook Fan Page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tony-C/65488566793 Profile- http://www.facebook.com/djtonyc

Twitter Link http://www.twitter.com/ItsTonyC @ItsTonyC

Website http://www.TonyCfam.com

Most people know me as a model and I have been modeling off and on for most of my life. But my most recent ventures are I am co owner of a photography company called NaF Studio. I’m also a shoot director, model coach, make-up artist,  production coordinator, and a booking agent. But that’s not all I’m also a dance choreographer, and a competition cheer choreographer…lol..  wow I didn’t realize how many things it was until I had to say them all J..

Hello Miss Knight, how are you today?

I’m doing good and feeling blessed thanks for asking..

We know you have lots of talents, maybe you can share some with the world who may not know ……..

Most people know me as a model and I have been modeling off and on for most of my life. But my most recent ventures are I am co owner of a photography company called NaF Studio. I’m also a shoot director, model coach, make-up artist,  production coordinator, and a booking agent. But that’s not all I’m also a dance choreographer, and a competition cheer choreographer…lol..  wow I didn’t realize how many things it was until I had to say them all J..

What’s been a few of the toughest obstacles to overcome in your field?

One of the toughest things I’ve had to overcome believe it or not is trying to establish our company as a reputable photography company. There’s a lot of so called “photographers” in my field some are good at what they do and some of them are good at giving photographers a bad name. Whenever we have a new client that has had a bad experience with another photographer/company come into our studio before they leave we make it our business to restore faith in that client. Through our product and professionalism we usually get a lot of repeat business from those same customers.

Who are some people that have inspired you along the way?

First there’s my parents.. my mom is the hardest working woman that I know. All of my life she has been a single parent working 2 jobs 6-7 days a week. I have always looked up to people such as Iman she is a true entrepreneur to me. There’s also, Tyra, Oprah, Cindy Crawford, Steven Klein,  and Peter Lindbergh…

Tell us a little about NAF studios and what it has to offer…..

Our studio is equipped with 8 different backgrounds (set up and ready to shoot), we have one the best photographers in Florida as the resident photographer and co-owner  Simone` Desiato. We have everything you may want including professional lighting, camera rental, laser machine, fog machines, plus our sets are walled off and fully dressed! In addition we have a changing room, business office, private bathroom, WI-FI, wardrobe closet with over 200 outfits and over 100 pairs shoes. In addition to we also rent out our studio to amateur and professional photographers as well. Our services include but aren’t limited to Portfolios, lingerie, glamour, high fashion, Catalogue, Look Book, Head Shots, Commercial & Print,  fashion shows, cd covers, portfolios, weddings, family pix, sporting events, music videos…you name it we shoot it

What’s one thing that most people dont know about you?

That would be that I am a football FANATIC.. I live, sleep and eat football J GO GATORS, GO COLTS!!!!

What’s  the best way for someone to contact you?

You can like us on facebook at NaF Studio, via email nafmodels@gmail.com, or by phone at (407) 485-4779

Any last words for us?

Yes I do…

If you looking for a unique space for your next photo shoot look no further than NAF STUDIO. Located near beautiful downtown Orlando, Florida. Your one stop shop for all of your photography and video needs..

Full interview after the jump….

Mr. Moore, How are you today?
All is well my friend just living life.

I first heard about you as the man behind Beyond Human Media. Since then, I know that you have undertaken many projects. Fill us in on some of what you do……
My creative travels started back in Tallahassee, FL as a College student/Club promoter that couldn’t afford to pay graphic designers so I became one. Since then I’ve been on a road filled with big letters, colors, and catchy phrases in the advertising world, which intensified my desire to be more creative. Given the title of Creative Director on a few campaigns I was slowly starting to fall in love with the art form of photography and growing less patient with the lack of creativity from the hired photographers. So once again I became one. Having both crafts under my belt I’ve been able to produce a various amount of projects from magazines to social campaigns. Now my team and I are moving in a steady direction to hammer out quality powerful progressive projects.

