#AHHPowerfulWomen: Shanice Parker, CEO of Billz Productions Shares How Knowing Yourself Equals Success in the Music Industry
(AllHipHop Features) Shanice Parker (often referred to as Ms.Parker) is the CEO and Founder of Billz Productions, a New York City based production company that specializes in producing and creating visual content within the entertainment industry. Since launching her brand in 2014, Shanice has filmed and edited video content featuring Reality TV- Star, Yandy Smith, GOOD MUSIC artist Desiigner, Rick Ross, Cardi B, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Dave East, and many other well known public figures. In addition Ms. Parker has covered major shows and events such as the BET Live Experience (L.A), BET Music Matters (NYC), BET Hip Hop Awards (ATL) and the WEEN Awards (NYC.) Shanice has built a wonderful track record as a professional, with testimonials from clients throughout New York City, Detroit, Delaware and London! Ms. Parker’s work and career has been highlighted on various publications such as NoveeRose.com, Harlem News, Black Enterprise and other media platforms (radio, online and print.) Outside of filming and editing, Ms. Parker continues to share her knowledge with others through various speaking engagements ranging from young students to emerging professionals. Since the launch of Billz Productions Ms. Parker has facilitated workshops for the New York Coalition of 100 Black Women Role Model program, the Junior One Hundred (a youth extension of The One Hundred Black Men) and the College Success program at Harlem Children’s Zone. She has led panels in New York City and in Pittsburgh providing entrepreneurial tips to attendees on how to effectively follow their passion and develop their brand. Shanice continues to go above and beyond for clients to ensure their videos and photos properly showcase the brands highest potential. As a young professional Shanice understands the importance of providing services that compliments popular culture trends. Aside from producing traditional services such as music videos and headshots she also creates custom Instagram commercials and Vlogs! Shanice released her first film Benny & Chris in December 2016, selling out at the Magno Theatre located in Times Square. The film is now available on Youtube and DVD. As the month comes to a close, AllHipHop was excited to get some time with Ms. Parker to hear more about her life as a director in the music and entertainment industry and her journey to becoming a powerful woman in the game. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails: Shanice Parker: As a director my job entails me providing my clients a layout and strong directing ability to produce the visuals needs of my client whether they are an artist, actor, or reporter. My duty is to produce visual content that not only appeals to the client needs but to also add my expertise so that the visuals can also appeal to their target audience. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Shanice Parker: Its always fun to talk to the client to get a clear understanding of what they are looking for and produce a visual that they had in their head come to life. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Shanice Parker: The hardest part of my career is developing a team. It is a difficult task to find people who are just as passionate as you are for what you are striving to accomplish. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Shanice Parker: It’s always difficult recognizing when to pull back and relax. At times I feel like I can be doing a lot more but you have to recognize that whatever is meant to happen will happen. I believe one of the best lessons I learned from my struggle was that the less thought I put into my next move, the more I could think freely and make decisions without any pressure on myself. Less pressure on yourself makes you think clear. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up? Shanice Parker: The people I choose to surround myself with has been the background to my strength. They have been helpful in reminding me of where I come from and where I am now. I also see how my hard work and diligence has influenced those around me as well. Giving up is not an option when you have nothing but strength surrounding you whether you find the strength within yourself or the people you surround yourself by. You are only as powerful as the people you keep around you. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss? Shanice Parker: To be truthful I believe I am a natural born leader. But I took that leap to become a boss when I decided to follow my dreams to work in the production field and all doors were closed. It’s not in me to quit so I decided to create my own door. I feel like my family instilled that hustling work ethic. I never seen anyone in my family not work hard to get what they wanted. AllHipHop: How do you balance work, and personal life? Shanice Parker: I always like to be real with myself and recognize when something is reeling in too much of my attention. I love to work a lot and I realized that it plays a huge role on how well my body operates when its being over worked. That makes it easier to decide when I need to tend to my personal life. Its strange to say but somehow work finds a way to connect to my personal life at times. And at that time I am enjoying the best of both worlds. AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun? Shanice Parker: I like to drive around see new environments, listen to music, dance, sing, watch movies from time to time not all the time though. I also find Instagram entertaining and with that comes a lot of comedy. If you know me you’ll know I like to laugh a lot! AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful and influential woman in the […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Universal Hip-Hop Museum’s Renee Foster Reminds Us To Win Each and Every Day
(AllHipHop Features) Renee Foster is a nimble results-driven public relations and marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience in performing arts, entertainment and currently new media. Experienced in developing comprehensive communication strategies and event solutions that advance goals and improves efficiencies is her forte. A creative communicator well versed in consumer behaviors, trend spotting, and cultural marketing, with specific attention to tone, messaging and outcomes is her strength. She is a former lifestyle magazine writer/editor, and is adept in event planning as well as content creation. As an influencer, it is her passion to shape conversations, amplify the positive impact of technology on a changing multicultural landscape that have an impact on communities and culture. Her mission statement is: “Winning hearts and minds, one at a time.” As the current Chair of Fundraising and Development for the Universal Hip Hop Museum, Ms. Renee Foster truly has a passion and values the culture that is Hip-Hop. With the opening of the Universal Hip Hop Museum around the corner, it was great to catch a moment or her time to connect about her work and her motivations to continue to embrace her power. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails: Renee Foster: I’m responsible for capital campaigns that raise funds for the creation of the future Universal Hip Hop Museum in addition to developing strategic alliances with the arts/entertainment, business, and academic communities. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Renee Foster: What I enjoy most is celebrating the legacy and impact of Hip Hop culture with others that feel as passionately about it as I do. It’s even better when that passion is coupled with financial support for our mission to create the next great museum in NYC. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Renee Foster: The hardest part is bringing about a consensus when there are lots of opinions. It requires the ability to listen carefully, a willingness to address all concerns and to diplomatically forge agreements that satisfy a mutually agreed upon goal. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Renee Foster: There were times early in my career when I was insecure and my confidence in my abilities wasn’t what it should have been. I realize now, that this is a fact of maturity or a lack thereof. There are decisions I made then, that I would not make now. And I’d be a bit less cautious and a lot braver. It takes a lot of personal growth to self-assess and to acknowledge these facts. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up? Renee Foster: I’m too intellectually curious to not engage in the world around me. The reality that Hip Hop has become the predominant youth culture worldwide and the fact that we are 3-4 generations deep into it and still growing. It excites me. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss? Renee Foster: I’ve had the opportunity to observe a lot of women lead as bosses. Some have mentored me and I’ve had the honor of working with some of them. Their successes have inspired me to take on new challenges and always set new goals for myself professionally. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? Renee Foster: I make it a point to give myself some quiet time. I’m never too busy that I can’t check in with family. And I prepare and share Sunday dinner with friends & neighbors potluck style on a fairly regular basis. These simple things give me balance and keep me connected to people that I care about and that love me. AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun? Renee Foster: Traveling is my jam! I love exploring new cities, new cultures & cuisines. I also love to escape to the movies preferably alone, whenever I can. It’s usually an independent, foreign or art house film. And I want to be anywhere where skilled musicians are playing live music! AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful and influential woman in the urban music and hip-hop industry. Renee Foster: To me, it means that I get to be the “keeper of the flame.” All too often women’s contributions to arts and entertainment are ignored, erased or invalidated. Our efforts behind the scenes have built careers that have made millions for others. By continuing to do the work that I love, there’s a young woman or girl somewhere that will be inspired by the example I’ve set. AllHipHop: Final Thoughts or words of advice? Renee Foster: Surround yourself with people you respect and admire. Don’t allow yourself to become jaded or cynical, it will drain all the joy out of living. Above all else, be grateful that you have yet another chance to win each and every day.
