first artists Reggie and I signed. They were hugely successful when they first came out in 2003. They had exceptional achievement that year, despite Beyoncé dropping her debut album as a solo artist the same month. We released their debut single then album, which went platinum.
Both members of Complex had a child a piece since their debut in 2003, and hadn’t been on the scene for a minute. Now they wanted to get back out here. The dilemma was, they wanted to change up their sound a bit. They’re known for melodic tunes, dance tracks, and female anthems. They now want to do at least one power-driven ballad. However, neither of them possessed any power in their voices. Though their success had put Reggie and me on the map, they were known for their beauty and dance moves, and less for their voices. I think they should stay in their lane. Nevertheless, they weren’t trying to hear that. They asked that I write and produce this ballad that was supposed to re-introduce them to the world. Me writing and producing is never a problem. I wrote a song that they love, but they haven’t been able to deliver on the vocals. I’ve re-arranged the song as much as I’m comfortable with in order to maintain the song’s integrity. If they want to sing my song, they’re going to have to step up.
I confided in L’oriel that Reggie typically handled any conflicts that would arise in this area. He would often mediate between me and the artist. If they didn’t see my vision or point of view, he was good at smoothing things over with either myself or the artist. I’m not inflexible. I never want to stifle my artist; however, sometimes they don’t see the bigger picture. Dealing with moody, stubborn artists wasn’t my strong suit.
I was good with the business; making sure we stayed on track, ensuring that sales, marketing, and PR worked together to get us to our expected quarterly and yearly revenue. Then of course, I still wrote and produced.
When we started this record company, I never saw it without Reggie. I knew my strengths, and one of them wasn’t getting an artist to see my vision, especially when it was so close to me. I don’t perform in front of thousands of people. However, those people will hear my music - my words. Just like the artist, I have a vision for where I see my art. Sometimes when an artist and producer aren’t seeing the same vision, a mediator is needed. Reggie was that. I respected his opinion and he respected my art. When I’m in the booth, it’s hard for me to wear my CEO hat and I need someone who can keep me on track.
I hadn’t been successful in filling Reggie’s position particularly for that reason. Reggie wasn’t scared of me. He didn’t let my sometimes harsh and controlling demeanor deter him. I trusted him to look out for the artist, and also to look out for the company—well, until recently.
“I have no doubt that you’ll find someone who believes in your vision. However, if they aren’t bringing your song to life the way you envision it, is it difficult to bring in another producer? Maybe he or she could help the track fit their vocals or change the direction all together.” I couldn’t help but smile at her. I have to admit, I have a tendency to try and do everything myself. I’m known for having my hands in a bit of everything. I didn’t have the success that I had by not being that way, but if Reggie was still around that’s exactly what he would have done by now.
“No baby, it’s not,” she beamed. “See there you go. I’ll give you that one. The next time, I’m charging.” She smiled over her straw as she took a sip of her drink.
“Whatever, little girl. You ready to get out of here and go bowl?” I pulled out my wallet and placed enough money for the food and generous tip, then stood behind her chair to pull it out so she could stand. We walked through the restaurant to the valet with our hands intertwined. I almost chuckled out loud. I haven’t held hands
Both members of Complex had a child a piece since their debut in 2003, and hadn’t been on the scene for a minute. Now they wanted to get back out here. The dilemma was, they wanted to change up their sound a bit. They’re known for melodic tunes, dance tracks, and female anthems. They now want to do at least one power-driven ballad. However, neither of them possessed any power in their voices. Though their success had put Reggie and me on the map, they were known for their beauty and dance moves, and less for their voices. I think they should stay in their lane. Nevertheless, they weren’t trying to hear that. They asked that I write and produce this ballad that was supposed to re-introduce them to the world. Me writing and producing is never a problem. I wrote a song that they love, but they haven’t been able to deliver on the vocals. I’ve re-arranged the song as much as I’m comfortable with in order to maintain the song’s integrity. If they want to sing my song, they’re going to have to step up.
I confided in L’oriel that Reggie typically handled any conflicts that would arise in this area. He would often mediate between me and the artist. If they didn’t see my vision or point of view, he was good at smoothing things over with either myself or the artist. I’m not inflexible. I never want to stifle my artist; however, sometimes they don’t see the bigger picture. Dealing with moody, stubborn artists wasn’t my strong suit.
I was good with the business; making sure we stayed on track, ensuring that sales, marketing, and PR worked together to get us to our expected quarterly and yearly revenue. Then of course, I still wrote and produced.
When we started this record company, I never saw it without Reggie. I knew my strengths, and one of them wasn’t getting an artist to see my vision, especially when it was so close to me. I don’t perform in front of thousands of people. However, those people will hear my music - my words. Just like the artist, I have a vision for where I see my art. Sometimes when an artist and producer aren’t seeing the same vision, a mediator is needed. Reggie was that. I respected his opinion and he respected my art. When I’m in the booth, it’s hard for me to wear my CEO hat and I need someone who can keep me on track.
I hadn’t been successful in filling Reggie’s position particularly for that reason. Reggie wasn’t scared of me. He didn’t let my sometimes harsh and controlling demeanor deter him. I trusted him to look out for the artist, and also to look out for the company—well, until recently.
“I have no doubt that you’ll find someone who believes in your vision. However, if they aren’t bringing your song to life the way you envision it, is it difficult to bring in another producer? Maybe he or she could help the track fit their vocals or change the direction all together.” I couldn’t help but smile at her. I have to admit, I have a tendency to try and do everything myself. I’m known for having my hands in a bit of everything. I didn’t have the success that I had by not being that way, but if Reggie was still around that’s exactly what he would have done by now.
“No baby, it’s not,” she beamed. “See there you go. I’ll give you that one. The next time, I’m charging.” She smiled over her straw as she took a sip of her drink.
“Whatever, little girl. You ready to get out of here and go bowl?” I pulled out my wallet and placed enough money for the food and generous tip, then stood behind her chair to pull it out so she could stand. We walked through the restaurant to the valet with our hands intertwined. I almost chuckled out loud. I haven’t held hands
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