Who are some people or things that serve as inspiration to you?
My first and most important inspiration has always been the celestial. My mother still tells the story of going back and forth to church with me pressing my face against the car window starring into space as if I knew something she did not. The stars and the unknown inspire me. What others might fear I tend to embrace. From death and the after life, God, the spirit world and everything in between. This speaks strongly in my art and the messages are clear if you have eyes to see. The mind and works of Leonardo Da Vinci, his love and knowledge for astronomy and his ability to tell stories inspires me to keep perfecting my craft.

What are some of the recent projects you are working on?
I’ve created a magazine/book hybrid called AV “Artistic Visions” which is my portfolio in magazine format and the people that helped me create this project are now called TEAM AV. We have a few events lined up for the New Year to promote our upcoming issues as well as our entertainment magazine “33.” I’m also working with a clothing company to brand my signature series under Roads to Riches with Egyptian influenced images as the brand. 2011 is the year of traveling and I’m excited about my upcoming travels to Egypt, South Africa, London, and throughout the States.

Tell us about some of your achievements/ accomplishments you are most proud of.
I’m proud to be at this level of the game in such a short time period. I’ve worked with Major and Independent artist from all genres and there’s no feeling like walking into a music store to see your artwork on the front of an album cover, or seeing an image you shot grace the pages of a fashion magazine. But my biggest accomplishment to date is realizing my self worth and helping others to realize the same. After I became comfortable with being me everything else just fell into place. I became more creative, started to express myself better and now I attract like-minded people to work with.

What type of people do you prefer to work with the most and why?
The best environment is a creative one but topping that is a positive environment. Working with creative positive musicians, fashion designers, stylist and models help me stay focused on the task at hand, the project. Working around pessimistic individuals only prolongs the creative process and brings on an illness to everyone involved. Working with forward thinkers in the fashion and music world allows me to keep reaching inside myself for more. I like working with the people that actually make things come to life. I love working with makeup artist, hair stylist, production people and creative directors that are willing to push the envelope.

Where are you from originally?
I’m a first generation American from Ft. Lauderdale, FL by way of Jamaica.

How long have you been in Orlando and what caused the move?
My arrival to the city beautiful in 2002 came from a need to change my surroundings. I was stuck at a place in my life where I was standing still and everything else was moving so I had to make the move. Standing still is essentially moving backwards.

How have you seen the city change for better or worse since then?
The one thing I hear in the industry like clock work every January is that this is the year that Orlando will be on top. I love my city but that has yet to happen. Since I’ve been in Orlando I’ve seen a lack of leaders and a growth of followers emerging onto the scene. The motivated creative thinker is becoming a rare breed in the city and we need to fix that.

What have been some obstacles that have helped to propel you to where you are now?
I thought the birth of my daughter nine years ago would be the ultimate driving force behind my grind but it wasn’t. The sudden realization of responsibility helped to get my feet moving but it wasn’t until I actually looked into the mirror did I finally start moving. A little over three years ago I fell in love with a woman in the creative field who seen things in me that was still unknown to me. She saw the potential that resided within me, and the man in the mirror hindering my growth. It wasn’t until after the breakup did I start to check myself, perfect myself and start holding myself accountable for things in my life. The biggest obstacle in my life thus far has been me and accepting who I am has propelled me beyond my own understanding.

Do you frequent any night spots?
Orlando’s nightlife needs a major upgrade so I can’t answer this question with venue name drops. Our DJ’s are stepping up though so I tend to visit a few lounges to mingle and relax with my industry folk. When I really need to feel the energy I’ll check out DJ Chino, Nasty, Greg G, and VOS for some hip-hop and for the British Jamaican in me I’ll check out a few of the Electronica DJ’s downtown or hit Bob’s for some live reggae.

How important is a good reputation in the business of photography and design?
Reputation is everything in fashion photography. My team hears me say this all the time but I feel sorry for photographers that use their cameras to pick up women. I’ll leave it at that.