#AHHPowerfulWomen: StubHub’s Head of Business Operations Bari Williams Shares Her Key to Maintaining Family Life as an Executive
(AllHipHop Features) Bari A. Williams is Head of Business Operations Management, North America at StubHub as of January 2017. In this role, she is responsible for business planning and operations, including cross-functional work with Product, Marketing, Strategy, Partnerships, Customer Service, Trust and Safety to manage and oversee technical metrics, product innovation, key strategic partnerships and drive P&L results across the company. Prior to StubHub, Ms. Williams was Lead Counsel for the Global Infrastructure, Development, and Operations (“Inbound”) Commercial Legal team at Facebook. In this role, she drafted and negotiated contracts supporting Facebook’s internet.org connectivity efforts, building aircrafts, satellites, and lasers, along with purchasing and procurement to keep the company running – from software and hardware for the development of new products for users, including marketing messenger bots for Tommy Hilfiger during Fashion Week, to deals for supplies and equipment needed to take care of Facebook employees worldwide. Additionally, she also successfully took on the passion project of developing strategy and implementing the launch Facebook’s Supplier Diversity Program, announced at White House Demo Day in 2015, and officially launched at NMSDC in October 2016. She also served on Facebook’s Black Employee Resource Group leadership team, which recently had its successful inaugural “Black Leadership Day” event. Prior to joining Facebook, Ms. Williams was an attorney at CSAA Insurance Exchange, formerly known as AAA Insurance, where her work focused on commercial contracts, primarily in the IT space, and privacy. Ms. Williams has been a featured speaker on panels at festivals and events, and has been featured on TheRoot.com, and in Black Enterprise and Essence magazines. She is a 2015 recipient of the National Bar Association’s “40 Under 40” award, recognizing young attorneys excelling in achievement, innovation, vision, leadership and legal community involvement in their careers, as well as their “Excellence in Legal Innovation” award, and a 2015 recipient of the Digital Diversity Network’s “Top 40 Under 40: Tech Diversity” award. Ms. Williams shares with AllHipHop some great methods to mainting the madness of not only being a female executive but balancing that with being a wife and mother. Take a look. AllHipHop: Please, explain what your job entails: Bari Williams: I’m responsible for business planning and operations, including cross-functional work with Product, Marketing, Strategy, Partnerships, Customer Service, Trust and Safety to manage and oversee technical metrics, product innovation, key strategic partnerships and drive P&L (profits and loss) results across the company. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Bari Williams: Figuring out ways to solve problems. It’s fun to analyze something and see how it works, and then determine how and why it could be better, and then putting the pieces together to actually make it better. I love driving toward efficiency. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Bari Williams: Figuring out ways to solve problems. It’s a blessing and a curse. It can be frustrating when you know how to solve a problem, and you don’t have the necessary resources to fix it. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personally and in your career? Bari Williams: I’m a creature of routine and comfort, and I’m very Type A. I’ve been called a control freak. So, it’s hard for me to leave a situation in which I’ve become comfortable, know how to easily navigate the terrain, am great at the work, and good will has already been acquired in the company. But I know that growth is in the space outside of your comfort zone, and that’s always the hardest step for me to take… to leave the familiar to tackle the unknown. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up? Bari Williams: I remind myself that my dad’s parents were sharecroppers with elementary school educations. They didn’t move their family from Mississippi to California and grind it out to get some of their kids to college for me to get discouraged and give up, even when I’m not getting what I deserve. Just work harder to prove I’m worth what I’m asking for. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss? Bari Williams: My mother. She’s always been the boss of our home and was such an exceptional teacher that people still stop me on the street and ask about her. To see that kind of impact you can have on someone’s life resonated with me. I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher, at least not in that way, but I wanted to have that kind of impact and legacy. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? Bari Williams: Three things: (1) I wake up early in the morning, to allow time to do something I want to do undisturbed. I’m the only early riser in my house, so it’s the only time no one is looking for me; (2) I organize my life on a shared calendar with my husband, and it includes our kid’s activities, and; (3) I have insomnia, which is good and bad. I try to use it for good. AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun? Bari Williams: Four things: (1) I clear my DVR; (2) read; (3) watch or attend sporting events and concerts, and; (4) sleep. Yes, sleep can be fun when you’re an insomniac. AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful and influential woman in the urban music and hip-hop industry. Bari Williams: It’s providing good experiences for the customers, fans, and our partners/artists, and providing more opportunity for those that look like me in the tech and entertainment space. AllHipHop: Final Thoughts or words of advice? Bari Williams: To get something you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done.
#AHHPOWERFULWOMEN: Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Priscilla Clarke Encourages Many to Dream Big, No Matter What
(AllHipHop Features) Priscilla Clarke is an award-winning entrepreneur, celebrated HistoryMaker and one of the leading strategists in her field. She is President and CEO of Clarke & Associates, LLC (C&A), a premiere Public Relations and Entertainment firm located in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA., that specializes in corporate, political, non-profit, music and entertainment innovative strategies and solutions. With a successful career spanning 20 years, she has worked on major campaigns positioning clients in national headlines and world-wide. The elite roster of celebrity talent she has worked with include; Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Chris Tucker, NAS, Solange, The O’Jays, Chuck Brown, Mathew Knowles, Russell Simmon’s HBO Def Comedy Jam, U.S. Dream Academy, Hip Hop Caucus, Wanda Durant; The Real MVP, Celebrity Chef Huda and The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to name a few. She has been honored by; “The HistoryMakers”, International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs, Fifty Influential Minorities in Business, and Who’s Who Among Black Americans. She serves as a Board member of The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs) Washington, D.C. Chapter and on the board of directors for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Working in the rigorous world of music and entertainment is not for those of low spirits, drive, and tenacity. Ms. Priscilla Clarke continues to evolve as an executive within the entertainment industry. She gave us some of her time to share the exciting and not so exciting parts of her career and how she remains a big player on the publicity side of music and entertainment. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails: Priscilla Clarke: I lead the team at our premiere Public Relations and Entertainment Firm. I manage the overall operations of the business and oversee client projects and campaigns. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Priscilla Clarke: The most enjoyable part of my job is when I see someone get great publicity and they are excited about it and when we secure major exposure for a client that normally wouldn’t get it. I get really get excited when our work impacts a community, an industry, or the world in a positive way which is a core part of our mission. