MEET YOUR MENTORS
From seasoned veterans to some of the hottest independent artists,
we've scouted over 70 instructors to help you at every level
NAVIGATE OUR INSTRUCTORS VIA THE TABS BELOW
Steve Lobel
Manager & Legend
Steve Lobel is a music industry legend. He has been and still is in some of the most prestigious circles within the music industry. He's known for his dedication, punctuality and work ethic as he is now coming out of his 30th year in the music business. As a former A&R, executive producer, and manager, Steve is here to offer a thorough introduction to the essential and necessary mindset and work ethic that's fundamental to becoming a credible talent in this business. In his course, you'll learn everything from the basic psychological approach to achieving your goals. All these tools add momentum to your career in the music business.
185k Followers
15k Followers
KRAYZIE BONE
MUSIC BUSINESS
Krayzie Bone, is an American rapper, singer, producer, and entrepreneur. He is a member of the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
FAT JOE
BUSINESS OF RELATIONSHIPS
Fat Joe, is an American rapper and actor from the Bronx, New York. He began his music career as a member of hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.), then forged a solo career and set up his own label, Terror Squad, to which he signed Big Pun, Remy Ma, Tony Sunshine, Cuban Link, Armageddon, Prospect, Triple Seis, and DJ Khaled as well as discover producers Cool & Dre. He is best known for the songs "Lean Back" with Terror Squad (2004), "What's Luv?" featuring Ashanti and Ja Rule (2002), "Make It Rain" (2006) featuring Lil Wayne, and "All the Way Up" with Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Dre (2016).
B REAL
ARTIST
B-Real, is an American rapper. He is one of two lead rappers in the hip hop group Cypress Hill, a part of the supergroup Serial Killers and was one of the frontmen of rap rock group Prophets of Rage (2016–2019). He is also one of the early prominent hip hop smokers indulging in the cannabis world and own Dr. Greenthumb dispensary in California.
BERNER
PRODUCTION
Berner, is an American rapper and entrepreneur signed to Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Entertainment. As of 2019, Berner has released 16 albums, several of which have charted on Billboard "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart. As an entrepreneur, he's credited with the creation of multiple companies including Cookies, and is heavily active in California-based cannabis trade market.
Charlamagne tha God
BUSINESS OF RADIO
Charlamagne tha God, is an American radio presenter, television personality, actor, and author. He is a co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club with DJ Envy and Angela Yee, all of whom were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020 for their work on the show. Prior to his work on The Breakfast Club, he worked as a radio personality for several radio stations and also spent time as second mic on The Wendy Williams Experience with Wendy Williams on VH1. He is the founder of the Black Effect Podcast Network, and was featured on Guy Code, Guy Court and Girl Code. He was also a VJ for The Week in Jams with DJ Envy and Sofi Green. In 2015, McKelvey began hosting the MTV2 show Uncommon Sense.
FRESH
SONGWRITING
Grammy-award winner Worldwide Fresh, is a singer, songwriter, record producer and visionary who has written for Beyonce, Iggy Azalea, Kris Wu, K. Michelle, Teyana Taylor, Estelle, Pnb Rock, Wiz Khalifa, Jessie Reyez and many more.
158k Followers
Thutmose
ARTIST
Born in Nigeria and moving to Brooklyn at 8, Thutmose is running quite the marathon. After releasing his debut project ‘Man on Fire’, being on the Spiderman Soundtrack and more, his 2019 releases are highly anticipated. You may have seen him on the recent documentary with Scott Storch titled Still Storch, touring with Billie Eilish or MadeinTYO, doing shows with the Migos, Wale, or Rolling Loud. His music is without a doubt worth a listen and his fashion sense compliments. Take a look at what it means to be an artist in today’s music business!
158k Followers
400k Followers
63k Subscribers
Gary Vaynerchuk
Branding & Strategy
Gary Vaynerchuk is a serial entrepreneur, and serves as the Chairman of VaynerX and the CEO of VaynerMedia. Gary is considered one of the leading global minds on what’s next in culture, relevance and the internet. Known as “GaryVee” he is described as one of the most forward thinkers in business – he acutely recognizes trends and patterns early to help others understand how these shifts impact markets and consumer behavior. Whether its emerging artists, esports, NFT investing or digital communications, Gary understands how to bring brand relevance to the forefront. He is a prolific angel investor with early investments in companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase and Uber.
