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Volume 1, Issue 1

that is) I told the principal I charged, you know, $150. They paid me to host the show. After that I hosted Mays TalentShow, Columbia, etc. (Atlanta area high schools) that’s right!That was my start and I said I could actually make a businessout of this. Then I got with a couple of managers and releasedmy first record in '86 under Jarvis-Rahim, long time family andfriend. Jarvis-Rahim (now King J) ran Arvis Records. August1986 was when my first record was released and this Augustwill be my 16

Anniversary.J-So, that goes right in line with the Music Therapy 101Seminar were having on August 17 where your giving thekeynote address; right here in Atlanta where we started MusicTherapy 101. That’s right on time. Right on time.R-Laughs.J-What do you want people to gain by reading your new book?R-Ah man! “The Record Game Can Be A Dirty Game” I wantthem to understand that the title is real. Within the pages it shows them how to defend themselvesagainst the dirty game. I want them to get all mydefense techniques and winning methods out of the book, to become successful and happy.J-Do you believe that a person has to have a hitrecord time and time again in order to beindependently wealthy in the music business if they are an artist?R-No, ahh they don’t have to have a hit record every time theydrop. My book goes over a lot of techniques where they can become successful with more than just a hit record. You can getinto investments. You can also do tours once you tighten upyour stage show. For example, Doug E. Fresh probably hasn’thad an album out in about 10 years, but he is the most bookedrap artist out. So, you know if you got a tight stage show youcan continue to make money, do investments, getendorsements, etc. So, you have to use a lot of connections, alot of contacts and bumping elbows with everybody in the business, so you can make a living off other things when youdon’t have a hit record that year.J-Hmmmm.R-And then you can also put money back and invest it in realestate and other things you may have an interest in. Make surethat you research before invest in anything. You know…Spread your eggs out. Have a lot of different baskets, so whenJ-This is my first time conducting an interview w/ anybody,so I’m gone do it how I feel. So, you working on gettingthe book a “Record Game can be a Dirty Game” out tothe people?R-Yeah, yeah! We sold out of it. This is like our 11

re-order of the book. We getting a lot of mail orders fromChicago, Detroit, D.C., the Baltimore Area, Texas and LosAngeles. Atlanta is the base market, that’s where we firstdropped the book a couple months ago and its like ridiculoushere. So, we are doing it ourself, no major book distributors.That’s how we like it being independent first, to show them thevalue of what I’m working with. And then… They can comeand offer me alllll the money they want.J- I know that’s right. What prompted you to go ahead andwrite a book? I mean of course you’re a veteran in the game.You’ve been able to control yo’ own destiny. A lot of artists probably sold more records than you, yet have been unable tocontrol their own destiny.R-The inspiration to do the book comes fromeverything you just said; having a free spirit,free mind and I wanted to get that out to a lotof the artist and labels. Some of them tend tosee success different and then at the end of theday they're all upset with their careers, their contracts and a lot of them tend to start beingabusive with drugs and alcoholism and just not living right. Thenthey want to throw the money back to where they got it fromand start all over again and that’s for those who are luckyenough to make money. You know more than half don’t makeany money? They just are popular and famous without thewealth. So, I wanted to write a book that would capture theattention of music business professionals, as well as peopletrying to get into the industry. In addition, I wanted to show 'emhow you could make money, make moderate amounts of money and still have freedom and just enjoy the day to dayactivities (mannnnn) and go to the park and just look at the sun.J-I’ve read that you have been in the business about 16 years.How did you get started?R-Well I started around '84-'85, that era, like in the 11

-12

grade at Therrell High School doing the talents shows. The principal use to pay me to do the talent shows, that’s how popular I was. Normally, when you’re in high school they justsay boy get up there and be in that talent show, but they askedme how much do I charge. (Raheem grins with GREEN, money

Music Industry Connec

tion

Interview with Raheem the Dream

Network! Negotiate! Know the Business!

SPECIAL PRINT EDITION OF THE MONTHLY E-ZINE (ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE) THE MIC

F r e e !F r e e !F r e e !

Network! Negotiate! Know the Business!

Below is a brief list of names of persons and companies thathave played a role in assistingMusic Therapy 101 continue itssuccessful journey. Thank you!

