The Coronavirus has temporarily altered life as we know it and has presented various obstacles and opportunities; a key time to be resourceful and resilient. That said, an article written by the Associate Editor at Complex, Shawn Setaro, “How Coronavirus Will Impact the Future of Live Rap Shows and Venues” piqued my interest. With roughly twenty years of experience in various facets of the industry, I have managed several high-end clients and promoted concerts at the Paradise Theatre, which boasted a capacity of 3,300; both posed their own challenges. I have been removed from promotion for roughly a decade and was curious as to Mr. Setaro’s standpoint on the current situation as well as his thoughts on the future.
Setaro starts off with feedback from Alex Damashek, a promoter based in New York City, who owns Move Forward Music. Damashek acknowledges that initially it was not so bad, but that changed when SXSW was cancelled. Similarly, for promoter Ric Leichtung, the March 12, 2020 ban on gatherings of 500 or more in New York state, “Was a very sobering moment.” Setaro speaks to the fact that clubs will eventually close and jobs will ultimately be lost without some sort of government assistance; something that many of the promoters expressed to Complex. Oddly enough, with escalating rents, I have slowly watched New York City nightlife dwindle over the last five years. With staples like Stage 48, BB Kings and Webster Hall closing, platforms have been limited for upcoming and unsigned talent prior to the virus; this will only exacerbate things. Setaro notes that, “Big corporate entities will almost certainly step up and take their place.” He offers Live Nation as an example; Live Nation, “Has exclusive rights for or has an equity interest in 273 venues.” This left me thinking; how is Live Nation’s stock doing during this tumultuous time in our nation’s history? My research on Live Nation proved to be very interesting. They own Ticketmaster and the House of Blues and were worth over 11B in it the latest fiscal year. According to Billboard, it was announced on January 29, 2020 that billionaire Mark Cuban and Live Nation would open a club called Hi-Fi Dallas; the venue, set to open in May, has a capacity of 1,000 and is set to cater to smaller bands. Live Nation’s stock was listed as $70.57 a share that day; it peaked at $76.58 a share this quarter. The stock was going strong until the Coronavirus hit the United States, and events were slowly being cancelled nationally and internationally; the stock dropped by fifty percent. Ironically, on March 12, 2020, the same day New York banned gatherings of 500 people or more, Mike Rapino, the CEO of Live Nation purchased one million dollars in stock according to Billboard. In the same breath, executives James Kahan and Michael Rowles purchased roughly $200,000.00 collectively; Live Nation was at $36.20 that day. According to Newsweek and Digital Music News, Mark Cuban also snagged Live Nation stock at bargain basement prices. Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has intimate knowledge of large venues, franchises, sponsors and events, as well as the supporting staff required to facilitate profitable endeavors. He is a visionary and understands that the Coronavirus has altered the entertainment world forever. Parallel to Damashek, who expressed in an email that he and Move FM are exploring ways to bring everyone together online with social content and virtual events, I have felt this way prior to the pandemic and knew that virtual events were the wave of the future. With more and more being done on social media and with the accompanying success of streaming; it was obvious that this was just a matter of time. Cuban, who knows all too well, the cost of the pandemic and the implications for what is to come, realizes an opportunity to capitalize on the entertainment everyone has grown to miss. Picture this; a world of virtual entertainment without the hindrance of weather, travel, accommodations, and natural disasters; no dressing up, paying for parking, security checks or waiting in line for concessions or merchandise. One may ask, well, how will you monetize and profit in the virtual market? Let’s look at the PPV model we have been subjected to for the last three decades of boxing and the like. When you take into consideration that the average venue that houses a major sports team or an arena that caters to top tier concerts, have capacities between 50k to just over 100k, what if your streamed the event live for the World to see? Consider this; the opportunity cost in just performing one time and seeing the revenue immediately or touring for months. Let’s take Ed Sheeran’s “Divided Tour” which is listed as the highest grossing concert tour of all time, according to Wikipedia. He managed to average $3.4 million per show with a mean of 34.5k in attendance for each performance; an estimated $775M gross, was the result. Conversely, there are 7.35B people in the World and 328 million people in the United States. If a quarter of Americans order the