I haven’t blogged in a long time, but I was inspired after watching an episode of “Unsung” of TV1. They told the story of Musical Youth, best known for the song “Pass the Dutchie.” What stood out to me most in this story was a statement from a British radio host who worked closely with the group. He said, “The people who don’t make it in this business are the young & the black.” Part of me was offended because I can name may young & black artists who have made it in the entertainment business, but when you compare to their older or white counter parts there is usually a distinct difference in success levels. I had to ask why is this the case? The answer I can up with can be summed up in one word EDUCATION.
No, I’m not preaching about the importance of a formal education. I’m talking about having knowledge of the business you are entering into. Many artists only concentrate on their craft and just want to sing, rap, or act; not many research the business aspects of the industry they just wait on a manager or a label to handle the business parts. When it comes to young talent parents play a vital role in the child’s career development. Parents should know what is standard compensation for an agent & manager. They should know basic things to ask for when dealing with a label or talent agency, especially if they act as manager. They should be well aware of child labor laws and rights and privileges given to child talent. They should encourage their child to sit in on all business meetings. Also, parents should NEVER totally leave their child in the hands of a manager. If the parent is not the manager then there is no reason the child should be living with their manager or going on tour without a parent of trusted guardian. Some of the biggest failures in the entertainment business have happened due to mismanagement. Some of the biggest success stories with child stars have some from those whose parents either act as manager or are heavily involved in their child career. Some of these success stories include Usher, who later switched managers and suffered a hit to his career. Brandy, who is still well managed by her mother. Lindsay Lohan, who with all legal issues aside had a strong career under the management of her mother. Most recently Justin Bieber, has skyrocketed to POP fame. While his mother is not his manager she remains closely involved with the business aspects of his career.
When looking at the failure stories with black entertainers I have to look at both lack of industry knowledge and living beyond their means. So many artists (especially young rappers) are excited to get into the business and are just get a deal they don’t really shop around for the best deal or know exactly what to ask for when they get an offer. I personally know a rapper who signed a 10 album deal with a label owned by a famous boxer. This was almost ten years ago and this rapper has not even released a single, but he has received many advances from the label and of course has to pay it back. While we are no longer in the days of $1million advances labels still offer fairly substantial advances to hold the artist over until their project comes out. The problem with this is when artists spend all or more than they were advanced and the project is not successful. I don’t see anything wrong with taking an advance from a major label who is going to put serious money in to producing and marketing talent, but I still don’t suggest spending all of the advance money. Spend a portion for NECESSARY items, save a portion in an interest bearing account, and invest the rest. If the project is not successful and the artists has to pay the label back they will have close to, all of, or more than they need to pay the label back. If the artist signs with an independent label I suggest not taking an advance at all and getting a larger percentage of royalties and a bonus for a successful project.
The bottom line to this blog entry is to educate yourself, research as much as you can about the industry you want to enter. Know what to ask when looking for a manager or agent, know what is standard in a record label of talent agency contract. Become financially literate and know how to watch your large sums of money. Become a success story, not a casualty.
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