RANDY URBANSKI
The Business of Engineering
Randy Urbanski is a music producer, vocal engineer, sound engineer, and mixer. Urbanski is known for his collaborations with artists and performers such as Kanye West, Duke Dumont, Keyshia Cole, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, YG, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jake Miller, D'Morea Johnson, Afrojack, Dwight Yoakam, Ciara, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, The-Dream, Beyoncé, Electrik Red, Jamie Foxx, Gym Class Heroes, and many more. Urbanski has had the pleasure of working on Grammy-winning projects like “Single Ladies” by Beyonce and “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry.
AVEDON
PRODUCTION
Avedon, is a Dutch record producer. He is best known for his work with American hip-hop and R&B musicians such as Chris Brown, Megan Thee Stallion, Trippie Redd, Chloe x Halle, 6ix9ine, Roddy Ricch, Russ, Shy Glizzy and Thutmose. He is also closely associated with American record producer Scott Storch whom he shares a studio with and works with.
29k Followers
JAMIE ADLER
TOUR MANAGEMENT
Jamie Adler has become a powerful force in the Hip-Hop world, but it wasn’t always that way. Born into a rock n’ roll family as the younger brother of Guns n’ Roses co-founder and original drummer Steven Adler, Jamie initially utilized his family connections to secure a position as a rock agent. Jamie went onto work with rockers Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Motorhead, and Danzig, and eventually R&B and Hip-Hop artists Tyrese, Bobby Brown, Ol Dirty Bastard, and Guru from Gangstarr. Adler is perhaps best known for his long running position as agent/manager for the legendary Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and DJ Quik, and agent for Dennis Quaid & The Sharks.
SO YOU WANT TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Alec Udell
Artists and Repertoire
Alec Udell studied Entrepreneurship at the Kelley School of Business. During his junior year of school, he created a street team for TH3RD BRAIN and from there, Udells started managing the DJ duo the Pegboard Nerds. Soon after, he signed Emmit Fenn to TH3RD BRAIN and began managing the hip hop artist Thutmose. With a focus on digital strategy and A&R for his clients, he wants to help artists achieve their fullest potential.
Matt Buser
Legal
While in law school, Matt Buser focused on talent advocacy, opening up an entertainment management company his second year and served as President of UM Law’s Entertainment and Sports Law Society (among other related titles on campus). Following law school, Matt worked for various entertainment and sports companies and firms, handling transactional needs for some of the world’s most high-profile entertainers. He also served in various other capacities, including high-profile criminal defense, primarily for professional athletes, and in-house counsel for a major music festival. Matt’s current clientele includes A-level artists and entertainers, professional athletes, major social influencers, top fashion brands and cannabis/CBD companies. For this clientele, Matt handles all corporate formation and governance, all transactional needs, and brand protection (trademark and patents).
Thomas Deelder
Manager
Thomas Deelder manages the careers of Current Management artists Far East Movement, Eva Shaw, Scott Storch and Avedon. This includes artist liaison, touring, marketing and online strategy, A&R and brand partnerships.
ARNOLD TURNER
ENTERTAINMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Arnold Turner is the Chief Photographer at ARTISTdirect based in Santa Monica, California. Previously, Arnold was the Photographer at Fugitivos de la Ley: Los Angeles.
Brian Samson
RECORD PROMOTION
Brian Samson is the Director of West Coast Promotion at Island Def Jam Music Group. He is responsible for airplay and marketing of artist on the Island Def Jam music roster.
Tony G
Artists and Repertoire
Tony G was the head of A&R at G-Unit before becoming A&R and Pub admin of Vydia.
MATTHEW MCNEAL
MANAGEMENT
Matthew McNeal is a music management professional representing award-winning production and songwriting talent across a range of genres. Through his Money Makin' Management company (MM.MGMT), the Los Angeles native’s highlights include placements with Eminiem, Rihanna, 2 Chains, H.E.R, Trippie Redd and others. McNeal began his career at Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment assisting Music Director, Omarr Rambert. In 2009 he was the youngest executive ever hired at Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), where he worked on the publishing catalogs of 50 Cent, Ashanti, and Jim Jones, later signing Grammy Award winning producer Cardiak, Hip-Hop and EDM producer AraabMuzik, and rapper Big Sean. Following UMPG, McNeal transitioned to Dreamville Records as Head of A&R, where he played a key role in releases by the roster, including J.Cole, Ari Lennox, Cozz, and EarthGang.