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Priscilla Clarke: The hardest part of my job is the long hours. Because we also do crisis management, I’m always on the clock. Also, a lot of people don’t realize how much work it is to do PR, they see the glamorous side, us on a red carpet or with high profile clients but don’t understand the 90% of the time and the work it took and preparation for that moment to happen. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Priscilla Clarke: There was a moment in my life 20+ years ago when I had everything, big house, Mercedes, Rolex and was very successful with another business and then several unexpected tragedies hit me at the same time. I ended up losing everything. It took a lot but I had to rise from homelessness and depression and rebuild my life and career. With the strength of God I was able to get up again and as a result ended up finding my passion in PR. So now I know no matter what anyone is going through there is always a chance for it to turn around but you have to have faith and hope and believe in your own dream and success. “Pain To Passion” AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up? Priscilla Clarke: I am very strong in faith and it’s a combination of loving what I do and believing that God will Bless me with more opportunities. I pray specifically every day, with intention. Also seeing how our work impacts people in a positive way keeps me going as well. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss? Priscilla Clarke: I always had a drive and determination to be an entrepreneur and ironically I just realized recently why as I looked back in my family history and childhood my first inspiration was my family, my father, mom and my grandfather we’re all entrepreneurs and they truly inspired me thru their example and work ethic. In the business world, Oprah and Cathy Hughes (Radio One, TV One, Urban One, Founder, Chairperson) really inspired me early on and they both continue to do so. Oprah once said, “Run Your Own Race” and I take that seriously. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? Priscilla Clarke: It’s difficult, but I have found you have to make a commitment to yourself each day. A lot of my job is being out, social, at events, so for me quiet time at home helps my harmony and balance. Or just taking the time to stop and reflect on life and really being present in family moments is critical and something I had to learn. AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun? Priscilla Clarke: Going to the Ocean is my favorite thing to do in L.A. I also love comedy shows, having worked with Russell Simmons HBO Def Comedy Jam, I learned that laughter is important. I truly believe “Comedy can Heal the Soul.” I also love bike riding and hanging out with friends, having quality time and memorable life moments is also a big one. AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful woman and a boss in the urban music and hip-hop industry. Priscilla Clarke: I feel very Blessed to work in the music industry. I’ve worked with many artists over the years including some of the biggest names in the industry. I am also honored to serve on the Board of The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs) representing the Washington, D.C Chapter, which allows me the opportunity to help artists and the industry in other important ways including advocacy and artist rights. I have had so many life experiences and great moments […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Sonya Magett, From Brooklyn To Bigger Things
SONYA WAS THERE THE DAY BIGGIE PASSED
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Exclusive Tour Executive, Tina Farris Shows Her Grace Under Pressure in the Music Industry
(AllHipHop Features) Since being invited to join the touring family of the Legendary Roots Crew back in 1999, Tina hasn’t looked back, amassing a client list that has included some of music’s hottest acts including Lil’ Wayne, Fergie, The Black Eyed Peas, Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, Maxwell, and Mayer Hawthorne just to name a few. After her humble beginnings, she managed the highest grossing tour in the history of Hip-Hop, Lil’ Wayne’s AMERICA’S MOST WANTED TOUR. The following year, she hit the road with The Black Eyed Peas, guiding the group through 15 countries, 76 cities and 99 sold out shows before 1.3 million attendees, grossing more than $86 million dollars along the way. In 2011, she rejoined Lil’ Wayne when he and Nicki Minaj headed out on the I AM STILL MUSIC TOUR. Currently, she’s using her masterful skills to guide the elusive D’Angelo during his critically-acclaimed comeback run in Europe and the United States. Since then she’s acquired 2016 Grammy nominated cult classic band The Internet as well as award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary and newcomer and already a hit TY Dolla $ign. It doesn’t take much to see that Tina’s ability to reach across genres while managing tours of all sizes gets results. Her ability to iron out even the most minute details, while also diplomatically leading her clients through unexpected snafus. The occasional political unrest has made her one of the industry’s most successful touring experts. While many adjectives could be used to describe Tina—determined, unapologetic, astute and intrepid, just to name a few—one word that won’t be used to describe her anytime soon is conventional. Life on the road is not for the faint at heart, but Tina manages to make it look easy by juggling a hefty load complete with rained out stadiums, declined credit cards, strip searches, sexist promoters, antagonistic customs officers, demanding wives and everything in between. Ms. Tina Farris truly shows grace under pressure handling some of the most impeccable tours in the world. In between scheduling these exclusive tours, she took some time to connect with AllHipHop to talk work, life and being a leader in the music industry. AllHipHop: Could you explain what your job entails: Tina Farris: I provide Innovative, strategic, proactive and resourceful tour and production management with expertise in producing small, intimate concerts to multi-million dollar, dynamic entertainment experiences globally on behalf of world-renowned artists in the music industry AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Tina Farris: The reveal of the show. The moment the first note is played and the lights go up. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Tina Farris: Early morning lobby calls. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Tina Farris: My hardest moment of adversity was deciding whether or not to have a family. It’s a career that you are married to. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up? Tina Farris: I love live music and traveling. Your managing satiates both my wanderlust and my ear. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss in the industry? Tina Farris: Harvey Fuqua – my grandfather – who was a songwriter, producer and A&R for Motown put the touring bug in me. Richard Nichols, manager of the Roots, who gave me the chance and taught me how to finesse the industry as one of the sole women, let alone African Americans, on this side of management. But who showed me how to be a boss, and still does, is my grandmother Big Tina Farris. She pulls no punches. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? Tina Farris: The most difficult tight-rope walk ever. I’m still managing. But I found a teammate and a partner who doesn’t mind my brand of crazy. That’s the key. AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun? Tina Farris: I like decorating my house and driving up the PCH. AllHipHop: What does it mean to you to be a powerful woman and a boss in the urban music and hip-hop industry? Tina Farris: It means that you have to have pretty tough skin and a hairdresser in every town. There’s a particular brand of misogyny in hip-hop and I’ve tried hard not to allow it to permeate my life. Nevertheless, sometimes it wins. I curse like a sailor and it’s not easy to pull anything over on me. The toughest part is knowing when to let it slide or when to tell someone about themselves. I’ve learned to be strategic based on my end game. AllHipHop: Any final Thoughts or words of advice? Tina Farris: Tour managing is not for the faint of heart. You must be a logistical wizard not only for your clients but for your personal goals as a woman in this one life. Plan accordingly.