Ephriam L. Michael Attorney PlatinumEnt, Marshal Hodge LovetteConsulting Group, Coriya BurnsWHTA Hot 97.5 Wendy Day Founder,Rap Coalition, Ian Burke ASCAP,Anasa Earthseed Music, DerekGrayson Citizens Trust Bank, TonyBrown HomeBanc, Victor BrownVictor Brown & Company, DarrylJames RapSheets, Tim Brown Stockbroker, Onnie Ponder Singer/songwriter, Stephen Strother A&RMusic Packaging, Shanik Mincie Hot97.5, LA Snow Multi-platinumrecording artist, Ephriam L. MichaelAttorney for Platinum Ent, Neil BennettEnt. & Sports Consultant, MarkHatchetman Presents, CEO, ReneeAtkins Rap-a-Lot Records,N ationalProm. Director, Jason Orr Funkjazzkafe, Founder, Jasz EarwaxRecords, Talib Shabazz Keep it StreetPromotions, Lil John So So Def Recordings, A&R, City Lites HighProfile Music, CEO, KC Cypher Magazine, Editor in Chief, JohnChristmas Entertainment Attorney,Billy Hume Recording Studio Owner,Vernon Slaughter EntertainmentAttorney, Michael Bennett Manager,Kimberly Richardson Esq., CatherineBrewton BMI Representative, AlThrash BMG Ent. College Rep.,Cawasdis Brooks Kemetic Records,Tracey Murrell Urban Jungle Ent.,Patrick McElroy Everythingblack.com,Alfred Bacon CynergeticConceptions, Willie Hunter GeorgiaSentinel, Darlene Womack StarchildProductions, Kai Aiyetoko WRFG89.3FM, Audrey Audrey’s MusicRoom, Cherry Roy Communications,Laura Giles Patchwerk Recordings,Ms. Johnson Hitco Music Publishing,Scott Keniley Entertainment Attorney,Floyd Civers Move The CrowdRecords, Cynthia CartwrightEntertainment Attorney, SmooveEntertainment, Tower Records, HMV,Sweet Pie-n-Buy, JerrodEntertainment, Rolling Out Weekly,Atlanta Voice, ESM, MAE &Associates, BET, The Orchard,Netoba Watson, Mona Fenderson,Jamilah Davis, Baba Moorise,Shawna Miles, Kimmia Montgomery,AUC Library, Clark Atlanta University,Dashon, Josh, Linwood Fenderson,Kiesha Beard, IKO Fashion, RichardDunn, Bro. Sef, PeasNPod, Kevin R.

How to Get a Record Deal?

Music Publishing,

Distribution

being discussed Sat. Aug 17, at

Music Therapy 101

Call 800-963-0949 for details

Excuse me sir? You look like Raheem! Raheem responds (with a smile), I am. The brother gets excited and talks about how he has been unsuc-cessful in getting Rah's new book "The Record Game Can Be A Dirty Game" because it has sold out of every store that he went to. Rah quicklyresponds if you call this number (pointing to the number on his flyer) then I will sign and personally deliever my new book to you.

"I enjoyed your event and will be ever so happy to come again."

Wendy Day, Founder Rap Coalition

www.mt101.com

The MIC

it’s a rainy day for the record game your doing tours, you doing endorsements,managing other groups, you writing and getting featured on somebody’s record.Like DaBrat she’s been featured on about 10 or 15 other artist records and shehas not had anything out in awhile. You definitely have tolearn a lot of other things. That’swhy I state in the book, I haveseveral ways you can makemoney.J-Hmmm, ok, hmmm… Ok,now what about having awinning team, I know it’simportant. It seems to me thatsome of the same people youstarted out with are still with younow.R-Yeah.J-How important is that, having that winning team of people?R-It’s very important, because while you in this industry you may go throughseveral different teams of people working with you, robbing you, stealing fromyou, leaching off of you and having ulterior motives. So, you definitely have towatch people. Their actions speak louder than words. That’s what I go by your actions. They may say they’ll do this and they may say they can’t do that, butthey actions neva lie! (Rah speaks with unbending sureness).J-I know that’s right… Who were some of your inspirations before you got intothe fame or while you where pursuing yo vision?R-Well I’ve always been inspired by Russell Simmons, back in the early 80s tonow. He’s still going at the same pace; that’s a high pace. He hadn’t changed athing; he’s just perfected it. Russell Simmons has definitely been an inspirationfor me. Also, Stevie Wonder and Barry White. I like to see the longevity. (Rah pauses in reflection) You know. To see them stick around and not see them gothrough any tragic things, as far as there career is concerned. They still have thesame pace they had two decades ago. That’s what I like to see, people withlongevity.J-Is there anything else you want to tell the readers?R-Aug. 16, 2002 is the official retirement date for Raheem as an artist.J-Hmmmm.R-16 years later on the exact date, Aug. 16 is the official closing of Tight 2 Def Records and Raheem as an artist. It is also the beginning of my new career,Raheem Consulting Company. I will be consulting entertainers, labels and promoters. I also have a new book coming in January called “The Record GamePart II: Plan to Win.”J-OK.R-I will be doing several seminars, boat sailing, relaxing, writing my books andhelping other artist.J-Alright brother I appreciate your time.R-Yeaaah!