What services do you offer?
I specialize in conceptual photography offering a unique edge to the entertainment and commercial industries. My team and I help companies to recreate their brands, getting their pulse to beat again.

What’s the best way for someone to get in contact with you?
They can visit my site at  www.iamdwaynemoore.com

Any last words?

LPPE Love Peace and Positive Energy

www.iamdwaynemoore.com

http://www.facebook.com/beyondhuman

If you are a model that would like to be featured click here

If you are an Artist that would like to be featured click here

As I continue to prepare my full return to the industry with my forthcoming Hip-Hoppreneur ™ advisory service I’ve been having some interesting conversations and negotiations with artists, producers, managers, entertainment lawyers, publicists, and executives.

The more I build and do business with these individuals, the clearer it becomes that there may be no relationship being exposed as increasingly irrelevant and inefficient then that which currently exists between the personal manager and artist.

A good way to look at it is from the extreme caricatures of each position – the ‘dumb’ artist and the ‘greedy’ manager. Starting from there, I give advice to both sides, if they hope to thrive in the new era we have entered.

Why Artists Are ‘Dumb.’ As regular readers of AllHipHop.com already know, the second lesson I was taught about management is that , ‘Artises is dumb.’ That is exactlyhttp://allhiphop.com/stories/editorial/archive/2009/12/08/22049697.aspx) Now, personally I really don’t think artists are genetically inferior persons or mentally slower by nature. Most of them are actually brilliant and highly intelligent. However they become dumb in two ways: 1) an unwillingness to educate themselves on the business side of the industry and 2) the lowering of their overall IQ by the lack of emotional intelligence, aka the inability to think rationally about their creativity. On the first problem it is only a manner of reading. If the artist isn’t illiterate there is no excuse. All they have to do is visit the ASCAP website and read the section ‘Music and Money’ (http://www.ascap.com/musicbiz/#mm) and discuss it with a local accountant or lawyer. Or simply call upon Wendy Day (http://www.wendyday.com/), the greatest artist advocate-educator in the history of rap. She freely publishes state-of-the art and constantly relevant information that can make the most ignorant artist capable of breaking down the most successful business managers and entertainment lawyers. On the second matter, the problem is more severe. It revolves around ‘psychic income’ and the fact that sometimes we enjoy appreciation, applause, praise, and non-monetary forms of ‘reward’ more than money. The preference for psychic income over money always causes an artist to place creative thinking over critical thinking, which makes accepting criticism and new ideas difficult. Artists with low emotional intelligence are always close-minded. how it was stated to me by a mogul who took me under his wing early on. You can learn more about how that knowledge was shared with me by reading my ‘360 Deals and Dumb Artists.’ (

Why Managers Are ‘Greedy.’ Managers are ‘greedy’ for two reasons: 1) the music industry accounting system and 2) because artists are ‘dumb.’ For a few months I’ve been getting deep into the history of music industry economics which really do resemble sharecropping arrangements. And there is a straight line between 19th century slavery and the establishment of the accounting system that record labels and publishing houses adapted. More on that in a future piece. But a simple fact must be accepted – the financial practices and payment system of the music business was developed by the non-artist and the payment splits naturally reflect that. Managers who bring expertise, business etiquette and a network were always closer to the accountants and lawyers who sealed the deal. On the second point because the tedious details of business administration can kill their creative energy, many artists delegate too much of it to others, wanting to get away from anything that takes away from or kills their artistic, ‘high.’ An emotionally immature and financially illiterate artist is no match for the 4 Horsemen of the industry’s traditional team infrastructure: The Road Manager, The Personal Manager, The Entertainment Lawyer and The Business Manager. The ‘dumb’ artist gets betrayed and stomped out worse than Dusty Rhodes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Bv3ZjgvpE&feature=related).