event on PPV for $100.00, a fraction of the cost of a ticket, the potential revenue is $8B; almost ten times more revenue than the tour. Cuban is merely “Testing the waters”, according to various sources, but I know better. He is a calculated genius that has done his homework and he wants in. He is a shark by nature and is attacking a familiar space; keep in mind, he sold www.broadcast.com to Yahoo for $5.7 Billion in 1999 according to Wikipedia. Whereas PPV is one option for major events, a subscription model may better suit sports teams and the like, who have a full season of games or shows. Setaro notes that Damashek “Suggests that the future of nightlife will be brought to you by Barclay’s”; close enough. Apple TV, Disney Plus, Amazon TV and NetfFlix, for starters, have all captured various markets; why should Live Nation be any different? Cuban is an industry-insider and would be embraced by owners within the NBA; he would capture the attention of other sports, CEO’s and brands with ease. With a plethora of options, Live Nation could license different entities, all while maintaining exclusive content. Athletes and entertainers would get a cut of the net revenue; sponsorship and merchandise would be based on the selling ability of the entity. As of March 27, 2020, Forbes estimates that the Coronavirus has cost the sports industry $5B, a number that could balloon to $10B, if play does not resume by July. Cuban is one of the owners paying his hourly employees while the Coronavirus keeps them out of work according to Fortune. In an article dated March 26, 2020 Fortune affirms that “He does hope to have games played in empty arenas, available to stream by mid-May or June, though.” Cuban’s motivation is twofold. Most importantly, bring back sports as quickly as possible via streaming; it creates instant revenue and stops the bleeding that comes with the absence of play. Secondly, to ensure that the entertainment world is never put in this position again; in the end game, one will prove to be more profitable than the other. Live Nation closed at $47.15 a share yesterday, up $10.95 a share or a profit of $300k on the one million that was invested just a few weeks earlier; if and when the stock price returns to its peak, the profit will exceed one million dollars. Business Insider reports that the Coronavirus will surge unemployment to 30% next quarter; specifically, the bartenders, security, cooking staff, ushers and others who rely on venues and the revenue created by these events. These individuals, who are currently out of work indefinitely, will be forced to thrive in new realms of society and gain employment in other sectors; the Coronavirus has presented the perfect opportunity to see how well people can adapt. Talent, booking agents, managers, promoters, publicists, graphic designers and the like, will remain in their positions and adjust accordingly. With Fortune reporting that the GDP will drop by at least 30%, new professions and careers will be created with the technologies that come with streaming and all it has to offer; merchandise will be produced domestically. Cuban sees virtual entertainment as an opportunity to create a platform made for everyone; mainstream and underground talent as well as producers and consumers alike. He and Live Nation will change the way we look at, and access, entertainment forever. They are just one of the hundreds of entities that will follow suit, lead the way and capitalize accordingly. A digital revolution is upon us; find your place at the dinner table or sit back and enjoy the ride, from your couch.
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I recently had an opportunity to sit down with E. Samson Jones; a singer and drummer from Rockland County. He placed third in the last “Own the Mic” Showcase. Despite not being present to see his performance live, I felt his energy through his vocals and he blew me away the minute I listened to his music.
With tracks like “Letter to You” and “Slide”, E. Samson brings back a feeling of nostalgia. He credits the inspiration behind his soulful music to legends like Ray Charles and James Brown. As someone who is instrumentally in tune with his craft, he can compose a song based on the beat or construct the beat around the song. As far as producers are concerned, he spoke very highly of Varsity Beats, and states that “They have something for everyone”. When questioned about what the future has in store, E. Samson anticipates expanding his fan base and would ultimately like to travel abroad to Japan. He also respects the vocals of Jasmine Sullivan and would love to work with her in the future. Regardless as to potential collaborations, I am here for E. Samson’s journey; his passion and work ethic speak for themselves Hailing from the East New York section of Brooklyn, Big “Zaddy” East grew up in New York during a time that left few options outside of street violence and drugs. He found a passion for music at a young age when he realized that he had the ability to change peoples’ moods with his words.
