Appreciative for my time at Full Sail University

I believe that the capability to utilize what you learn is necessary to be successful in today’s cutthroat society. There is no end to learn. Each day creates an endless accumulation to my development in this forceful world. It is my pungent credence that your magazine will give me the additional analyses that are crucial for obtaining a profound imminent and well perceptive life. Therefore my reason for attending Full Sail University for my Masters of Science in Entertainment Business and Sports Management was to increase my unfulfilled learning and generate further accomplishments for myself in the future.

In March 2005, Derick Hackett, Southern University’s Director of Media Relations, was in dire need of a writer to accompany him to the men’s and women’s Southwestern Athletic Conference basketball tournament in Birmingham, Alabama.  With few prospects for the task, Hackett targeted a sophomore general news reporter and occasional opinion columnist with absolutely no experience in covering sporting events.  I agreed to go on a Monday; by Wednesday, I was courtside and expected to “watch the game, get some quotes, and have a story ready for the Internet in an hour.”  Though I had no experience in sports journalism, I relentlessly pursued the knowledge and techniques fundamental to successful sports stories – the type of story that places the reader inside the field house and witnessing every play.  I quickly found that my strong background in poetry enabled me to author engaging and artful leads and jumpstart my recap of the game.  I was essentially thrown into an entirely foreign land but found a way to be successful by drawing from my strengths and aggressively – given the immediacy of my assignments – overcoming my weaknesses by accessing the wealth of veteran sports writers at the tournament.  In five short days, I was able to catch on and honed my craft as a sports journalist.  Furtively, I feel that Derick Hackett’s decision to push me into this foreign landscape served as a foray into what I see as my future career.

           

Five days in Birmingham not only created the makings of a driven and talented sports writer, it revealed to me the shocking reality of a male-dominated scene in the world of sports.  The more games I sat along the sidelines, the more I saw ubiquitous rows of men at scorer’s tables across the country; therefore, my presence in the field not only felt natural but necessary.  As an avid lifetime athlete, I already possessed an innate desire to be involved in the world of sports.  I began researching opportunities for women, moreover black women, to make a direct and immediate impact in the larger movement to advance women in sports. 

An ability that I have is my eagerness to learn. Any professor of mine can tell you that my determination to learn has no boundaries. My efforts and my strides to learn during my four year tenure at Southern were vocalized like none other. I always made known to my professors my eagerness to make nothing less than an “A” and I left no rock unturned as I fought for the best.

During my time at Full Sail, I have developed in myself a great sense of responsibility and self-belief. I realize the significance of being a part of a professional atmosphere in order to learn.  I am fully aware that discovering undiscovered systems and courses would require self-criticism, self-assurance, and courage. However, challenge intrigues and inspires me to learn inimitable resolutions. The action of resolving hard problems not only gives an exceptional method of gaining information but also allows me to get an unfathomable feeling of dignity and contentment. I am a graduate now, and I appreciate this prestigious university for providing me with the tools to utilize my degree in the practical sense. 

Media info for Digit Man

In a self-proclaimed distinctive style that's hard to classify; DIGIT MAN doesn't just

make music...he makes anthems. Big on word play; the cocky performer describes himself as

a hustler with a dark side and tenacity of Eminem, a melodic cadence reminiscent of Slick

Rick and southern charm and humor like Ludacris.


Born in Brooklyn as a mere mortal named Seven Hughes, DIGIT MAN (aka The

Monster) was birthed at the age of 3 with the banging of drums or on whatever he could get

his hands on. In middle school, DIGIT's first victims were his rap-loving classmates at

lunchroom tables; he sees his current audience as aliens, thinkers from beyond, builders,

bosses and dope boys, who identifies with more than force-fed trap music.

Even during a 3-year stint in the United States Marine Corp, while specializing in heavy

artillery and machine gun operation, DIGIT was developing an arsenal that would propel his

career in music. Upon discharge he migrated to the south to be among like-minded AT-aliens

to work as an Entertainment Consultant in 1999.