With 15 years in the music business, and countless multi-platinum singles, accolades, and #1 albums, McNeal is regarded as a top industry connector. His elite ear for music and commitment to creative integrity allow him to unite talent with life-changing opportunities. He currently serves as a publishing consultant for Pulse Music Group and President of MM.MGMT.
DJ PAUL
Music Business
DJ Paul, is an American DJ, record producer, rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur from Memphis, Tennessee. He is a founding member of hip hop group Three 6 Mafia. Aside from music, DJ Paul has been involved in a variety of business ventures, including film production and real estate. He founded his own record label Scale-A-Ton Entertainment, co-owns the fashion wear line Dangerus / Skandulus, has a collection of BBQ seasonings and is the spokesman for a legal version of the drink Sizzurp.
ECHO HATTIX
PUBLICITY
Echo Hattix is the founder and CEO of Echoing Soundz campaign management firm. She is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a history of leading multiple teams with a common goal. Skilled in social media strategy, public relations, onsite and virtual event production, writing, project management, lifestyle marketing, content curriculum and curation.
Scoop DeVille
PRODUCTION
Scoop DeVille, is an American record producer, rapper and DJ. DeVille has produced records for rappers, such as Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nipsey Hussle, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe. He produced Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice featuring Drake, as well as Snoop Dogg's "I Wanna Rock" featuring Jay-Z, both of which charted in the top 50 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Rachel West
songwriting
Rachel West is an American singer-songwriter. Born in Portland Oregon, Rachel has lived on the west coast all her life. At age 10 she began writing her own songs.
Her senior year of high school she started recording her songs in her classmate’s garage. In 2011 she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her wildest dreams. While attending Occidental College Rachel began recording demos for artists such as Rihanna, Jordin Sparks and Jessie J.Having tasted studio life, she was eager to create her own body of work. As a recording artist her debut EP quickly charted in the iTunes top 150 and soon she was opening for artists such as Tinashe, Young Thug & Wale. Rachel’s musical influences include Nat King Cole, Jessie Ware, Justin Timberlake, Drake, and Adele. Her music and writing is a direct reflection of her diverse upbringing and eclectic taste.
ben maddahi
REVENUE STREAMS
Ben Maddahi is an American music executive. He is currently Senior Vice-President of A&R at Columbia Records and president of UNRESTRICTED, music publishing and management company. Maddahi was formerly an A&R at Atlantic Records and President of Artist Publishing Group (APG). He is responsible for executive producing Chromeo’s Grammy-nominated album Head Over Heels and helping put together songs for artists such as XXXTENTACION, Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Future and others. Ben has served as A&R for Charlie Puth, David Guetta, Demi Lovato, Chromeo, Flo Rida, John Legend, Clinton Kane, Aries, Cochise, Jawsh 685 and several others.
Maddahi's A&R credits include songs such as: "See You Again (Wiz Khalifa song)" by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth, "Titanium" by David Guetta feat. Sia, "Stay" by Zedd & Alessia Cara, "Blame Game" by Kanye West feat. John Legend, "One Last Time" by Ariana Grande, "Wild Ones" by Flo Rida feat. Sia (musician), "Yeah 3X" by Chris Brown and several others.
Eif Rivera
video production
Only in the video production world since 2011, Eif Rivera, video director, editor, and 3D graphic artist, has earned the respect of many rap heavy-weights. (He's "the new Hype Williams," according to Busta Rhymes.) But boy wonder isn’t a boy at all. Rivera has crafted everything from album artwork to promo t-shirts over the years. He's the mastermind behind many of 50 Cent's music videos, iconic logos like the Air Pun design and Young Jeezy’s Snowman campaign to, most recently, French Montana's "Excuse My French" album cover.