BMIBMIBMIBMIBMIP.O. Box 19199Atlanta, GA 31126www.bmi.com404-261-5151ASCAPASCAPASCAPASCAPASCAP541 10th Street #400Atlanta, GA 30318www.ascap.com404.351.1224SESACSESACSESACSESACSESAC55 Music Square EastNashville, TN 37203www.sesac.com615-320-0055General Information Ser-General Information Ser-General Information Ser-General Information Ser-General Information Ser-vices Divisionvices Divisionvices Divisionvices Divisionvices DivisionU.S. Patent & TrademarkOfficeCrystal Plaza 3, Room 2C02Washington, D.C. 20231www.uspto.gov800-786-9199703-308-4357U.S. Copyright OfficeU.S. Copyright OfficeU.S. Copyright OfficeU.S. Copyright OfficeU.S. Copyright Office101 Independence Ave. SEWashington, D.C. 20559-6000lcweb.loc.gov/copyright202-707-3000

Get Connected

We must have all heard at one point in our lives references to the entertainment business being the “world’s dirtiest game” or some such comment. Reactionsto such a reality may vary in wide degrees – from cool nonchalance to sheer paranoia. People who want to be part of the industry or are already part of ithave different goals and aspirations – some want money, some want longevity,some want simply to get their job done, whatever that may be – some want itall. Getting inside the industry may be relatively hard – but it is still child’s playcompared to actually STAYING in it. The trick is surrounding oneself with theright people and making wise decisions. Analyze situations with three eyes. Not getting oneself in a world of trouble. Not losing oneself in the lion’s den. Not being afraid to invest financially, mentally and emotionally in your craft.This may be a hell of a job for an artist or entrepreneur to face alone.It is a fact that there are some essential elements that a person must have to be part of the business. If you are an artist seeking fame and fortune, you musthave the ultimate drive to push your talent in the right direction. A winning, positive and dynamite personality is a must. Talent is important too, but driveand ambition are sitting right up there with it. Coupled with these qualities must be the understanding that one person cannot do it all. Knowledge of the businessis key. It is imperative to surround oneself with people who are savvy in the business and at the same time trustworthy. Be it a manager, attorney, consultantor accountant – it is extremely important to choose people who make you feelat ease and comfortable with letting them take care of business. Once the perfect choice is made – you need to concentrate on what you do best – make art!

Natalie G. OwensEntertainment Business ConsultantFor appointments, call (404) 880-9384

Have the unabridged version of this article emailed to you by subscribing tothe email list at

www.mt101.com.

MAKING IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS

Music Industry Seminar (800) 963-0949

Publisher/Editor and Chief - JaWar Contributing WritersWillie Hunter Natalie OwensLayout Crafted by - Alfred BaconContact The MIC atP.O. Box 52682Atlanta, GA 30355800-963-0949 www.mt101.comThe MIC is meant to inform you aboutfuture Music Therapy 101 Seminars, giveyou industry insider information and provide you with tips and resources to helpyou achieve your goals and realize your potential. Receive the MIC monthly by joining the email list at www.mt101.com.Know thyself.Copyright 2002 Music Therapy 101

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One of the ways to expose newly released music to the public is through what is called the

music review

. These reviews appear in magazines both regionally andnationally on a consistent basis. The purpose of the review is to help create what has become know as a

buzz

or activity on the new project. This activity is createdwhen a music critic talks about the music in terms of production, arrangement, lyrics, flow style, etc.Large record companies seemingly have no problems getting reviews in publications both regional and national. Even though the reviews are not always favorable toan established artist on a major label - big companies seem to capture the most reviews. Now - with a number of underground hip hop culture publications inexistence - independent labels/artists are getting more exposure than ever.In the 10 year old publication called the

GEORGIA SENTINEL

- I do reviews on independent music projects. I am always happy to hear from new artists promoting new music. A lot of music starts out on the street level and build to the regional or national level in terms of sales and exposure. I like to hear as much newmusic as possible because you never know when a project is going to break out all over.Let me hear from you on your independent project.

Call me at the Georgia Sentinel at 404-577-4091

or send your project with a cover letter to, Willie Hunter -Georgia Sentinel, 75 Piedmont Avenue, NE, Suite 370, Atlanta, GA 30303.Willie Hunter will be a featured panelist on Saturday August 17th 2002 at Music Therapy 101 Presents "Rules of the Game." For details call the MT101 HOTLINE

toll-free at 800-963-0949 or visit www.mt101.com.

The Buzz by Willie Hunter

Coming2003

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