It was in Atlanta where he learned the game from inside out. He grew fangs honed in

on his craft, while building his brass, earning loyal fans from the UK to Germany and

Portugal. In 2011 DIGIT MAN was donned Best Unsigned Artist of the Year by the

international music awards, BEFFTA (Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion & Television

Awards). He works tirelessly with the Lisa Left Eye Lopes Foundation and Left Eye Music Fest,

and promotes other indie artists via his MonsterMusicRadio.com. Currently, he’s pushing his

newest single “Inside My Head”. This beautiful beast has been terrorizing stages across the

US as the headliner for the 2nd year in a row on the Summer of SUM Tour; the country's 1st

national all independent music tour.

-By Kee Hughes

Check out more of Digitman and his music at www.digitmanmusic.com

Q & A Interview with a Number (Digit the rapper interview))

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 Digit what is your real name? 

A: My real name is Seven Hughes. 

Where are you from?

A: I'm originally from Brooklyn, NY

 How did you come up with your name name?

A: A good friend of mine, who is a songwriter, nick-named me "Digit" a long time ago. So when I came out with the music, that's the name I chose.

 What does your act consist of?

A: Me and a few other people who are a little "off".

 How would you describe yourself someone who has never seen you perform before?

  A: Insane. Lots of energy.

 Thinking back to early childhood, what would you say was your first musical influence? 

A: My musical influence came from my mom and pops. They used to play old school records all day and while we slept.

 What song do you remember most as a child and why?

A: The Message from Grandmaster Flash. Because my life has been filled with a lot of ups and downs. So, I can identify with the lyrics.

 As a child growing up what types of music was played around you? How or why does it differ to the music that you find yourself listening to today?

A: A lot of old school, like, Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass and Luther. I think because I was exposed to so many different kinds of music then, I listen to a large range of music now.

 Do you remember the first song you wrote, rapped, or sang? What is recorded? How? Where did you get the music? How did it make you feel?  Do you still have a copy of it today?

A: The first song I recorded was back in high school. It was recorded at a friend's house. I got the music from a Dj or producer. I felt good about it because I won a lot of competitions back then with that record.

 How old were you when you decided that “music” was what you wanted to do? Why? 

A: Four years ago is when I decided to pursue music as my career because  YelaWolf's producer, Will Power, asked if I wanted to record a album. I think that did it.

After deciding that music was in your future how did you decide which “type” of music you were going to pursue? 

A: I think I just make the music I hear. It’s not really about what "I" wanted, but "What" wanted to come out. Rapping allows me to let it all go and deliver it to a "people" who can appreciate what I'm saying.

What is it about your live performances that you feel captivates your fan base? How do you decide what changes are made for those in attendance who have either never seen you/your band perform live or those who have never heard your music?

A: It’s my energy. It’s just raw. I ain't up on the stage trying to be cool. I'm exposed and allow the crowd to see my emotion. I allow the energy to dictate what gets delivered and how. 

Can you describe your music in 5 words?

A: Nothing you've ever heard before.

Can you give me some details about Digit?

A: From the time my eyes open to the time they go to sleep, I'm working. I'll outwork anyone who thinks their talent will get them where they want to go. From sun up till sun down, I'm hustling.

What talent contests, if any, have you entered? Did you place? Did you gain new fans? How did it make you feel? Is there anything that you would change about the performance? Would you do it again?

A: I've won a ton of contests. But, when I won a international music award in 2011, that separated me from the bullshit. It means that not only did someone from my hometown recognize what I can do, but from across them waters, too.

Do you write your own music?

A: Yeah. I write it all.

Most people write their music based on their surroundings, what they know or what they feel is “hot” at the moment…..what is your music written about?

A: My music is whatever I am feeling or whatever the beat is saying to me. I don't go into a writing session like, "I'm about to write some shit for my G's". I just let it happen.

What would you say has been your pivotal, or breakout moment? Do you think you have passed on any opportunities that would have heightened your career?

A: My breakout moment would have to be the Summer of SUM Tour. I headlined the tour two years in a row and met a lot of people who have been a help to my career.

Where would you like to see yourself within the next 5 years?

A: World tour, movies, commercials, sponsorships, endorsements, music awards and a Grammy. 

Do you feel you have “creative control” of your music? Is that something you would change?

A: Yeah. I control it all. I'm working on what I would change, and that's, more collaborations with more artists.

To date what has been your biggest obstacle? How have you handled them?