At thirteen, he became more serious with his craft. Influenced by Brooklyn’s own Jay-Z and Biggie Smalls, as well as Jadakiss, he credits them for his unique flow, humble vibe and concrete bars. He started to perform locally; the buzz soon followed. Performances, coupled with a large social media fan-base, made it easy for his free-styles to go viral. Big East has been featured on DJ Magic’s “Ridin Out” as well as Jack Thriller’s “Party and Bullshit”. His anthem, “Rick Martin” was well received on Hot 97 and Power 105.1; two marquee stations on the number one market, New York. He followed up with the “Web Music Pro College Tour”, which afforded him the opportunity to perform in front of Howard University, Virginia State, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman, and Morehouse University. As a new artist, this insight is something he credits to his mentor, J. Daps. Even though financing his own music career has proven to be his toughest obstacle thus far, he has turned down numerous offers from various labels. He opted to create the Ohana Music Group, LLC, with his long-time friend King Arlie. Big “Zaddy” East’s first EP, 4Ever Drip’N Neva Slip’N, was released under the label. Big East would like to work with Phresher; he has always admired his energy. He also envisions collaborating with Dave East; two East’s on one track would be epic in his opinion. He has had the privilege of working with J. Caspersen, Jahlil Beats and Charlie Horse Productions and aspires to work with Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch and Metro Boomin, with respect to producers. Big East will be performing and networking at SWSX in Austin, TX this March. He has another college tour set for the spring of 2019 and is slated to be a part of “Rolling Loud” in Miami in May 2019. He looks forward to remaining humble and maintaining a positive outlet in a crowded market. He is confident that his talent, coupled with his work ethic and connections will propel him to the next level. New York native Kush Lee, is a rapper who has been in the game for eight years. His most recent project is his new single, “Do That”, a collaboration with Tilsa Wright; the Jamaican born author of Lady In Red. Lady In Red features a protagonist named Keisha Lopez, who is bi-racial and at a crossroads in life; should she pursue the American Dream legally or continue to live the “street life” she has become accustomed to? The single, “Do That” is co-written and co-produced by Kush Lee and Tilsa, and follows the same spirit as Lady In Red. The beat, produced by NY Bangers, coupled with lyrics by Kush Lee, are the perfect pairing for this inspirational track. “Do That” covers the day to day struggles that plague many of us; it also motivates us to push harder and continue to fight for a life worth living. The video, shot in the heart of Brooklyn, features staples like the subway, corner bodegas and Spunky Fish; the restaurant owned by Leslie Pollard, Bobby Schmurder’s mother. Life on the streets of New York, and the struggle of those who reside here, is clearly depicted. “Do That” has become a slogan for everyone working hard to improve their situation. “Do That” and Lady In Red are available everywhere. As of late, I have been asked to review music for artists of various genres. Listening to the music is one thing, but I like to conduct interviews as well, as to ascertain the person’s vibe. In the case of Brooklyn rapper Donn P., an interview was not conducted, but his Instagram page offered several clips that gave me some insight into his persona. His new video, “Blaoww Bitch” features Donn P. laying down lyrics on the instrumental to Midnight Star’s “I’m Curious”. I happen to love the classic, so I was intrigued to hear his rendition; the messages were starkly different. Despite this, I think it is an interesting move as it broadens his demographic, due to the nostalgic vibe of the track. More interesting, was his play on Nicki Minaj’s “Chun Li”; the video, "Shad Moss", featured Ashley DPD. His energy was fun, creative, entertaining; he added personality and quirky lyrics. “Donnio Krazy” offers a glimpse into his background and upbringing; his relationship with his mother, girlfriends and taking school seriously are all points that he touches on. “Once Upon A Time” is shot on a basketball court and speaks to his brother being murdered, as well as hustling and jail life. These are the stories I feel are more valuable as they are more prevalent, more relate-able and unfortunately more common. His music has impressed upon me that he is able to be diverse and deliver his message accordingly. I look forward to watching him grow in his craft and in this industry. In a climate where success and happiness are a facade, it is important to remain true to your story; you never know who you are motivating and inspiring with your message. I had an opportunity to chop it up with Pelham Parkway today; a Bronx rapper on the horizon, who hails from his namesake. Relatively new to the game, he has been rapping for roughly two years; it has been a passion of his since he was an adolescent. Inspired