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Milwaukee Community Journal Review of Music Powers The Milwaukee Community Journal - "Music Powers Exposed" by Kia Marie Cook - Bookshelf Review Music Powers Exposed
We know their stories very well, young Black men torn
from the grips of poverty with nothing more than talent and a dream. As they work their way through the systems, they emerge
as successful leaders in the hip-hop industry. With just one mention of their name--we’re able
to recount their story nearly verbatim. A story that typically goes like this: Born in one of America’s toughest central cities,
this kid grew up "out rhyming" anyone in the neighborhood. As a young adult, they struggled trying to get into the music industry,
where success was eminent. After going through the fire, they arrived to achieve their destiny. Their story is often comprised of many twists and
turns, and some bad business decisions: signing faulty deals, working with shady managers and the list continues.
According to C. Cirocco Jones, there most certainly
is, and he has the way. Jones authored a step-by-step guide to making it in the music industry. His book, "The Music Powers that Be...To Succeed in the Music Industry" has been self-dubbed "absolutely
the best music industry book of advice, contacts, music business information, help and resource guide for unsigned up-and-coming
artists, producers, songwriters, DJs, engineers and managers in Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B/Pop music." Jones takes a unique approach to educating the masses on success in the music industry. Rather
than telling readers that they need to do something, Jones shows the readers how to do things, by walking the reader through
various processes, step-by-step. Whether it be putting out a CD or starting a record
company--and everything in between--Jones gives step-by-step instructions to get the job done. The book covers everything from personal management
to record deals to songwriting and publishing to the business of selling and leasing beats. In fact, Jones even includes sections
of advice from the experts, which consists of super-producers, singers and songwriters--various individuals who have been
through the process and have made it in the industry.
Of particular interest is the interview with Manuel Seal, Jr., who recently won a Grammy for his work on Mariah Carey’s "We Belong Together" and has worked extensively with Usher. In the one-on-one interview, Jones asks the
hard-hitting questions with regards to Seal’s experience in the business. So much so that Seal reveals how he gets into
a production "zone," his close relationship with mega-producer Jermaine Dupri, how he broke into the business and discusses
his work with such artists as Usher, Alicia Keys and Da Brat.
What’s more, Jones has opened up his Rolodex and given readers access to key players in the music industry. If you’re looking for an entertainment lawyer, "The
Music Powers That Be..." has a comprehensive list of entertainment lawyers that is categorized by region. Additionally,
the guidebook contains several directories, including one for major personal managers, producers, urban radio stations, recording and mix studios, and accountants and business managers, among others. (It must
be noted that most of these directories are comprised of people and/or companies that are located on the East Coast or in
the South. Not many are targeted toward Wisconsin or the Midwest--the closest is Chicago--nonetheless, the directories are
still very helpful.) If the book had to be summarized in a few words, they’d
go like this: excellent, comprehensive guide for making it in the music industry.
"The Music Powers That Be..." is written in an easy-read, informative
manner. It breaks down many concepts--in laymen’s terms--that are crucial for success in the music industry. In fact,
one section breaks down the record deal, as well as, the cost for making a record. This section covers how much the artist,
producer, etc. make from a record deal and/or a particular song.
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