Chris “Gotti” Lorenzo
MUSIC BUSINESS
Chris “Gotti” Lorenzo, the CEO of Add Ventures Music has been committed to his vision of Educating, Empowering, and Elevating independent artists for over 17 years. His grit, passion, and determination has primed his company to be a disruptive innovator leveraging technology in the distribution space. As the current Vice President of Murder Inc. records, Chris’s success as an astute businessman and technology guru is unparalleled. His long history of disrupting the digital space started in 2002 consulting with Jeff Arnold, founder of WebMD, Sharecare, LidRock, and HowStuffWorks, on new models of digital entertainment distribution.
Datwon Thomas
The Business of - Music Publications
Datwon Thomas is the Editor-In-Chief of VIBE Magazine and Vice President of Cultural Media for MRC. Mr. Thomas held positions as Founder and Editorial Director of the men's lifestyle guide, KING Magazine; the urban car enthusiast's favorite, RIDES Magazine; and was the Editor-in-Chief of hip-hop's street authority, XXL Magazine. In addition he's also presided as Founder/Editorial Director of XXL Presents Hip-Hop Soul, a publication dedicated to documenting the successful hybrid genre of R&B and Hip-Hop. Thomas was also EIC of hip-hop photojournalistic magazine RESPECT.
Tsu Surf
Battle Rap and the Music Business
Tsu Surf (aka Tsunami Surf aka Surf aka The Devil’s Grandson) is a Newark, New Jersey based rapper known for his visceral lyrics and domineering presence. Tsu Surf started his career in battle rap over a decade ago. He battled his way to the top of the battle world and is credited as a veteran of the Battle Rap arena. In 2019, Surf began his transition away from battle rap with his January 2019 release of Seven25, debuting at #2 on iTunes and #29 on Billboard across all genres.
Rance 1500
music business
Rance 1500 is the CEO of 1500 or Nothin’ - an American musical ensemble composed of record producers, songwriters, musicians and music videographers, formed in 2006, in Los Angeles, California. 1500 or Nothin' began to create "a variety of music genres including Hip-Hop Rap, Rhythm & Blues, Alternative Rock, Urban and New Adult Contemporary. The collective 1500 or Nothin' has lent their writing, production or instrument skills to records for Justin Timberlake, Asher Roth, Jay-Z, Kanye West, T.I., Bruno Mars and B.o.B..
In addition, the 1500 or Nothin' band or The Fifteen Hundreds as they are often referred to, are an 8-piece band that tours internationally and makes television appearances regularly with artists including Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco, The Game, and Faith Evans.
Jonny Denver
The Business of Promotion
Great talent buyers possess a special gift for spotting artists who will attract crowds and sell out venues — and that gift can take years to hone. In the case of AEG talent buyer Jonny Shuman, it took nearly fifteen. Working intermittently for the SoCo Nightlife District between 2005 and 2013 before finding home with AEG in 2015, Shuman sold out Denver clubs with tomorrow’s big DJ names and tanked shows with yesterday’s heroes of the stage. Ups and downs are all part of the talent-buying game, and he’s currently at the top of his.
George Gilbert
Entertainment Law
George Gilbert has practiced intellectual property law for more than 30 years, with a focus on the entertainment and new media Industries, as well as copyright, trademark and corporate matters. He was a partner at Solovoy Marshall & Edlin and The Marshall Firm, as well as an intellectual property partner at Rudolph & Beer, LLP and Dreier, LLP. In addition to his legal practice, Gilbert runs A2Z Entertainment, an independent label distributed by eOne, which has helped incubate and develop a dozen artist label ventures. Gilbert learned the basics of the music business in the national offices of Discount Records and broadened his experience working as music director at a major market FM radio station, a recording engineer and producer, a journalist and a concert promoter. Freddie DeMann brought him into Elektra/Asylum Records as a promotion manager. He went on to work at A&M Records and at ATCO Records as their Northeast Promotion Director. He formed and ran two independent labels - Upside Records, which was instrumental in reviving the career of the early R&B legend Charles Brown, and AH Records, a joint venture of Quincy Jones/Quest Records and the Tommy Hilfiger Company. Gilbert also formed an artist management company which managed Meat Loaf and Jack Bruce (Cream).
Shampoo
Guerilla Marketing
Shampoo belongs to one of the best music Promoters /Marketing Experts of New York. He has worked with the biggest names in the music scene and is also the president at YNVS Records. Shampoo is known as a person who continues until he has achieved the desired result.