Talent Without Patience, Vision and Strategy Equals Short-Lived Success. This is for artists. As hard as it may be for you to accept – talent is not enough to make you a commercial success. That is not just because certain power centers – radio stations, channels, and entertainment outlets – are controlled by certain forces or because music business decision-makers are not always good at identifying and grooming talent. It is also because branding and marketing skill are as important or more than how well you rhyme. An artist that continues to think they should be ‘on’ simply because they are hot is delusional and liable to go insane with frustration. Every artist needs people around them who can guide them according to a vision and business strategy. But perhaps more importantly there is a level of patience that is needed that yes, again, I must say – the emotionally immature artist tends to not have. It takes time to get meetings, for people to be persuaded, for promotions to take root.

Do You Value Connections More Than Guidance? One of the reasons the traditional personal manager-talent relationship is increasingly irrelevant and inefficient, even unnecessarily expensive for an artist, is because what artists usually retain a manager for, is something they can do on their own if they understood how to network. The vast majority of unsigned or unwilling artists (I call them ‘unwilling’ because they are unwilling to out themselves out independently with marketing savvy) I know have a manager because they simply want to get in front of someone else whom they feel has the power to ‘put them on.’ This is such a mistake. Giving 20% of your income (even 50% when the ‘old’ model production deal comes into play) to someone simply to introduce you to someone else that you can probably meet on your own is, well, ‘dumb.’

Artists need to follow the example of Wall Street and movie finance where finder’s fees and producer’s credits and points are given in exchange to someone who makes introductions and arranges a deal. What artists really need today is guidance and confidence in their own ability to build a team that can execute a strategic gameplan. Too many artists are just mentally lazy and are too insecure – making decisions according to the latest fad or trend – and sell ownership of their career and future revenue to the latest person who is connected to the flavor of the month producer, label, artist, or clique. But what happens when the hot new connect loses his job or when she no longer can get her phone calls returned? You’ve married someone looking from outside of the house, looking into it, just like you. An artist needs someone to teach them how to keep their image-brand-reputation in alignment and keep track of business models and contracts. With the mp3, HD Internet, Facebook, Twitter, websites, email, social events and conferences no artist needs to give excessive ownership of their career to someone who ‘knows people.’ After the connection is made, what else do you have left to offer the rest of your team or new people you need to bring into your circle to advance you in new ways?

Can They Go Places You Can’t? Having said that, the first lesson I was taught by my business mentor when I got into personal management was that your artist clients want to know that you can go places they can’t. This principle is sound, yet I see artist after artist surround themselves with their boys and crew – an entourage of unqualified persons who may be personally loyal to them (we’ll see how long that lasts) and who might be able to beat somebody up, but who are business and professional liabilities. They drive more opportunities away from you then they bring, with their bad advice, lack of professional etiquette, and sometimes envyious and ‘hidden’ resistance to the artist’s growth (after all, if you grow you may leave me behind). I’m not a mind-reader but I am pretty good at telling when an artist is being influenced by sycophants (ass-kissers) and ‘friends’ who have attached themselves to them in the hopes that they too will be ‘put on.’ What makes me attractive or at least interesting to artists and clients is that when I left the music business I went places that most artist can’t or don’t – in the world of politics, economics, and international affairs. That means I’m different and can possibly add something to their career that bring something to their creativity and professional development. As much as people front, unalike attracts and like repels in certain ways. Agreement is the basis of love and people don’t marry on the basis of hate and disagreement, but differences are complimentary and we all need parts to make up a whole. No artist needs a manager who can’t think out of the box, can’t go places they can’t or who thinks their rolodex matters more than a vision, strategy, and wisdom executed and applied in pursuit of the best interests of their clients.