by a genuine love for music, "He just listens to it. All kinds of music". Pelham Parkway continues, "Sometimes, when I listen to different stuff, I start thinking to myself, how I would have did it; so it makes me want to create". Motivated by money, his one mistake was waiting so long to take the game seriously, in his opinion; this was his primary focus during his short bid. He admits that despite doing time, he would not change a thing, but would just tone things down and be "less greedy". He also entices me, by explaining that I would have to know the whole story; implying a much bigger picture. His new songs, "Devil Kalling" and "In Check" speak to the trapping lifestyle; something he is familiar with. When asked what else can be expected with respect to story-line, he responded, "The more comfortable I get with my music, the more versatile." I thought that was very profound feedback for someone so new to the music game. As he mentioned, everything is authentic, and he speaks on what he is familiar with. His music and craft will grow with him, and I appreciate the candor and honesty. I hope he uses this platform to tell the story he alluded to earlier; I would be open to the project. He hopes to work with Dave East, Fabolous, Don Q, Wiz Khalifa and Jay Z at some point in his career, in some capacity. As far as what 2019 holds in store, Pelham Parkway will be focused on creating more music and working on corresponding visuals. He has predicted big things financially for his team and made sure to shout-out the Blazers, the G-BOYZ, Pelham Parkway and the Bronx, of course, before signing off. Rob Salese is an Italian-American recording artist who hails from the Bronx, New York. Salese has been a fixture, in different facets of the industry, for over fifteen years. He has continued to produce fresh and innovative music with his lyrics and strategic collaborations.
This past Sunday, the MCU Baseball Field on Coney Island, was hotter than usual. DJ Magic’s Car & Bike Show was a showstopper to say the least; he pulled out all the stops and had something for everyone. There was no shortage of children’s activities; there was a bouncy house from Bouncy Blvd., face painting, games, the Paw Patrol Crew and even a train for the kids to ride on. Prince Carter, DJ Magic’s son, was there is full effect; his mini Range Rover was decked out to match his dad’s. The afternoon started off with a bikini car wash, courtesy of Nick’s Professional Touch detailing; both the ladies and the cars looked spectacular. The food, a key component to any successful event, was something special. Deez Delightz, owned and operated by Damon Williams, had several grills going; the smell was outrageous. DJ Magic had a showcase that boasted a roster full of talent. Sets included music from I Am Jakk Blakk & That Nigga Reals, Lady Riich, Galactic, CRU, Breathe Easy, Mike Sury, Jay Lace, Jay Jetson, The Real Noah Ark and Ruff. Some of my favorite performances were given by Arielle Toole, Ox Billy & NY Streets, Xcuse My Nglish and Kali & Chyna; the lyrics, energy and engagement with the crowd were amazing. My favorite group was Bud Issa New Wave due to their overall movement. They had their own booth, tour-bus, as well as tons of promotional items; I was extremely impressed with their branding awareness and management. Handsome Balla and the Legendary DJ Jazzy Joyce made an appearance. Coney Island’s finest, D. Chamberz, set the stage on fire with his set; he was well received to say the least. The event was covered by American Dream Radio, Bar Talk Radio, www.buildurbuzz.com, City Rok Radio](https://youtu.be/rzk6dk8OY7Y), Conversations with Mary Jane, Deadstock Productions, Don Diva Magazine, [Sleepy Jay of F.E.D.S. Magazine](https://www.instagram.com/sleepjayfedsmagnyc), The Line-Up Show, [Presents the Best TV](https://youtu.be/2KgFzCFSrDA), Strong Island Hip-Hop, Wave 52 Images_ and the _Wendy Williams Show._ <- ->This event would not have been possible without DJ Magic’s vision and his supporting cast. At this time we would like to thank our sponsors. **Cloud 9 Exotics, Vista Bella, Rennen International, Long Island Tire (L.I.T.), Straight Movin', Y2K Credit Solutions, Rock Boy Choppers, Monster Energy Drink, VMA Auto Collision, Issa New Wave, Jump Around Party Rental, Brooklyn Car Audio, JVC Mobile, Shirt Kings, Pro-Line Car Stereo, Monster Energy Drink, Pawn Rite Kickz, Nick’s Professional Touch, Royalty Rentals** and **Hot 97**; we appreciate your support and look forward to networking with you in the future.<- H&M has caused quite a stir with the latest faux pas to rock racial tensions in America. As a bi-racial American, I am always curious as to the motive behind the callousness. Was this an honest oversight or a blatant jab at the obvious? After briefly debating this to myself, I decided that there are plenty of alternatives to H&M and that if I do not agree with their standards, I can take my money elsewhere; you should too. After all, there is an abundance of minority stores, brands, designers and stylists who would love our business; and they cater to our demographic.