Greg Keller
Artist and Brand Alignment
Marketing Director of Ewing Athletics. In this module you’ll understand how large brands and artist
come together for product launches, shared exposure, and brand integration.
David Dann
production
David Dann is a producer/DJ and the founder of LA based independent record company, Mind of a Genius, focuses on nurturing talent first and foremost. That approach has driven the label’s continued success since 2013. Over a billion streams later - the label has architected a platform to foster artistic development, and it ignited the careers of Gallant, Klangstof, ZHU, THEY., Kwaye, and more.
Eric Sorensen
Brand Development
I have decades of experience in the action sports, media and garment industry. My experience as a professional surfer, skateboarder and snowboarder has given me insight on how to infuse cultures and lifestyle that is second to none. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best directors, cinematographers, designers and business leaders in fashion, music and in all sports. I am driven, enthusiastic and driven. I take pride in my work, I am not afraid to take calculated risks and am known for following through and the execution of all projects.
Specialties: Brand building, creative marketing, team building, directing, event execution, content creation, conceptual to publication of advertising campaigns, merging of markets, film production and art direction.
Drew Drucker
The Business of Mixing
Born and raised in California, Drew Drucker is a music producer, recording engineer, and songwriter. Getting his start in the industry at 19, he assumed a position at Paramount Recording Studios as a runner. After a session with Scott Storch, Drucker went from Runner to Assistant Engineer to Mixing Engineer in less than a week. Storch pushed the label to use Drew for the mixing process after starting the session as a newly anointed assistant. Having held nearly every position in the record-making process, Drew has worked with a lengthy list of well-known clientele. Several artists he has created songs with are: Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Travis Barker, The Game, Snoop Dogg, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Lil Jon, LMFAO, French Montana, Future, Chris Brown, Berner, Busta Rhymes, Xzibit, YG, Tyler the Creator, Will I Am, Bruno Mars, 2 Chainz, and many more. Drucker has 6 Grammy nominations, multiple platinum and gold records, recorded a Billboard’s Top 100 Song Award winner with “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth.
Charlie Walk
Thoughts from a Label Executive
Charlie Walk is an iconic music executive and entrepreneur who has been honored on Billboard’s Power 100 List. He was the president of Republic Records from 2016–2018 and the president of Epic Records from 2005–2008. During his major label stint his accolades include helping with the development and eventual success with artists such as New Kids on the Block, Destiny’s Child, Maxwell, John Legend, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, Shakira, The Fray and many more.
California Jones
Songwriting and Lyricism
Lyricist based out of North Hollywood. California Jones is the lyricist behind some of your favorite artists.
Mainly known for his collaboration on the John Hart Whistle Record ft. Too Short. In this module you’ll
understand the difference between a songwriter and a lyricist.
viktoria SIFF
songwriting
Viktoria Hansen was born in Aarhus, Denmark, and is an English singer-songwriter, recording artist and vocal coach. Her professional career started in musical theatre at age 13 in her home town Aarhus, Denmark.
Hansen is responsible for songwriting many successful music artists' careers, including those of Aggro Santos, Kimberly Wyatt, Girls Can't Catch, The Saturdays, Lena, Medina, Cover Drive and Twenty Twenty. In 2013, she co-wrote the music for I will pray (Pregherò) performed by Giorgia and Alicia Keys.
Adrian "Swish" SMITH
Artist Management
Talent/Music manager, turned tech entrepreneur, Adrian ‘Swish’ Smith is forging ahead with plans to re-distribute content sharing platforms utilizing his experience as an artist manager and A&R, while an active participant of the Hip-Hop culture. His latest endeavor “Digital Currensy Inc.,” a new technology startup based in Los Angeles that will eventually allow music distribution and monetization obtainable for every artist by decentralizing the process through blockchain technology. Essentially combining music and blockchain in a way that will help streamline the process of distribution and ensure that artists receive more earnings for their work and faster than ever thought possible.