#AHHPowerfulWomen: The Breakfast Club’s Angela Yee Shares the Value in Always Having a Backup Plan
(AllHipHop Features) Learning how hard Angela Yee has worked to navigate her way through the entertainment industry is nothing short of inspiring. As one of three on the dynamic nationally syndicated radio show, “The Breakfast Club,” she owns her expertise, integrity, and womanhood within the industry. Angela spent the majority of her free time as a child writing short, fictional stories and reading every novel she could get her hands on. When Angela graduated from Poly Prep in Brooklyn, she headed to Wesleyan University, where she graduated with a BA in English. After college, she utilized the relationships she secured through various internships at MTV, TVT Records, and Wu-Tang Management to obtain employment as an assistant to the CEO of Wu-Tang Corporation. Angela gained valuable experience dealing with multiple labels, artists, lawyers, accountants, and organizing special events. Angela realized she had a knack for marketing, and spent the next five years working with internet startups, Nile Rodgers’ record distribution label, clothing brands, and launching Eminem’s clothing line Shady Limited. Yee decided her ideal position would be merging her love of marketing with her love of music, and that was when her industry relationships and stellar work reputation placed her in a position to get hired at Sirius Satellite Radio. While looking for job opportunities online, she saw the company was hiring in their marketing department and immediately called Paul Rosenberg, the head of Shady Records. She knew they were launching Shade 45 at Sirius and he would be able to at least get her an interview. Never the type of person to wait for an opportunity, she soon pitched her own weekly nighttime show called “Lip Service,” which became an instant success. The show was the only female-hosted program on Shade 45 and allowed guests to engage in intimate conversations that were a refreshing contrast from the typical interviews with a promotional agenda. Soon enough, Angela took over the morning show as the main host and created “The Morning After with Angela Yee.” Angela continued to grind tirelessly at Shade 45, providing a platform for unsigned artists with her segment “Don’t Quit Your Day Job,” where artists like Drake, Machine Gun Kelly, and Big Krit were showcased before signing to major labels. She conducted standout interviews with Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Chris Rock, Birdman, 50 Cent, TI, and Wiz Khalifa among many others. Her talent and work ethic did not go unnoticed, and she was the only Sirius XM personality mentioned in the 2009 “The Source” Power 30 issue. Several radio stations in different markets began contacting Angela Yee and she soon decided to take a risk and leave her home of six years at Shade 45 for the station that was the underdog in radio’s number one market: New York City’s Power 105.1. The Breakfast Club was formed in December 2010 with DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne and for the past three years the show has been the number one radio program in “The Source” Power 30 issue, and in 2014 the New York State Broadcasters Association awarded “The Breakfast Club” with the 2014 OUTSTANDING ON-AIR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM award. Currently, the show is syndicated in over 30 markets weekday mornings and over 70 markets on the weekend where listeners can hear Angela Yee’s Rumor Report, her advice segment “Ask Yee,” and current events with “Front Page News.” Angela also continues to expand her brand with her popular podcast “Angela Yee’s Lip Service” and freelance writing with Vibe Magazine, YRB Magazine, and her own website www.teamyee.tv. She has received a WEEN Mission Award, the “Shirley Chisholm Woman of Distinction” Award and donates her time and efforts to speaking at schools and on educational panels, working with Coats for Kids, Dress for Success, Makeover Your MS, Children Making Strides Against Pediatric Cancer, The Bowery Mission, and various other charitable organizations. From her humble beginnings booking studio time and running payroll for Wu-Tang Management, to working with Eminem at Shady Limited, she’s packed her resume’ with targeted experiences that made her extremely marketable, with hosting successful radio shows, managing clients such as GZA and Jay Electronica and cultivating a voice in the music and Hip-Hop industry. Angela took some time to connect with AllHipHop to discuss her journey, the importance of having a backup plan and the life of being a woman in radio and in the hip-hop and entertainment world: AllHipHop: How would you describe being a woman in the hip-hop industry? Angela Yee: I mean, as a woman, when people walk the room, they will give everyone a pound but not say anything to you. They won’t automatically think you’re an executive in the first impression. That’s typically how it is but you maintain yourself, build great relationships and hustle. AllHipHop: In situations like that, what keeps you from giving up? Angela Yee: I’ve never felt like giving up and have always had a strong foundation. But what kept me mostly from giving up was that I knew I always had a backup plan. With that, you can do anything and to have that security was key. AllHipHop: That’s real, because not only do you work in radio, you’ve done marketing, writing, distribution right? Angela Yee: Yes, and you get put in different situations that can be opportunities and if you get your foot in the door, you got to bust the door wide open. AllHipHop: How do you find balance in work, personal life, health, etc.? Angela Yee: You have to find a way to find that balance. I always put work before everything, but I had to learn to find that time to be balanced. AllHipHop: As women, we sometimes deal with certain scrutiny if we have children, or are married or serious relationships, but still living within the industry. How can we combat that stigma? Angela Yee: I think the biggest thing to remember especially being a woman in the industry is that you have to be with someone that understands what you do, and RESPECTS what you […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: From Hip-Hop to Sports to Politics, Google Executive Valeisha Butterfield-Jones Finds Her Purpose in Empowering All
(AllHipHop Features) Recognized by ESSENCE Magazine as a top 40 executive under 40, Valeisha Butterfield Jones has blazed a humanitarian and entrepreneurial trail for nearly two decades. Valeisha currently serves as the Head of Black Community Engagement for Google, responsible for strengthening and deepening the technology giant’s affinity to the Black community globally. She is also the current Co-founder and CEO of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network and author of the highly acclaimed book, The Girlprint, a mentorship guide for women to propel their dreams into action (available at Amazon.com). As a college student, Butterfield Jones began working full-time for music legends Wu Tang Clan and for former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. After graduation, Valeisha was recruited by HBO Boxing and served as the Executive Assistant to the President of HBO Sports. She then returned to her North Carolina roots and served as the Field Director for Chief Justice Henry Frye of the N.C. Supreme Court. After a devastating loss on election night, Valeisha moved to New York City to further pursue her entertainment dreams and landed an unpaid internship with music mogul Russell Simmons. Valeisha was a professional standout and turned her entertainment aspirations into action by becoming one of the youngest Executive Directors of a national organization at the time. Valeisha served as the Program Manager, Director of Sponsorship and Events, Vice President and eventually the National Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network over a seven-year period. During this time, she was introduced to then Senator Barack Obama and began serving as a volunteer for his 2008 Presidential campaign. Valeisha recruited celebrity surrogates to endorse and support Senator Obama and received a call soon after election night to serve in the Obama Administration. Valeisha served by Presidential appointment in the Administration of U.S. President Barack Obama as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration and as the National Youth Vote Director for the 2012 Obama for America campaign. Valeisha has been widely credited for her magnetic relationship with youth culture and her role turning out young Americans during the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Presidential elections. Valeisha also served as the National Ambassador for the United Negro College Fund’s Empower Me Tour in 2014 and 2015. Valeisha has been recognized by Glamour, Marie Claire, Elle, Essence Top 40 under 40, Ebony Top 100, Jet, Black Enterprise and Sister 2 Sister Magazines as a leading young executive in the United States with her finger on the pulse of all things related to youth culture, entertainment and politics. Butterfield Jones has also appeared on OWN TV’s Light Girls, Aspire TV’s Exhale, Arise News, Arise 360, Centric TV’s Morning Cup, BET News, BET’s 106 and Park and others. As a dedicated mother and wife, Mrs. Valeisha Butterfield Jones shows her power of balance. She is not only a leader in entertainment but is a leader that supports, promotes and defends the progression of women in the entertainment world but also a powerful force for the black community. AllHipHop caught up with Mrs. Butterfield Jones to talk life, work, and fun as an executive in the entertainment industry. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties? Valeisha Butterfield Jones: The most fulfilling part of my job is knowing that the work I do is having a direct and measurable impact in our community. I’m only inspired when I’m living my life with a clear purpose, so to be able to enjoy what I do and pay my bills while making a difference is honestly a dream come true. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part? Valeisha Butterfield Jones: Someone recently told me it takes about twenty years to become an overnight success and they were right! That’s probably the hardest part. It can take years and even decades for your work to be properly compensated or recognized, but as long as we’re staying focused on the quality of work and being consistent, I believe we’re on the right path. Also, there are racial and gender barriers that also make the work even harder, so having the strength and wherewithal to strategically fights those battles is key. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Valeisha Butterfield Jones: Every part of your career has valleys and peaks, so you have to always expect the unexpected. However, a big moment of adversity professionally for me was when I interned at 25 years old unpaid for nearly a year. I was so hungry to break into the entertainment industry that I knew the sacrifice would pay off and I was right, but it was very humbling to sleep on friends couches and eat Ramen Noodles for months and months with no end, pay off or guarantee in sight. Also, when I turned 30 years old, I felt like a failure. I felt like a failure only because of false expectations that I placed on myself. My vision in my teens was that by 30 I would be married with a child, a huge house and a six-figure salary. All of those things eventually became true, but in God’s timing, not my own. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up? Valeisha Butterfield Jones: The fear of letting my community down keeps me from giving up. I’ve taken on a lot of responsibility and I honestly feel like I was placed on this earth to make a difference. The pressure I place on myself at times can feel overwhelming, but I know my calling is bigger than myself or my own personal gain. It’s about getting future generations in a position to win and to become successful, so that motivates me to wake up in the morning and go get it. AllHipHop: How did family play a role in your journey through this industry? (parents, siblings, significant other, children, etc.) Valeisha Butterfield Jones: I’m from a very traditional family and my upbringing was rooted in traditional occupations. The expectations […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: HOT97’s Music Executive, TT Torrez Describes the Importance of Enjoying the Process
(AllHipHop Features) “Being focused on success wasn’t a choice it was a need. It was literally a need to succeed.” -TT Torrez Within minutes of our call with Music Executive, TT Torrez, we felt the vibe and an understanding of the grit and determination that this powerful woman embodied. The multi-media personality and music executive at HOT97 humbly made it clear that she’s worked very hard to be where she is. From a rocky start, being on her own since she was 14-years-old, she dealt with the harsh realities of many inner city kids. It wasn’t until she got to college that she discovered her love and passion for radio. Torrez made it her mission to make her way into the radio world and locked in her first professional role at WCHH Hot 92.7 in Charlotte, NC as a part-time radio host. She then moved further south to WSSP Power 94.3 in Charleston, SC to be a midday personality and producer for the esteemed Russ Parr Morning Show. After her time at The Russ Parr Morning Show, she spent four years traveling for Music Choice, writing and producing for television shows, and hosting on-camera interviews with celebrities. She even found time to work weekends as an on-air talent for the legendary WUSL Power 99 in Philadelphia. Torrez worked full-time as the afternoon personality and Music Director for WCDX iPower 92.1 in Richmond, VA prior to moving to New York’s Hot 97. Given her humble beginnings, Torrez ensures that she makes time to give back to the community through philanthropic efforts including her “Pink Birthday Party” charity event benefiting breast cancer research and the “I Will Wait Until I Graduate” campaign which was founded by Torrez to encourage young girls to graduate before parenting a child. Torrez recently received the award for “Best Community Service” from the VA Association of Broadcasters for her “Prom-A-Thon” campaign that provided over 500 girls with prom dresses, make-up and hair to attend their high school prom. Despite being an exclusive media source in her own right, Torrez has also been featured in various media outlets including The Source, Star, and VIBE magazine, television’s Nancy Grace, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and blog sites like necolebitchie.com, bossip.com, and globalgrind.com. She also continues to cover the red carpet at the MTV VMA’s, the BET Awards, the BET Hip-Hop Awards and The Grammys. Ms. Torrez says the radio world can be a bit of a “boys’ club,” but through hard work, knowing what she wanted and successful networking, she’s managed to land her dream job. With the hustle and bustle of curating what hits the HOT 97 air-waves, AllHipHop got a few moments of her time to discuss her world as a female music executive: AllHipHop: Please explain what your job entails: TT Torrez: I am responsible for developing, coordinating, and supervising all music programs, production and overall day-to-day operations of the station. I also plan and produce special musical concerts and/or workshops and coordinate fundraising efforts. The main job of a radio station’s Music Director is to find the right music for the station, but it’s more complicated than just picking quality music. It’s making sure out of the music that’s available to us, we’re finding the right music our audience wants to hear, which generates the best ratings, which in turn helps our sales department sell airtime.” AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties? TT Torrez: Interacting with the community AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: * TT Torrez: Balancing work life and personal life AllHipHop: Do you remember and can describe a time of adversity in your career? TT Torrez: I remember the first time I got fired from my first radio gig. It was in Charleston, South Carolina, and I was producing The Russ Parr Morning Show. The company said they were selling their station and as of tomorrow, you no longer have a job. I remember crying wondering what I was going to do. I wasn’t making that much money, but one thing I’ve always been good at was networking. Russ Parr and I became really good friends –he became a mentor to me, and I told him ‘Hey I’m out of a gig,’ and he said there weren’t any positions available, he created an opportunity for me to connect with the program director and see what happens. So I packed up my Honda Accord, put my furniture in storage and drove to D.C. This taught me that you really have to humble yourself and be open to doing other things. I went from literally having nowhere to stay to gaining a great gig in Connecticut. You have to go through the trials and tribulations to get to where you want to be. AllHipHop: How do you express the pride of being a woman of color in the industry, being humble but owning your position and how does that transpire within the music and entertainment industry? TT Torrez: I mean, it’s very easy to get lost in this business. You have to be strong-minded and have a strong personality. Black women already face so many stereotypes when it comes to reality television and from what others perceive us to be. I think for me it was all about me being authentic to who I am…and I had a lot of people on the way that tried to change that or turn me into things that I’m not. I always had to stay strong to who I am while still maturing. You can’t get caught up in what this industry can do to you. You always have to strategize and not always wear your heart on your sleeves. You are smart and you can be on the same level as men. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? TT Torrez: I definitely I have the situation, but I have a 6-year-old son and I raise my nephew, and you really have to find what you want and how […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Celebrity Trainer, Holly Lawson Connects Boxing to Music
LIL BEAR: FROM HIP-HOP TO HOLLYWOOD!
#AHHPowerful Women: BMI Vice President, Catherine Brewton Shows the Power in Getting “Back to the Basics”
CATHERINE BREWTON IS THE BMI BOSS!