A: For me its, internet promo for my records and shooting videos. Because I’m so busy, I don't have the time to really work on my projects like I used to. So, I have a team in different cities now, helping me.

Do you in anyway feel that the economy has contributed to the rise of internet sales/downloads as opposed to fans have purchased the actual cd? 

A: Hell yeah. But moreso the technology than the economy. Back in the days, you could bootleg a project, but the only people that you could get it to, were the ones you could touch. Now, with the internet, people don't wanna pay for shit b/c they can get it free.

How have you promoted your music? Do you have any advice for the next generation of artists coming up that may one day look to you for guidance?

A: CDs, mp3s, internet, truck of the car, street teams, consignment stores... My advice is to know the game and play that shit. It ain't about "you" more than it is about networking and who you know.

There is always someone who has something negative to say about the music today, regardless of the genre. Are there any changes you feel would benefit the music industry as a whole in this day and age?

A: Hell yeah. If people would start telling the truth and exposing real life a lil more. Go back to when music didn't just move you, but it also had purpose. Now, every song on the radio is a party track. Everyday ain't a party for everybody.

How would you describe your fan base?

A: Diverse

Do you have a fan club or street team?

A: Yeah. I have a few.

What would you say are the most inspirational comments a fan has ever given you?

A: A fan from the UK told me once that I was their favorite rapper, period. Even over Lil Wayne and he worshipped Lil Wayne. Another fan told me that she played my mixtape 5 times in a row, back to back. That kinda shit makes you wanna keep going. 

What positive advice would you have to offer to the youth in your community?

A: I've been about the community since I was a kid, because of how I grew up. I represent "Left Eye's" Non-profit and have helped a lot of people on this planet, man. I would say to get involved. You never know how it will effect your movement and fan base.

How does your family feel about the music you perform? Do they regularly attend shows? How has their support (or lack thereof) benefited (or hindered) your career?

A: My mom raised me as a G and a Gentleman, so the stuff I spit ain't foreign to either something I have already been through and experienced or that I am dealing with currently. So when I perform, its like I'm telling my story to a few new friends. My family respects what I do because of how I do it. They are behind me 100%.

From small hole in the wall bars to larger venues, what would you say on the art of promotion in drawing a crowd to a live performance?  

A: Consistency and good music

What is the furthest you have ever traveled for a show? How receptive was the crowd of your performance?

A: Right now, Cali is the furthest I've traveled for a show and I've done it a few times in a few different cities in Cali. The West loves Digit. And Digit loves the West!

Does anyone else in your family have music talent? 

A: Not in a "performing" kind of way. But, my grandfather was the first black DJ in Marrion and Dillon county, in SC. My pops is a published poet. So talents in the arts is evident.

Do you find yourself regularly listening to music who’s genre differs from yours?

A: Yeah. I listen to all kinds of shit man. I love music. But mostly, I listen to my own music, past and present.

What to you prefer to do when you are not “doing music”?

A: Having sex and making money. Not always in that order either.

What would be your “perfect vacation”?

A: Hawaii in the winter, 5 sexy girls, all the liquor I can drink, Hawaii's finest to smoke on, and a lot of sex on the beach.

What would you say is your inspiration in continuing your career/tours/live performances?

A: To have that perfect vacation whenever I want and how often I want to take it.

How would you compare your live performances to those of major label artists? 

A: You can't compare it. Because me with their budgets, I would change the game, forever. I will.

What do you enjoy more, studio or live performances?

A: Can't compare the two. One without the other is like trying to get a chick pregnant without fucking. It’s the process and I enjoy the process.

How do you think your music influences your fans? Do you feel that they are getting the “message behind the music”? 

A: My music makes my fans "feel" something. It makes them either want to change the world or say fuck it and just do their own thing. The message behind my music, is to "let the monster live". Everybody's got this mask on. Take that shit off and let your monster out!

What song do you enjoy performing the most and why?

A: Right now, it would have to be a toss up between, "Hi, I'm the Monster" or "Inside My head". They're both crazy and I get to just let loose.

At the end of the day do you think there are any changes that need to be made when it comes to yourself, your group/band, or your music? Why?

A: There is always room for improvement. Always!

With artists such as Techn9ne doing his own independent thing, in a perfect world would you rather continue independent or do you aspire to be major label signed?

