Chronic Vacation linked up with legendary West Coast impresario Jazzy D for an exclusive interview.  In this article, you’ll get to learn about Jazzy’s day-to-day activities managing artists like Eastwood and Noni Spitz at Jazzy Management, and his work as President of Glasses Malone’s Blu Division label.  You’ll also hear about some plans he’s got in the works with our very own Damizza as well!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JAZZY D (JUNE ‘09)
Interview by Eddie G.

Eddie G: We’re hanging out with Jazzy D!  How are you doin man?

Jazzy D: Just chillin.  Just got off the phone from speaking with some coaches that are interested in my son’s college football career: Denver, Washington, Nevada. This is my first opportunity with this experience and I’m excited. I’m very proud of my son.

Eddie G: Tell us about what’s been going on with Jazzy Management….

Jazzy D: There are a few people no longer rollin’ with us. I have a helluva staff now, we all work well together and they keep me on point. I have been meeting people in high places that will help take Jazzy Management to the next level. We have some big things going on for some of our artists and I’m looking forward to that throughout the end of ’09. 2010 will be a very good year for us. I’d like to thank Vena, Lex, Major, J- Money, Big Lee, K- Swag, Netti, Sheridan, Styles, Adrian from the ATL, The Spizzle, Red Eye Entertainment/Jazzy Management East, and Yayouwack. If it wasn’t for them, I couldn’t do it by myself, they are a helluva team. Be on the watch for The Brave Ent. and the artist Will Fiery.

Eddie G: What’s going on with Blu Division?

Jazzy D: G. Malone is experiencing some nice success with his new single “Sun Come Up” and that is with T-Pain, Rick Ross and Birdman. I’m real proud of G. Malone because I see his hard work paying off. With his success we plan to do big things at Blu Division Music. We have a lot of talent and a lot of good music will be coming out soon by Stage, K-Boy, Quiz and Conflict, just to name a few. G. Malone and Blu Division and some artists from our roster have been dropping mixtapes to keep the buzz going.

Eddie G: What are some of the day to day responsibilities as President of Blu Division?

Jazzy D: I handle any and all paperwork. I make sure all aspects of the business is handled in a professional manner. I have meetings of the minds with Pooh and G to brainstorm and get new ideas. We are trying to create a movement that’s different than the average hip hop artists these days. Glasses is serious about doing his own thing and we are striving to make history with this business and doing it different than anything that has already been done.

Eddie G: You’re also working on an all female rapper mixtape.  We haven’t heard from too many female rappers here on the West Coast for a while now. What made you decide to this?

Jazzy D: My motivation for that is because, when you turn on the radio, 99% of hip hop music are males.  I know quite a few ladies that could help me get the buzz back. In a conversation with the Lady of Rage, she expressed her frustration with the industry right now and feels like the ladies don’t have a presence.  I wanted to take it upon myself to do something about it. Since putting the project together, I met a young lady out of Fresno who goes by the name Black Ice and I’m a big fan of hers, also Miss Unique, B. Fly (Game’s younger sister), Madusa, Lacie Loc, Madame, Miss Toi, Cognac, Madame Brown, Kanary Diamonds, and Wifey, just to name a few. I’m still looking for four more females to complete the project. I feel like the women need to be heard and I’m down for ‘em 100%. They play a big role in hip hop.

Eddie G: Tell us about what’s going on with the other artists you manage….

Jazzy D: Noni Spitz and his producer Dae One are working on a hot project that’s coming out soon. It’s going to be real real hot! An artist by the name of Stage, that’s on the Blu Division Label, is working on a new album.  Kam has a project out right now, available on ITunes. Mykestro is also working on some new projects.  We also have some young cats by the name of Task Force, out the I.E, that we just signed not too long ago. They’re real talented.  They’re also working on a project. Eastwood has some hot mixtapes about to drop and he’s working on an album about to drop soon. Tweek and Caine are in the lab cooking up some gumbo also. I’m also working with K Solo.

I also started up a producer division of Jazzy Management. I will be shopping their music to TV, motion pictures, and different record labels. The producers are Blaqthoven, Tweek, Chilly Chill, Battlecat, and some up-and-coming producers.

Eddie G: What does Jazzy D like to do for fun when he’s not doing this music shit?

Jazzy D: Spend time with my kids, watch sports, and read to stay on top of the game. I’m always reading to stay 10 times ahead of this music industry. If you don’t grind, you don’t shine.

Eddie G: You’ve also been speaking on a bunch of panels lately, giving out game and advising some of the youngsters in the industry.  What’s the experience like?

Jazzy D: It can be overwhelming. Since I have been speaking on these panels, I have met many people in different parts of the entertainment game. The feeling is priceless to meet people from other regions and countries that know me and my work. I am blessed to have the knowledge.  I have been in the game since it started on the West Coast and proud to see where it has evolved.

Eddie G: I’ve heard that you and Damizza have been talking about linking up for some sort of lecture tour in the future. Tell is what that would be like….

Jazzy D: I have a lot of respect for Damizza. He’s very knowledgeable. He’s a hip hop historian and knows hip hop well. Each one of our conversations is a learning experience. He picks my brain for info on contracts, royalties and negotiations. I pick his brain for different aspects of the radio game and we figure with the two of us, we could do a successful lecture tour. We already have big names that have offered to sponsor. I’m looking forward to it. I would like to encourage producers, songwriters, rappers and managers to attend the lectures as they will be held all over the country. We’re even thinking about writing a nice book covering our experiences in music and radio.

Eddie G: I’ve also heard that DJ Ricky Waddas from KJLH and his team are a part of Jazzy Management.

Jazzy D: I have a lot of respect for Ricky and the Saturday Night mix down team. DJ Tony G, DOC, Rea Beah and DJ Baby G, all play a lot of unsigned artists on Saturdays. They deserve more credit for what they do and the exposure they give. I encourage people out there to listen to 102.3 KJLH on Saturday nights. They won’t be disappointed.

Eddie G: Is there anything else you want to say to the fans?

Jazzy D: Most definitely. I want to encourage everybody out the there to be an asset -  not a liability. Make people want to work with you and be around you. I’d like to encourage my street soldiers to know how to go from street to corporate. I don’t care what they think, I want to let them know you have to treat your career like you treat your moms or your child - treat it with love and respect. I also want to encourage rappers and singers to not just concentrate on radio play, because the day of radio play and being a star are over. Now to be a star you have to get your face seen on TV, get endorsement deals, and get sponsorships.

For managers out there grinding for their artists, every year we should do a networking event. We should get to know each other instead of hating. There’s a lot of that going on, on the Internet.