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Music Executive, Kelly Jackson Proves That the Grind Shall Set You Free
“If you do the work and the grind, the person that you want to talk to is going to find you” –Kelly Jackson Very early on, music executive, Kelly Jackson, also known as Kelly Kinkaid, understood her purpose. When taking the leap of faith into the entertainment industry, she made the decision to never compromise who she was or take shortcuts to get to where she wanted to be. The Michigan native symbolizes what the power of experience, knowledge, and networking, can do to create your own lane and how always staying true to yourself is the best form of power. Through faith and fearlessness, Kelly developed an extensive resume working for companies like Columbia Records, Epic Records, TreMedia, V.Brown & Co., and StepSon Music/Tommy Boy. She’s also amassed a client list that includes the legendary Paul Mooney, Deborah Cox, Lil Scrappy, Jim Jones, OJ Da Juiceman, Saigon, Locksmith, DJ Jazzy Joyce and MTV news senior correspondent & SiriusXM personality, Sway Calloway. Jackson is currently the supervising producer for Sway In The Morning Show and Managing Partner at Overdeliver Ent. Allhiphop.com had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly about her journey through the industry with the highs and lows of owning her power, womanhood, and expertise within the intense male-dominated world of entertainment and Hip-Hop. AllHipHop: Could you describe your journey a bit? How did you get to where you are now? Kelly Jackson: Well, I’m a native of Flint, Michigan. I went to Jackson State University, which was a great experience, so I always knew more was to come in life. I had an opportunity to move to New York, although it was never in my plans– it was in God’s plan. Since I’ve always been a go-getter and entrepreneur at my core, I got a full-time job and juggled multiple record labels internships when I first moved to New York, just for the experience. One thing I had to realize on my journey was to understand that it’s not a sprint, but it’s a marathon and when I finally realized that and understood everything happens for a reason…I was good. Today, I know I am still a student and still learning, but everything I’ve experienced on this journey has made me who I am. AllHipHop: What was your childhood like and how do you feel that prepared you for this career? Kelly Jackson: Being from the midwest, I believe we have the best ears because we are able to embrace music from all coasts without being bias, plus we bring the soul. But just particularly where I’m from, I was able to have a balanced life. I came with a different lens. AllHipHop: Throughout your career, can you describe a moment adversity? Kelly Jackson: Everyone deals with adversity in this industry, but for me, it happened when the change of the label structures occurred. The jobs weren’t as plentiful and that made the record industry not as fun anymore for me because it became more competitive. So, I left New York with the intention of going to law school and started working in radio in Flint, MI as an on-air personality. I did begin to miss New York. I loved it there and loved the music industry on the executive side. Although going back, it was a lot more competitive, leaving New York helped me appreciate the industry and the privileges I had within it. Many strive to just get their foot into the door, and it was important for me to get back and live out my dreams and aspirations I had in the entertainment industry. AllHipHop: Through that moment of adversity, or just in general, what kept you from giving up? Kelly Jackson: I’m not a quitter, and the great thing about the industry is, that there is always something, you can find to do. I am a marketer and can market an orange if I need to. People have to understand, if you want to be in the mix, there is a process to this. Many want the easy route, but I’ve always looked at the bigger picture. Some people will only look at the immediate circumstances instead of looking at the long term benefits. AllHipHop: How does family play a role in your journey through this industry? (parents, siblings, marriage, kids, etc.) Kelly Jackson: In 2011 my father was dying and I was literally home weekly. During that time, I had to truly realize that this is just a job and if the people I work with don’t get it, then I don’t need to be working there. I just made sure my work was done because nobody wants to hear your excuses. AllHipHop: No matter what the excuse is right? Kelly Jackson: Exactly. So if I have to stay up 4 hours later than the next person…then I have to do it. AllHipHop: What about any relationships? That is a major factor that sometimes women in this industry definitely have to think about. Kelly Jackson: As far as my personal life, you won’t see on my social media 50 million pics hugged up with someone, but if you respect your private or personal life, you make other people respect that side too. As women, we definitely are held at a different regard, especially when it comes to image, and significant others. AllHipHop: Do you see much woman empowerment and support within the industry? Kelly Jackson: There are pockets of supportive women. We support each other in small ways. You don’t have to be someone’s best friend to support them. You can say hey, I really liked what you said right there or anything uplifting. It’s ok to give compliments, we actually need to continue to encourage each other. We as women need to continue to be secure in ourselves and to understand what’s for you, is for you. The men do it… AllHipHop: Balancing work, family and health can be crazy especially as women, what tips would you share with other women? Kelly Jackson: On […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Def Jam’s Leesa Brunson Shares How to Achieve Happiness at Work and Life
You know when you meet someone, and you are not totally sure if they are being their true selves? With Ms. Leesa Brunson, you know exactly who you are speaking to and have no choice but to love and respect the honesty she brings to the table. Keeping it real, working hard, trusting the journey and enjoying life while doing it are some things Def Jam’s Senior Vice President, of A&R Operations, Leesa Brunson knows all too well. With over 20 years in the music industry, North East Bronx native Leesa Brunson has been the driving force behind household names in both the urban and pop markets at Elektra Records, NYC & Def Jam Records. Honored as one of Billboard’s ‘100 Most Powerful Executives of 2016’, Brunson is charged with rolling out projects for acts such as Jeezy, Logic, Alessia Cara, Desiigner, Big Sean, Jeremih and many, many others. Ms. Brunson has also participated as a resident speaker for Universal Music Group’s Women in Business Network. When she’s not busy closing albums, Brunson, a lover of fragrances is managing the company that she founded in 2010 known as OS Candles, which Leesa built from the ground up testing and approving scents with a chemist/perfumer and by hiring a candle plant manufacturing company in the U.S. Her line has taken off very well and is loved and enjoyed by many within and outside of the entertainment industry. From a temp receptionist to an SVP, Brunson credits her success to never delivering a ‘no’ to her counterparts and bringing them to the finish line by any means necessary. AllHipHop got a few moments to connect with Ms. Brunson to hear her great methods to staying happy and being yourself in the music industry. AllHipHop: Please, explain what your job entails: Leesa Brunson: I oversee the day-to-day operations in the Creative A&R Dept. As the liaison between A&R and all other departments at the label, I ensure the timely delivery of album releases. I work closely with the A&R’s, producers and artist management to make sure that we are exactly where we need to be to meet our goals and deadlines. Most people who know me never ask me what I do .. they ask me ‘what DON’T I do’. There are literally endless days and so many variables to making an album but our artists come first and I/we do what we have to do to accommodate them. Once the creative is completed by the A&R team, I grab the baton to move a song or album through each department and then we close it out. We all rely on each other to get things to the finish line as a team & it is never a dull moment. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job? Leesa Brunson: An enjoyable part of the job is coming in each day NOT knowing what I will face. I enjoy working with the artists’ management. Their needs are all so very different from one another. For most people, dealing with so many different personalities can become strenuous… but for me, it’s one of my favorite parts of the gig. The artists need what they need so 9 times out of 10 you want to give the manager a “yes”! AllHipHop: What is the hardest part? Leesa Brunson: Disarming someone to do what you need them to do. However, it’s not really that difficult for me. I really do enjoy and thrive in complex situations. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss? Leesa Brunson: My parents, my guy, my siblings, Tina Davis, Sylvia Rhone, Kevin Liles, Steve Bartels, Lyor Cohen, Nicole Wyskoarko & Jessica Rivera. They ALL, in one way or another, encouraged me to stay focused on the door that said “LEADer”. They are all also leaders themselves and huge inspirations in my life. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? Leesa Brunson: I just do it…and very well. There is no formula. You just have to know when to get together with your closest friends and laugh until you can’t breathe –which I do often. I don’t think about the hustle in those moments. In turn, you have to know when to be in heavy work mode and not think about playtime. I also bring my work home and I’m fine with it. It’s easy to have a glass of Cabernet, cook, email, text and handle business calls even on the weekends. You have to love what you do and who you’re doing it for. The balance will come naturally but you have to demand it for yourself. AllHipHop: What does it mean to you to be a powerful woman and a boss in the urban music and hip-hop industry? Leesa Brunson: I rarely use the word “powerful” because, for me, the only powerful person is the King who lives within us. Being a leader or one of the bosses in such a fast-paced, and amazing industry is both exciting and a dream come true. Something that I don’t take for granted. However, I like to use any “power” that I do have to teach those who are around me … especially the younger generation. I have a “get it done by any means necessary mentality” overall. Sometimes that means I have to put on one of my hats to accomplish things. AllHipHop: Any final thoughts or words of wisdom? Leesa Brunson: If you are given an opportunity, whether career-related, an amazing friendship or relationship … whatever is placed in front of you that seems worth it…GRAB IT and do the VERY BEST you can and then give it even MORE! That way, if it ends, you can look at yourself in the mirror and say “well done, I did my best.” Don’t half a– anything ladies and gents. Even if others think you are too much or not enough, do YOUR personal best for your own self-assurance and so that you can always sleep at night. Also, for those coming through the ranks as future powerhouse music executives, “focus, focus, […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Digital Trendsetter, Karen Civil Bridges the Gap Between Music and Digital Media