A: I don't give a fuck about the "terminology" of things. As long as my fans are happy, my music is getting out to the places I want them too and as long as them zeros keep coming at the end of them checks, I could give a fuck weather or not I get signed. I never started this shit with that intent. I just want to make music and lots of fuckin money!

Everyone has that one fan who is more “ambitious” about meeting their favorite artists, have you ever found yourself in a situation that made the fan seem somewhat “stalker-ish”? How did you handle it? Do you now find yourself resistive when approached by fans? 

A: I got a fan right now, who I think is my number 1 fan. He's a kid from Sunderland, England and he swears that he will be the first person to bring me over to the UK. Right now, he's working with a team of his friends to really set the shit up. He's the first person that I've ever signed a autograph for "on something". I sent him a signed t-shirt, cd and some other shit last year or two years ago, and he's been on it every since. Facebook, Twitter, he's there. It’s cool though. That’s what you do this shit for, right? To affect people?

What is the most embarrassing moment you have ever had on stage?

A: LOL. I dropped my mic once going across the stage. Oh, and another time, I forgot the lyrics to my own shit. I freestyled it and no one knew a thing though.

Are there any moments you “wish you could forget”?

A: My show in Oakland in 2012. Too much drama. 

Given the opportunity who is the one artist you would like to work with, and why?

A: Kanye, Wayne, Jay, and Eminem. To me, they all posses something that I aspire for. Kanye is so crazy with his music. He's open to damn near anything. Wayne has outworked everyone in music and is a great business man. Jay-Z has stayed relevant for more almost 20 years. And what else can you say about Em?

Are you currently involved with any community organizations?

A: I'm a board director member for the Lisa Lopes Foundation, the non-profit organization of the great, late "Left Eye", formally of TLC.

What would you want to be remembered for the most by your fans?

A: My drive, energy, the difference of my music and my business sense.

What would you say you have yet to accomplish on your “bucket list”?

A: Make 144 million, own 3 Ferrari's, a Zonda and a yacht, a small manor, a Grammy, an Oscar... shit... I ain't thinkin about no bucket list.

I'm trying to live. So fuck all that.

How have you grown as an artist?

A: I don't make music that "I" want to hear anymore.

If you had not become an artist/band, where do you think you would be now?

A: I'm a businessman. I'm funny as shit. I'm talented more ways than 1. Whatever it would be that I had decided to do, I would be just as if not, more successful.

What can your fans expect from you in the future? New album/mixtape releases, shows, tours, upcoming news?

A: I just released my new project, "Where'd I Park My Spaceship, The Blackbox Recordings". You can download it FREE from http://digit.bandcamp.com/album/whered-i-park-my-spaceship-the-black-box-recordings. I'm working on a new album, that will be released next year. I'm going over to the UK to do that show in Sunderland. And I'm also working on a huge show in Hamburg, Germany. I'll be playing with a Classical Musician. Its gonna be stoopid. 

Check out more of the rapper Digit’s music at http://www.digitmanmusic.com/

Experts Views on the Value Of Business Plans

After researching on experts in the field, I intend to incorporate a lot of what I have learned from my Business Plan Development class in my business practices.

Through this class I have become more educationally aware of the importance of structure within business and the plans that make or break them when it comes to investors. I have learned a lot and will put these practices into my everyday business planning from now on.

After reviewing what business experts have to say, I have made a lot of changes to my business plan. Specifically, in the areas of financial budgeting. I have broke down specifically what I need and why I need it because investors need to know where they are putting their money and how it will gain successful returns, while doubling or more.

The sections of my business plan that I consider the most important are the Executive summary, Company Description, and Financial Budget sections. The reason I think this are as follows,

-       The Executive section gives potential investors an idea of exactly where my company is, where I want to take it, and why my business objectives will be sufficiently productive. It will highlight the assets of my ultimate plan.

• The Company Description section includes a brief report of when my business was formed, the founders, location, and sometimes the roles of potential employees.  It will primarily focus on the character of my business and indicate a record of the specific target market I am trying to provide my services to.  It will list particular, organizations, buyers, and/or businesses that will be interested in the company’s endeavors. As well as describe the competitive advantages that will make my company a success, for example, location, operations, and key personnel that my customers will benefit from.