One brand that comes to mind is Trust No One New York (TNONY), founded by Rashid Said. Rashid has quite an interesting story; one that many can relate to. Born in Brooklyn but raised in Queens, and of Puerto Rican and Malaysian descent, Rashid was always attracted to the street life. As a teen in the 90’s, he was consumed with gangs, drugs and graffiti. He went through several stints in jail and lost numerous friends to the streets. This, coupled with the birth of his son Jaedyn in 2008, he made a conscious decision to change his life for the better. Despite his best efforts, he was arrested again in 2010; by the grace of God, he was given probation. He did not take this opportunity for granted and made the transition into the workforce; he is currently with the Labor Union. Rashid was proud of his progress but could not shake the feeling that, with the right work ethic, there was more in store for him. He always had a passion for fashion, and in the summer of 2015, Trust No One New York (TNONY) was founded. “Trust No One” is the name of his crew from Brooklyn, and the logo was given to him by friend, who has since passed. Rashid even went one step further and sought a minority owned company to print his patches; please reach out to Big Printing for all of your printing needs. The brand and all that it embodies, is very personal to Rashid; it represents his triumph against adversity. The line consists of T-Shirts and hats that are emblazoned with the logo; they are currently available online. The line is also carried at Da Spot NYC, located at 145 Front Street, Suite 15, Brooklyn, NY 11201 and Vic’s Music Hut, located at 1489 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10461; both establishments are minority owned. Seneca Village is proud to present the best in food, fashion, music and entertainment. For information on how to submit your brand, please contact us directly. Robert “Chance” Molina Jr. is a fashion designer, stylist and professional tattoo artist with a keen sense of style. Born in Brooklyn, his passion for art was sparked by his father, who shared his love of horror films with Chance. His favorite childhood memory was flipping through Fangoria Magazine, which inspired him to explore graffiti and ultimately tattooing.
What started off as a hobby soon became a full-time calling. Once Chance realized that he was making more money following his passion, he left his day job. With over seventeen years of experience, he is considered a veteran in the game. Chance can be found using elite entertainers, industry insiders and savvy clients as his personal canvases at the World renowned Bronx Ink Studio, located at 344 East 149th Street, in the heart of the South Bronx. He specializes in cover-up tattoos and his all-exclusive free-hand work. In addition to being an artist, Chance is a walking piece of art in his own right. He is covered with ink and sports two sentimental tattoos that are daily reminders of the most influential people in his life; his parents. The teardrop tattoos on his face are dedicated to his father; they represent his sentiment that he will “Never stop crying for him”. His most prominent tattoo is the Louis Vuitton logo that graces his entire scalp; it was his mother’s favorite fashion obsession. The infamous Louis Vuitton tattoo has gone viral various times and has brought acclaim to Chance and Bronx Ink Studio on a national and international level. More impressively, Chance’s fashion sense is just as innovative as his ink work. He hand picks fabric with interesting prints and textures, designs and styles his own clothes and sews each piece personally. He is a visionary; his attention to detail and his ability to create unique pieces to match each client is unrivaled. If you are considering getting a tattoo or covering one up, please consult with Chance in person for amazing suggestions and tell him Jenna sent you; walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. While you are there, be sure to take in the atmosphere and pick-up some fashion tips; you will not be disappointed. Bronx Ink Studio - 344 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10451 – Ph: 929.351.7609 |
Jenna A. HercheA native New Yorker, Jenna has been in various facets of the entertainment industry for over twenty years. Her newest venture is media. Be sure to stay tuned for her perspective on the industry and the politics that come with the territory. CategoriesArchives
March 2020
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