#AHHPOWERFULWOMEN
#AHHPowerfulWomen: From Music Executive to TV Producer, Rhonda Cowan Talks Lessons of Resilience and Restraint
FROM DEF JAM TO HOLLYWOOD
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Gwendolyn Quinn Shares Why Balance is a Key to Being Powerful
Gwendolyn Quinn an Award-winning media strategist, publicist, writer, and producer. She is currently the founder of one of the nation’s leading independent publicity and public relations firms. Founded in 2002, GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc. (now Gwendolyn Quinn Public Relations) which is a full-service publicity and marketing firm that specializes in developing media strategies, coordinating special events and brand development for clients who span the worlds of music, theater, corporate, not-for-profit, faith-based, publishing, and the visual/fine arts. Quinn’s roster has included a wide range of clients including Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Isaac Hayes, Kirk Franklin, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Andraé Crouch, Deborah Cox, Johnny Gill, Fred Hammond, Fred Hammond, Karen Clark Sheard, Smokie Norful, Regina Belle, Keke Wyatt, Terri Lyne Carrington, T. S. Monk (Thelonious Sphere Monk, III), Coca-Cola (Nu Classic Soul Campaign), the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, Mandela Day Concert in New York City, the Museum of Moving Image Salutes Will Smith, Radio One’s 25th Anniversary Gala, the Living Legends Foundation, Odyssey Network: The Ultimate Business Retreat, and numerous others. Quinn career encompasses stints as vice president of publicity at Capitol Records (two tenures at the label), senior director of publicity at Arista Records during legendary executive Clive Davis’ tenure, and senior director of publicity at Island Records under the regime of Rock and Rock Hall of Famer Chris Blackwell. She has also held positions at Mercury/PolyGram Records, Flavor Unit Entertainment and ASCAP. Her work has paired her with some of the industry’s brightest stars, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, the Isley Brothers, Monica, CeCe Winans, Rachelle Ferrell, Lisa Stansfield, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G., Vanessa Williams, Oleta Adams, Brian McKnight, Tony! Toni, Toné and countless others. In addition to her publicity and public relations work, Quinn founded the African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC), a national and international group of more than 1,000 public relations and communications specialists that provide professional support to their peers in the communications industry. Quinn is the recipient of numerous awards including the Media Award by the Living Legends Foundation, Inspired In Music Series, the International Black Broadcaster Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2014 Stellar Women of Gospel Awards. She was named one of the Top 20 Power Players in Roots magazine’s Annual Industry Stellar Gospel Music Awards Edition (2013), Black Enterprise magazine named her one of the Women In Black Music’s Top Women Executives Behind the Scene (2011), the Atlanta Post named her one of the nation’s top African-American Public Relations Agents (2011), and Madamenoire.com named her one of the Top African-Americans Public Relations Agents in the country (2011). In 2010, Quinn was honored by the Talladega College Alumni Association of Greater New York on behalf of the African American Public Relations Collective. She is the recipient of the National Black Public Relations Society Network Award (2007). She has been honored by then Council Member Yvette D. Clarke (Brooklyn, New York), and the Council of the City of New York (2006), and on Capitol Hill by Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (2004) for her professional work and community service. Quinn is a contributor to Souls Revealed (Souls of My Sisters/Kensington) and featured in Handle Your Entertainment Business (Grand Central/Warner Publishing). She is a freelance writer with Huffington Post, BlackEnteprise.com, BE Pulse, and EURWEB.com. She is also the curator of The Living Legends Foundation’s “The State of Black Music and Beyond” series published in the Huffington Post. With a resume of this MAGNITUDE, Ms. Quinn’s proves her measure of influence and prowess, not only in music and entertainment but in the ever-evolving field of public relations. AllHipHop quickly gained some details on her extensive career: AllHip-Hop: What’s the most enjoyable part about working in Public Relations in the Entertainment Industry? Gwendolyn Quinn: I love and enjoy my work. I get to travel, work and meet some great people. As a publicist, I get to positively impact and influence the careers of many of my clients. I am part of a team that builds and develop their brand and image. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part? Gwendolyn Quinn: One of the most challenging aspects of my job now is that I am trying to transition into other areas of entertainment. So, I’m doing double duty; trying to stay focus on my current career, while pursuing new goals and making inroads in other areas. Also with that shift comes many sacrifices and financial challenges to consider. Also, I am one of the caregivers for my elderly parents. I’m fortunate and blessed to still have both parents. A few years ago, I had to move back home to help care for them. I have one sister and brother, so we try our best to provide the best care for our parents. AllHipHop: Who inspires you and why? Gwendolyn Quinn: First and foremost, I am inspired by the gifts that God gave me, and I feel it’s my responsibility to make good use of those gifts. I am inspired by positive people who are doing great things; especially many of my former publicist friends and industry colleagues who have transitioned to other careers. More recently, there are a few people that inspired me: Ava DuVernay, and one of my clients, Terri Lyne Carrington. AllHipHop: What does it mean to you to be a powerful woman and a boss in the urban music and hip-hop industry? Gwendolyn Quinn: I’ve been in the music and entertainment business for over 25 years. To be named as a powerful woman in urban and hip-hop music simply means that I have put in my time and I have done the work. During the journey, I have made mistakes and learned from the mistakes. It also means that I have gained significant knowledge and access and that I have used that power to move artists, clients, and the genre forward. AllHipHop: Any advice you would like to give on growing into a powerful person in your career? Gwendolyn Quinn: My advice to young people would be to incorporate more balance […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: Emmy-Nominated Producer Elon Johnson is a Force to be Reckoned With
With more than a decade of experience in television production and journalism, Emmy Award-nominated producer, Elon D. Johnson has facilitated in the creation and execution of some of the most critically acclaimed and highly rated shows on several networks including syndicated channels (ABC, NBC, FOX), and cable channels BET, VH1, MTV, and FUSE. As a journalist, Elon’s work has appeared in Essence, Giant, Honey, Jewel, Juicy, King, Latin Girl, Long Island Village Voice, Mixmag, One World, Poz, Request, Set, Suede, The Ave, The Source, Unleashed, Uptown, Vibe, Vibe Vixen, XXL, XXL Presents Eye Candy, XXL Presents Hip Hop Soul, and on AllHipHop.com, Amazon.com, AOL.com, Barnes&Noble.com, BET.com, Hookt.com, MartiniPink.com, MTV.com, Papermag.com, VH1.com and Vibe.com. As the grandchild of immigrants, Elon and has maintained close ties to her family roots in Barbados, working on a number of international projects including entertainment TV shows and the marketing and advertising of women-centered and empowering tourism events. As you can see, this powerful woman is one to be reckoned with. AllHipHop.com got a moment to ask Ms. Johnson a few questions: AllHipHop: please, explain what your job entails? Elon Johnson: There are several levels to being a producer in television depending on the network or production company, but my job, essentially, is to manage, execute and produce an event, worthy of being on television. While there is no easy way to explain it, my job is really to make sure all elements of getting a show from conception to air are complete. Typically I start with a proposed creative perimeter, source out the right production team for said content, brainstorm ideas, and work with several departments – from legal, to clearance, to standards and practices, to sales and branding, all while making sure the content tells a full story, is entertaining and engaging and nothing is left unaddressed. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties? Elon Johnson: The most enjoyable part of the job is having the ability to create television about things that interest me. I started in music news and had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in entertainment. It was a regular day at work to interview Destiny’s Child, Wu-Tang Clan, Britney Spears, Nas, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Outkast, Christina Aguilera, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, U2, The Fugees, and so many more. I moved on to talk television which was more lifestyle, women-centered and centered on A-List TV and movie stars, and now, the content that is before me can be anything from a large live awards red carpet show to developing a cult web series into a TV series, so being able to keep my finger on the pulse of pop culture is very much a dream job in many ways. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part? Elon Johnson: The most difficult part, currently, is viewer engagement. The face of television, how television is viewed and what keeps the viewer’s attention is ever changing and it is my job to not only stay abreast of those changes but to also be ahead of the TV trends. AllHipHop: What advice do you have to offer people that want to be where you are or aspire to make it in the business? Elon Johnson: Channel your passion, present your ambition, and most importantly let your reputation precede you. So if you’re an intern, be the standout intern. If you’re a production assistant (an entry level TV position), be sure to offer more than your job requires while at the same time, staying in your lane. I find the people who ask the most questions, seek out counsel to get ahead, and pay close attention to all the moving parts of production, often have the best success in moving forward fast. And if you’re DIY, take it seriously. Study the craft and elevate your idea. You have the audience, keep them. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Elon Johnson: Who can’t? Nothing about the work force is easy. I have storiessssssss…. Especially in the uber emotional industry of entertainment. I once had a very popular female rapper threaten me because she found out I interviewed her former fiancé as part of her cover story for a magazine. I felt terrible that she was so angered by this but it was part of my job to get all sides of the story. I was once in a car with a very popular male rapper who decided to drive full speed ahead down the sidewalk because the cops had blocked off the street. I honestly thought my crew and I might lose our life that night behind his aggression. I’ve had hardships in the workplace just dealing with people wanting to pigeonhole me as a Black woman, despite the fact that I have seamlessly transitioned between producing a hip-hop news special that looked a beef between Nas and Jay-Z, to a talk show with top model Alexa Chung, to a show that required a full-fledged house renovation with Nate Berkus to producing 11 hours of live television in less than a week, all celebrating the BET Awards. As for the personal, I have freelanced as a producer and showrunner for over 10 years now. This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. It is essentially a business you’re running as an individual so YOU are responsible for marketing yourself, staying relevant, and making sure people know that you are capable of doing this job in various mediums and doing it better than others. So that can weigh on your personal life as the hustle tends to take precedence. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up working within a male dominated industry… Elon Johnson: One thing I don’t focus on is gender in the workplace. I know I’m damn good at what I do period. I’ve had so much experience in so many facets of media that it is a gut sensation for me to produce. I deal with men […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: After Apple iTunes, Thuy-An Julien Finds Her Calling In Music & Tech
Thuy-An Julien is a Grammy award-winning entertainment and technology executive, with more than 20 years experience at the intersection of music and technology. She has worked at numerous Fortune 500 Companies including Apple Inc., Time Inc., Sports Illustrated, and other major companies. Currently, Julien is CEO of Hartman’s House, LLC, a management and digital consulting company. She and her team set artists free to be creative while managing all other aspects of their careers and assist companies to bridge the gap between entertainment and technology. Her clients include Grammy Award winner Timothy Bloom, and former American Idol contestant Shevonne Philidor. Previously, she worked at Apple Inc. for 15 years and headed up original content brands in North America for iTunes and was “low-key” one of the most important figures bringing Hip-Hop and urban acts to the mammoth corporate entity. She played an integral role in the success of iTunes Store in multiple market segments. Some she created, while significantly expanding others. She also created the Urban Marketing department—the first ever targeted marketing group at iTunes—to address missed opportunities in the focus of the original iTunes platform, originally designed only for mainstream music. She is also currently responsible for market and growth development at Dash Radio. She successfully builds audiences, brands, and profits for the largest digital radio network in the world. She is also a Partner at Creator’s Capital, a business incubator/fund that was created to help creative- both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs create their visions. We talked to Thuy-An about her business and other matters of extreme importance. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails: Thuy-An Julien: I run a company that does a few several things. We do artist management, creative incubation and marketing consulting. I manage some amazing artists to get their music out in the world and steer their careers towards what we have determined is their goal, be it songwriting, producing, performing, etc. As for the incubation, I partner with Creators Capital to help music, film, TV and digital media entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs make their ideas for projects and companies investable, and then we give them access to sources of capital. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties: Thuy-An Julien: I love helping people achieve their goals. I believe people need to realize that every short-term goal that is achieved takes you one step closer to your long-term goal. I love being around the creative. Hearing the music being created, attending the live shows, watching the vision turn into a business and knowing that I helped in some way make it successful. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: Thuy-An Julien: I think there are two things that are the hardest. 1. The doors that get slammed in your face when you know an artist or a project deserves that shot hurts. It is hard, but I never give up. Getting underestimated as a woman when you walk into the room. I used to record live sessions for iTunes. I just remember numerous times having someone ask the sound engineer something and they would have to remind them that I was the producer. As a woman, you have to be assertive and yet walk the fine line between being too nice and being too “b#####.” When I negotiated deals at iTunes, often people would want to speak to my boss or a colleague who was a man because they didn’t think I had the power to execute. This is a foolish mistake on their part but just made me more determined. AllHipHop: What advice do you have to offer people that want to be where you are or aspire to make it in the business? Thuy-An Julien: My advice to everyone is to follow your dream. Don’t just hear that and not do it. Regardless of what you do with your life, it will be difficult. So you might as well pursue that which you truly want to do. But be smart about it. Get the tools you need- be it higher education, internship, get a mentor- whatever it takes so you are dressed for battle and have everything you need. I never thought I would use half the things I learned at the University of Delaware but you’d be surprised when random knowledge you learned comes into play. For young ladies, my additional advice would be to learn how to win in a man’s world, because it is still a man’s world, as we saw with the last Presidential election. We still get paid less than men for doing the same job. But show and prove yourself. Less complaining and more doing. I’m not saying take any abuse or discrimination that comes your way. I am saying know that the deck is stacked against you and know you will have to work harder and smarter — but show them your value. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career? Thuy-An Julien: This thing we call life is full of experiences both good and bad. There are a few moments that come to mind but here’s one that people in the industry can relate to. Before I started my company, I was at iTunes for a very long time, Pretty much since their launch. Most people in the industry associated me with iTunes. It became so prevalent that I felt like my name was “Thuy-An From iTunes.” When I left iTunes, it was very interesting and a bit hurtful when people I had helped for years didn’t answer my emails or calls. It really played with my self-value and made me think that I was a less valuable person overall because of it. But we all know this industry is about what you can do for me and that’s why there are the term industry friends but I never thought it would happen to me. But two good friends said something to me that I will always remember. David Banner was quick to remind me that I was not […]
#AHHPowerfulWomen: AllHipHop Pays Homage To Powerful Female Leaders, Influencers And Bosses in Hip-Hop & Entertainment
#AHHPOWERFULWOMEN