-       The Financial Budget sections give investors an idea of how and where their money will be spent. As well as how they will benefit from their investments.

With these important sections in mind I plan on utilizing what I have learned during my time at Full Sail University. Since I am new to business development, I will demonstrate in my business plan thorough market research and analysis. I intend to include information that will fulfill minority gaps within the creative artists industry. I will reach my target market by achieving clear and concise business practices which are suggested within my plans. I will propose to persuade the investor that I can be successful with my endeavors. The investors that read my plan will see a specific breakdown and address of my future plans. 

Reference Links:

http://www.profitstars.com/Financial-Performance/ALM-Budgeting-And-Financial-Reporting/Pages/default.aspx

http://sbinformation.about.com/od/businessplans/a/How-To-Write-A-Company-Description.htm

www.score.org/resources/executive-summary-importance

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/important-business-budget-385.html

Experts Views on the Values in Business Plans

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I chose to consider the values of business plans from experts Paul Heyworth and Alan Hughes.

Paul Heyworth is the Director of Business Development at Orivia Group Limited in the United Kingdom. This company provides assistance with Enterprise startup and growth, skills development, access to finance and commercial property rental. It also provides a strategic planning service, executive coaching and young peoples leadership development. 

Initially, I chose to view Heyworth’s expertise on business plans after reading an article about him in Lancashire Business Review.  In this article he explained,  “The value of creating a business plan and how it will have many more uses beyond impressing potential investors.”

I am interested in Heyworth because he has competence in business areas such as management and development. His current and previous position as the Director of Business Development at Orivia Group Limited for nine years, and former Business Manager role of 32 years at Barclays Bank PLC is appealing to me. I too desire to become an expert of Business, therefore, Heyworth’s resume and business intellect attracts my interests.  

From research, I have discovered, that Heyworth’s position as Director of Business Development at Orivia Group Limited (UK) is not one to be taken lightly. His present roles and techniques include but are not limited to intelligence gathering on customers and competitors, follow-up sales activity, assessments of target marketplaces and marketing prospects, generating leads for possible sales, formal proposal writing and business model design. 

Heyworth mentioned some of the tasks of a Business developer to Zimbio.com. He said, “Business development involves evaluating a business and then realizing its full potential, using such tools as marketing, sales, information management and customer service. These tasks are carried out by business development managers. This is my role.”

In Lancashire Business View article entitled, “Expert view: do I need a business plan” it describes the business analysis of Heyworth.  A pivotal quote he said in the article, “The importance of business planning cannot be overlooked even if your business is not seeking finance.” I agree with this statement because business plans are prepared for more than just financial matters.
Heyworth said, “A plan will help you to put your ambitions for the business down on paper so that you have a clear vision. Then you can monitor your progress.” Reading this quote was beneficial, I had never thought of business plans in that way. Primarily, I’ve been focused on the development of a plan for my business in regards to financial purposes. However, I’ve never questioned, ‘What would I need a business plan for if not for money?’.

 Reading the article on Heyworth’s business plan strategies opened my eyes to a whole new realm of business.  Heyworth stated, “Firstly, it is very useful to write one (A business plan) even if for nobody else’s benefit but your own. A business plan will help you make sense of a number of key factors.” My assumption is that this statement is factual.  Because it is something I have witnessed during my business planning compositions.  

Writing down my plans has given me the ability to discover answers to questions Heyworth presented, “Who am I and what are my skills and background? What is my product or service? Where is my target market and how will I reach them? Who is my competition? What are my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?” In addition he said, “A business plan must also include a breakdown of the financials. How much money do I need to survive (bills, food, mortgage)? How much are the running costs of this business (rent, stock, utilities, marketing)? What is my monthly income and expenditure likely to be?” 

Alan Hughes is the second business expert I analyzed. I chose to review his expertise not only because we share the same last name, but because of his credibility. As the Multimedia Editorial Director for Black Enterprise, Hughes has interviewed and analyzed numerous businesses and their owners. Below Hughes’ Bio from Black Enterprise is indicated,
“In this role he is responsible for overseeing business, entrepreneurship and technology content for the brand’s print, online, broadcast and events platforms. An award-winning journalist with nearly a quarter century in the field, he’s a vital member of the editorial management team.”