Be Selective. This is for the managers. Simply because a person is talented and you have connections and can offer guidance doesn’t mean they would make a good client for you, or that you are the best person for them. In taking on clients to advise (not manage!) I am being extremely careful to not get involved with great talents who are going to be high-maintenance, needy, and lazy mentally. When people ask me what personal management is, at its worse I say ‘baby-sitter and hostage negotiator.’ If you are a sensitive person and pay attention to details, you are a ‘mark’ for the worst kind of artist client – the dude or lady who plays off of compassionate people and slowly but surely makes you more their ‘best friend,’ ‘Mom,’ ‘Dad,’ or legal guardian (without the paperwork) than professional confidante and guide. There is no 20% that is worth the headache of an artist who not only is a knuckle-head, but one who also drains you emotionally and spiritually, and worst of all, puts your own personal safety, and that of your loved ones in jeopardy with their mistakes and errors. I always have felt that the worst thing a person could do is take advantage of the vulnerability that kindness and duty can create. Too many artists are manipulative in this way, and I often find it is the emotionally weak manager, addicted to the psychic income (celebrity, fame, praise, status) that comes from being associated with talent or a high-profile personality who is also ‘dumb.’ Perhaps it is helpful for managers to think of great talents who are manipulative and high maintenance in terms of an extremely physically attractive person with low morals and low intelligence. You can help them and occasionally collaborate but do you really need to ‘marry’ them?

We are social beings and relationships are necessary to enjoying life and succeeding in business, but when one side is ‘greedy’ and the other side is ‘dumb’ it is a recipe for disaster. Managers and artists do still need each other, but a lot more growth is required from both, if things are to work and money is to be made.

Let’s Get It!

Cedric Muhammad is a business consultant, political strategist, and monetary economist. He’s a former GM of Wu-Tang Management and currently a Member of the African Union’s First Congress of African Economists. Cedric’s the Founder of the economic information service Africa PreBrief (http://africaprebrief.com/) and author of ‘The Entrepreneurial Secret’ (http://theEsecret.com/) . His Facebook Fan page is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cedric-Muhammad/57826974560?ref=ts and he can be contacted via e-mail at: cedric(at)cmcap.com.

Editorial : The End Of ‘Greedy’ Managers and ‘Dumb’ Artists (Hopefully).

“My show format makes me original. Most media outlets & networks focus on the BIG name, whereas I focus on the little known talent that is not constrained by industry rules & have more creative control over their craft. I speak for the little man so-to-speak”

Where can we see your stuff?  My interviews can be viewed EXCLUSIVELY on my website. Videos of mine have been seen on numerous websites by thousands.

How did you get that name?  Back in the day when I was producing my name used to be ‘ant boogie’ then when I transitioned to film making I decided to shorten it to just my first initial which is the A & my middle name which is SEAN

What has been your biggest accomplishment?  I would say is hearing a record I produced on regular rotation in the 2nd biggest market in the country!! I had a 3 month run with that record

What has been your most difficult challenge? My challenges start when I wake up!! Pushing the ASEAN brand in as many markets as I can is a constant challenge, but it’s fun at the same time.

What projects are you working on?  I’m working on a feature film with my production partner Shane Harper. We’re still in the pre-production phase now, but when the time is right we’ll unleash it to the world! I’m constantly developing ASEAN TV into a media force.

Where are you from originally?

How Long have you been making music?  I’ve been in the entertainment business for over 20 yrs. I started producing when I was 18. I owned EMBRASE Records from ’93-’96 then switched to engineering & producing for other artist in Chicago,L.A. Michigan,Indiana. I’ve watched this game evolve numerous times!

What artists inspire you?  New artist inspire me because it let’s me know creativity (good or bad) is alive

How would you define your style of music?  My film style is on edge meaning you’ll never know what to expect when a new episode comes on

What teams are you affiliated with?  Shane Harper productions, Focused in Entertainment, ASEAN Productions

Who are some artists that you have worked with?  Co-Defendants, Fard Razah, Eddy Bulletz,

Who would you like to collab with? : Spike Lee

Where do you see the future of music? independent artist will take over the music game. Small labels are making more money from the independent route than most major labels

Where do you see yourself in 1 year? My show will be on a major network showcasing new talent to the world

Any shout outs? I’d like to give thanks to Tonia Hester,  Kip Cade, Reggie Blanchard, Eddy Bulletz, Hollywood, E2, Fard Razah, Doughboy, Rebel Black, T-Rexz, Mo4US, Doobie, Alwayz, & all the people I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing from all over the country
Insert Bio: Dedicated, Creative, & Versatile.

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