Product and Artist Management Month 7

I reached out to a very good friend of mine, Vito Tha Champ, an Atlanta, Georgia based Hip Hop artist that is on his way to the top. (Pictured about from left to right is YZ(Vito's manager), Akon (CEO of Konvict/Interscope Records, multi platinum artist and producer) and Vito Tha Champ.) Through Vito I was able to have a telephone interview with his manager that goes by the name Y/Z.

Keith Harrison
PAM LP
Artist Manager: YZ
February 23, 2010

How did you get your start into artist management?
“I started out as a club promoter in Atlanta Ga.”

What is artist management to you?
Artist management to me is the extension of an artist that is all about the business. I have to think like an artist but also make sure that they get the best deal.

What artist did you promote shows for?
“Atlanta based rap acts such as TI, Young Jeezy and Rocko

What made you switch from promoting to artist management?
“Long story short, a business partner was doing shady business behind my back and it left a foul taste in my mouth and I wanted to move on.”

Who is your first artist that you signed to an artist management deal?
Vito Tha Champ aka ‘Mr. 757’

How has relationships and networking help your career?
“Since I was in the promoting game, I had connections to get Vito Tha Champ booked in those clubs in Atlanta. The best advice I can give you is to never burn bridges man. Relationships are vital in this business, it can make or break you.”

What has been some of your achievements in artist management?
“Signing Vito Tha Champ to RCE. Vito helped RCE get the attention of Konvict Music because his style and he write and produces his own material. Also negotiating Vito’s deal for the Konvict Clothing Tour since the Akon’s clothing is a separate business from the label.”

What has been some of the pitfalls of artist management?
“I’m relatively new to artist management so I would say having to do most of the leg work myself when it comes to booking shows and making sure the show happens without problems.”

“Also, Vito started out in a group but I was not interested in the other three so I signed Vito to a solo deal and made sure he could be with my company since he was already in a group. That was crazy because the group felt threaten and betrayed but Vito was the producer and visionary so I wanted the total package.”