Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
The future of hip hop is bright, the future of the overall entertainment business is even brighter. There are new faces popping up all over the game. Among these faces is Baton Rogue, Louisana native, Demorris Lee. He is the 23-year-old CEO of Time 2 Grind Ent., an entertainment promotion and management company.
Started in 2005, Time 2 Grind Ent. has a long list of artists signed and they have nine clients they do promotion for. Recently, Hip Hop Vibe caught up with Demorris Lee over the phone. For the past few months, Hip Hop Vibe has been watching Lee. Little did we know, Mr. Lee was also watching us.
Only a few minutes ago, Hip Hop Vibe did a phone interview with Demorris Lee.
HHV: Hey, what's up man?
DL: Nothin' much man, chillin, bout to get somethin to eat.
HHV: Alright then, we won't take up too much of your time.
DL: Ha ha ha ha, ok cool.
HHV: We're ready to begin.
DL: Go ahead, ask me anything you want to.
HHV: How long have you been in the entertainment business?
DL: Since 2005, for the past five years, I've been working as hard as I can for the people.
HHV: Did you start Time 2 Grind Ent. in 2005?
DL: Yes, yes I did.
HHV: Can yo explain a little bit about what Time 2 Grind Ent. does?
DL: Time 2 Grind Ent. is an entertainment company based out of Baton Rogue, Louisana and we are planning to expand nationally. First, however, we plan to move into Georgia and Texas because a couple of our artists are doing business there. Time 2 Grind Ent. is not the average entertainment company, we are planning to redefine the way business is done. Booking a venue is not enough for us, we are hoping to venture into ownership in the near future.
HHV: Who is your biggest artist?
DL: Renaldo Price, an R&B singer who released his Dream Girls EP on October 22. He is working on his debut album and is moving to Atlanta to work with superproducer, Greg Charlie to complete it. Renaldo's next video, along with his album, will be released in January.
HHV: Do you plan on working with actors and actresses anytime soon?
DL: Yes, but first we have to do all that we can for the artists we have signed then we can focus on venturing out from there.
HHV: What made you interested in this business?
DL: I've always been musically inclined, but I never rapped and could never hold a tune. But, a lot of people around me that I grew up with could sing and rap. At an early age, I decided to surround myself with these people and create a label to manage them all. Plus, I watched my older sisters go to school and learn how to run a business, so I went to school and learned how to run a business. Once I got into it and made myself successful, I decided to go back and help others be successful.
HHV: What has been your best experience so far?
DL: Going to Chicago and hosting an event. I had the chance to share the stage with Ray J, Roscoe Dash, and Waka Flocka Flame.
HHV: How did you land so many contacts?
DL: I just kept pushing from when I started. I went to school with a guy who was the cousin of DJ Dolby D, the official DJ for UGK and I teamed up with him. Ever since then, I have had the opportunity to meet up with all different kinds of people. Most importantly, Time 2 Grind Ent. has been expanding ever since.
HHV: How do you manage going to school and being a businessman?
DL: Money, it's not everything, but it makes everything so much easier, especially for me and what I do.
HHV: Do you have anything big coming up in the near future?
DL: All of my artists have big things coming up and Renaldo has been dealing with Soulja Boy and S.O.D. Entertainment, so hopefully, we get some sort of major deal out of that. Also, for anyone trying to make contacts, check out superunit.com and Savage Life Ent.
HHV: What is superunit.com?
DL: The site helps people trying to break into the entertainment business make the contacts they need to make in order to move forward. Had it not been for that site, Time 2 Grind Ent. would not be in the position it is in now.
HHV: Well, it has been nice talking to you, Demorris, and we wish you nothing but luck going forward.
DL: Thank you for having me, I also wish nothing but good fortune to Hip Hop Vibe.