Hughes also directs the editorial coverage of the BLACK ENTERPRISE June issue, which ranks America’s largest black-owned businesses and examines the growth and impact of those BE 100s companies each year. He also oversees content and provides direction for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo, the company’s flagship event that draws thousands of business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs annually. He also regularly spearheads all international business coverage pertaining – including opportunities and global trends. 

A quote from Hughes that I enjoyed reading was stated in a Black Enterprise article, “Let’s face it, you’re in business because you want to make money and you want to do it your way. But whether you’re just starting out with your business, or you feel like you need to reassess the company’s goals and direction, there are strategic steps you can take to make sure you position yourself to make moves–smart ones. This is what a business plan is for.” I interpret this as Hughes’ way of saying to business folk, “Be flexible, yet never lose sight of your central goal.” People in business must consider adding flexibility to their business model, but must has a clear concise view of the primary goal and desired outcome for success. 

From reading both experts analysis on the values of business plans, I can see that critical & key components that investors are looking for in a plan are analysis of business full potential, marketing, sales, information management, customer service, and projected financial loss and gain. These factors would be considered key investors want an outline of a businesses projected development and the techniques that will be utilized to assure economic enterprise growth. Investors want to know that their investments will profit their finances, so a business plan is essential for financial sponsorship. 

The value of a business plan goes outside a written document with the archetypal substance: vision, purpose, sale and marketing plans, operation models and cash flow projections. The actual worth is in the development the business goes through to get the plan. The analysis, evaluation, and measurement of the core workings of the business that result in the plan is the physical appeal. Anyone can have a document called a “business plan” but successful businesses understand that the “plan” must be frequently examined and changed to reflect the strategy of the business.

References:

http://www.beinkandescent.com/tips-for-entrepreneurs/205/muhammad-yunus-tips-for-entrepreneurs

http://www.blackenterprise.com/author/Alan/

http://www.blackenterprise.com/sbu/experts/

http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/news-details.htm?news_id=212

uk.linkedin.com/pub/paul-heyworth/19/74b/a61

http://www.zimbio.com/Business+Development+Analysts/articles/6/Responsibilities+Business+Development+Manager

Los Rakas Review

 I first met Los Rakas, the Hip-Hop/Reggae/Reggaeton/Dancehall/Spanish music duo comprised of Panamanian cousins Raka Rich + Raka Dun, on the streets of San Francisco, CA in 2009. I was walking from a club late one night, and these girls came up with a Los Rakas promotional flier. I asked these girls, “Are they good?” The girls said, “Yes. They are so good and watch in a few years they’ll be even better.”  

Less than a minute later I saw these two beautiful young men trailing around the corner with fliers in their hands. I assumed, this was the Los Rakas that the girls were promoting. Both of the guys have gorgeous skin, hair, and a stylish taste in attire.  One is the color of delicious milk chocolate and the other is caramel candy complexion. They both exude radiance, especially when they smile. I knew that once a shook their hand and heard them speak, that their personality and passion was genuinely perfect. Even though I had never heard their music, the way they carried themselves made me want to buy a CD right away but it wasn’t out yet. But since our first encounter I have been a fan.

It’s 2012 now and it’s been three years since a met Los Rakas. I have seen them grow from boys to men. They started off as a duo underneath the radar, now they’re rising stars whom everyone is starting to take notice of.

From the instant they take the stage, it is obvious why Los Rakas are creating a buzz worthy name for themselves. They are changing the dynamics of the hiphop scene by fusing blends of reggaeton, reggae, dancehall, Spanish to their music within each and every set. Their energy is high and their lyrics are captivating. Their multi-dimensional music presence has allowed them to create and be a part of a league of their own which is appealing to everyone. Their Spanish and English infused lyrics give them an advantage, and opens up their consumer audience even more.

What I have personally observed is that though their status has changed, and they’ve become more popular…their personality and passion for their music and people have not change. They continue to represent Panama byway of Oakland, CA and are proud Black Latinos. They are continuously promoting positively energized vibes and music within each and every song they create.  Los Rakas is definitely a duo to listen to and keep watch on because they are headed beyond the stars.

Los Rakas Music site: http://www.losrakas.bandzoogle.com/fr_aboutus.cfm

Check out Los Rakas Music Videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/LosRakasPanaBay