ItsBizkit
The Business of Social Media
My name is ItsBizkit and I’m from Long Island. I’m known for being The BIGGEST BLOGGER IN THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD. I’m also the Host of REVOLT TV’s new show “Wow Dats Crzy” and I’m also the artist behind the fire new Single “ I made It” I celebrate life every single day to the fullest. You know now that we are in this pandemic we can’t go out to party or to celebrate anything together, but I’m still finding a way to celebrate every day. Only now I’m just getting lit in the damn crib. But yeah we definitely still celebratomg.
chanel rae
The Business of Public Relations
Chanel Rae is a PR and curation expert at The Legion Media Group helping artists build their brand within the music industry.
It's Time To Level Up As A Creative!
Here's What To Expect
Streaming
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Songwriting
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Branding
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Publishing
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Engineering
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Distribution
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A&R
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Legal
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Touring
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Finances
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Lyricism
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Publicity
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Battle Rap
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Merchandising
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Photography
Dallas Martin
artist and repertoire
Dallas Martin, the Atlantic Records A&R executive whose successes include records by Roddy Ricch and Meek Mill, has been promoted to executive vice president of A&R at Atlantic and president of Asylum Records, the company announced. Previously serving as senior vp of A&R, the Flint, Michigan native’s signings and roster included Nipsey Hussle, Sada Baby, YBN Cordae, Justin Laboy and Sleepy Rose, among others.
EDIDON
Artist
As of recently EDIDON, is an American hip hop artist and a member of the Outlawz. While in the third grade, Malcolm became friends with Katari & Cox who later introduced him to his cousin, Tupac Shakur.
Eugene Arkliss
Tour Management & Sound Engineering
Eugene is the Tour Manager/Sound Engineer/Producer ~ Bone Thugs N Harmony
Eugene "BIG U" Henley
Nonprofit and Music Management
Eugene Henley, known as “Big U,” is a world-renowned street legend, community activist, philanthropist, entertainment industry executive and owner of the record label Uneek Music.
Ezelfie Taylor
Financial Planning
Eszylfie Taylor is the president and founder of Taylor Insurance and Financial Services located in the financial district of Pasadena, California, and serves as financial advisor to individuals, business owners, and high net worth families. Over the past decade, Mr. Taylor has been recognized as an accomplished insurance producer in the industry, receiving the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), “Agent of the Year award: Los Angeles” in 2010 – 2012. Additionally, Mr. Taylor is a life and qualifying member of “Million Dollar Round Table,” and has been a Top of the Table producer since 2011, ranking him in the top 1% of all producers, worldwide. Most recently, he was selected to win NAIFA’s Top 4 Under 40 Advisors award for 2015.
Fatt Jesus
ARTIST
Upcoming Artist out of NY. Relly aka Fatt Jesus is here to give you a fresh perspective about what to do as an upcoming artist in the new streaming era.
greg yuna
The Jewelry Business
Greg Yuna began his career in finance but became a jeweler in 2009, working at his uncle’s kiosk in Manhattan’s Diamond District. Yuna designs have been worn by clients including Floyd Mayweather, Drake, Meek Mill, and Victor Cruz He designed Ariana Grande engagement ring. He also created a pendant picturing the late rapper Nipsey Hussle for Hussle rlongtime girlfriend, Lauren London. Yuna has designed sneaker pendants for Nike. In 2019, Yuna was an advisor for and had a minor role in the 2019 Adam Sandler film Uncut Gems.
Grouchy Greg Watkins
The Business of Publications
As the Founder of the Urban website and music destination, AllHipHop.com, Grouchy Greg Watkins is fulfilling his childhood dream as an entertainment business pioneer and entrepreneur. With his partner, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Watkins has built AllHipHop.com into the Internet voice of Hip-Hop culture.
Jay Hatch
The Business of Production
Jay Hatch is the co-founder of iStandard; we've run the largest live producer-driven event in the nation for seven years and are currently doing said events in 25 cities. We have placed records with artists such as 50 Cent, Diddy, Rick Ross, Sean Kingston, and many more.
Johnny Nunez
Entertainment Photography
Although Johnny is sometimes referred to as a paparazzo, most celebrities are happy to see him and consider him a friend. Johnny is a contributing photographer for WireImage, which is now owned by Getty Images. He has also been called one of WireImage's top five connected photographers. In 2002 Johnny became the personal photographer for the famous Hip-Hop mogul Damon Dash. Dash hired Nunez to travel around the world with him. It was around this time that the famous story of Nunez and Dash fighting off a gang in Paris, France occurred. For over 20 years Johnny has been hired by and shot for many celebrities. Some of his clients include: Jay-Z, Beyonce, Drake, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and LeBron James to name a few.
Keith Perrin
Branding and Marketing
Keith Perrin is an accomplished, well-known entrepreneur who successfully introduced, FUBU the Collection, a game changing apparel brand that currently reports over $6 billion in retail sales to date.
Kiss the DJ
The business of DJing
Djing is still relevant to breaking an artist and a really great way to get your brand in front of the right
people. Meet Kiss the Dj. In this Module he’ll explain how his role within the industry affects the
ecosystem.
MONEY NELLS
Record Promotion
Record promoters are not losing any recognition as the business progresses forward. Money Nells out of
NY has played a crucial role in hip hop history and os responsible for bringing some of your favorite
artists to the forefront.
Ralph McDaniels
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Ralph McDaniels is a music video director, DJ and VJ. ... After interning at WNYC, and
subsequently becoming a radio engineer, he created Studio 31 Dance Party, a television show
revolving around recordings of music performances. This show would transform into Video
Music Box.
Rarri
The Business of Producing
A man with quite the catalog and producer alongside Scott Storch and Bad Boy Entertainment. In this
module you’ll learn the difference between a producer and a beat maker as well as understand how a
producer profits financially from the music business.
ROB KENNER
The Business of Publications
Rob Kenner is a writer, editor and producer whose journalism has shaped American popular culture. As a founding editor at VIBE magazine he helped bring Quincy Jones' vision to reality of a magazine that brought hip hop into mainstream youth culture.
Rob Stone
The Business of Publications
Rob Stone is an American music, media and branding executive based in New York City. The New York native attended the University at Albany in 1986 where he studied marketing and finance. Stone is the founder of the full-service marketing agency Cornerstone, and co-founder of music and style publication The FADER.
Shane Mooney
The Business of Club Promotion
The club is where your music is heard by the people. And if you’re a learned musician you understand that a club promoter the bridge between you and them. In this module club promoter Shane Mooney will describe how you can grow your fan base by utilizing fan bases from around the nation.
Tom Silverman
The Business of Owning A Label
Tom Silverman is the founder and CEO of Tommy Boy, a record label established in 1981. The legendary label was the home of Afrika Bambaataa, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, House of Pain, Digital Underground and many more. He was also a vice president of Warner Bros. Records from 1985 to 2002, while Tommy Boy was an independently distributed subsidiary of the company.
Trent Clark
The Business of online publications
I'm a dynamic and passionate self-starter who uses strong editorial judgment to effect enact creative brainstorming and troubleshooting that leads to successful strategic project management. After five years serving as the Managing Editor for the still revered website The Smoking Section, I served as Senior Editor of HipHopWired before transitioning over to my current role as HipHopDX Editor-In-Chief.
Trinity
The Business of Song Writing
As a songwriter the ability to stand out to a music publisher is extremely crucial. In her module
songwriter and music publisher Trinity will walk you through the steps necessary for an upcoming writer
to be eligible for a publishing deal.
Tuma Basa
The business of youtube
As Director of Urban Music at YouTube, Tuma Basa is responsible for leading activities that draw on his deep industry connections and expertise in programming to increase YouTube & engagement with the urban music community, artists, and consumers.
Jessy Terrero
Video Production
In 2014, Terrero founded Cinema Giants. In addition to being the production house for music videos, Cinema Giants has also served as a production company for films and television. Directors currently associated with Cinema Giants include Terrero, Mike Ho, Rodrigo Films, Roxana Baldovin, and Steven Gomillion.
groovy lou
the business of being a stylist
Groovey Lew, who calls himself The Fashion King, has remained relevant throughout Hip Hop’s tenure. The stylist has worked with the culture’s royalty, including Biggie Smalls, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Nipsey Hussle, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill and Dave East.
Lew serves as a true visionary that isn’t confined to dressing your favorite artists either. As a fan of the music, he can see talent well before the world does. For instance, Lew grew close to Nipsey when the late artist was just starting to make a name for himself rapping in Los Angeles. The two connected beyond clothes as they both had a solid connection to their community and their spirituality
