Meet Rachel Noerdlinger — founding equity partner at ACTUM, one of the top 10 fastest-growing public strategy consultancies in the world, and one of the most powerful crisis communications strategists in the country. With 35 years in media and PR, Rachel has been behind some of the most historic civil rights cases of this generation.In this candid conversation with BIG CED on My Friends Are Better Than Yours, Rachel opens up about her extraordinary career, her personal journey, and why she runs toward crisis when everyone else runs away.💥 In this episode:How growing up in chaos shaped her career in crisis managementGetting her start under legendary publicist Terry WilliamsHer first clients: Johnny Cochran and Rev. Al SharptonBuilding the National Action Network's media presence from the ground upThe most historic civil rights cases of our generationWhat ACTUM is, why it was built, and where it's headedBeing the only Black female founding equity partner at a global firmHer work in health equity and the current Medicaid crisisMental health, self-medication, and losing her mother to suicideHer son's redemption story and the next generationAI, social media burnout, and the future of Black mediaWhat she would do differently — and why scars matter🌱 Rachel is also hosting a vegan wellness retreat in Costa Rica — tune in for details!🔗 Connect with Rachel Noerdinger:📱 Social: @RachelNoerd🌐 Website: actumlc.com🎙️ The Industry Cosign turns 23 years old on March 15th!Subscribe, like, and share to support independent Black media.0:00 Intro & Welcome1:41 Rachel introduces herself — 35 years in media2:25 What is crisis management?5:20 Growing up in chaos — the origin story 6:09 Dropping out of Columbia & discovering PR 7:07 Learning from legendary publicist Terry Williams7:38 First clients: Johnny Cochran & Rev. Al Sharpton11:48 28 years with Reverend Sharpton & NAN12:30 Trayvon Martin, Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo & more15:13 Getting close to victims — the emotional weight16:44 What is ACTUM and why was it built?18:27 Bipartisan strategy & ACTUM's global offices 19:17 The goal: becoming a billion-dollar company 20:27 Being the only Black woman equity partner 22:20 Lifting as you climb — acquiring Sky Blue Media24:09 Health equity work & the Health Equity Coalition24:51 Vegan wellness retreat in Costa Rica26:27 Fighting health disparities under the current administration27:06 Al Sharpton + Newt Gingrich — strange bedfellows for change28:05 Mental health in the Black community29:06 Rachel's personal story — losing her mother 30:54 Self-medication, sobriety & finding tools to cope33:07 Midterms, rebuilding, and revolution34:04 Dark-skinned Black men — power, targeting & identity40:32 From entertainment PR to politics — the shift42:43 Why entertainers aren't as active today43:34 The role of Black journalists and media voices46:27 AI, robots & the death of entry-level jobs48:02 How BIG CED came to accept AI as a creative tool50:54 How ACTUM built their own AI tool 52:08 What's next for Rachel & ACTUM53:40 What would you do over again?58:26 Closing — gratitude & how to connectConnect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/#RachelNoerdinger #ACTUM #CrisisManagement #BlackExcellence #TheIndustryCosign #PublicStrategy #RevAlSharpton #NationalActionNetwork #BlackWomenLead #HealthEquity #BlackMedia #CivilRights #BlackEntrepreneur #MediaStrategy #BIGCED

In this episode of “My Friends Are Better Than Yours,” BIG CED sits down with powerhouse entertainment attorney and professor Bernie Lawrence Watkins, Esquire to talk about her 26‑year journey in entertainment law, her roots in Queens and at NYC’s legendary Music & Art (LaGuardia), and how Howard University and law school prepared her to build a respected practice in Atlanta. From watching her brother’s ups and downs as an artist to becoming a “contract killer” for producers, songwriters, and artists, Bernie breaks down how she advocates for creatives, negotiates better deals, and protects her clients in a changing music industry. She also shares how she built her own firm BLW & Associates, the story behind working with major producers (including Bangladesh and others tied to Ludacris, 50 Cent, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, and more), and why she’ll walk away rather than put her name on a bad deal. Beyond law, Bernie talks about her role as an adjunct professor of entertainment law at Georgia State University College of Law, her passion for mentoring the next generation, her life as a triathlete and fitness lover, and her plans for the future—including a possible judgeship and an upcoming book targeted for 2026. If you’re an artist, producer, or future lawyer looking to understand the business, this conversation is packed with gems on discipline, time management, self‑belief, and navigating the industry as a Black woman at the top of her field.0:00 Intro – show and concept setup​1:40 Guest intro – Bernie Lawrence Watkins, Esquire​2:10 26 years in entertainment law, “contract killer” mindset​3:09 Professor at Georgia State Law + CEO of Eclipse Distro​3:59 Growing up in Queens, LaGuardia/Music & Art background​5:03 Majoring in voice, choosing law over “starving artist” path​6:03 Caribbean upbringing, family pressure to pursue college​6:27 Brother Ron Lawrence at Howard, seeing artist struggles​7:07 Two Kings in a Cipher and decision to become an advocate for artists​8:25 College major changes, rejecting corporate job to attend law school​10:00 Impact of LaGuardia and Howard on confidence and standards​12:13 Long commute and working in high school, building discipline​14:47 From quiet student to lawyer: learning to be a “voice for others”​16:06 Majority at Howard vs. minority in law school​18:03 Purpose vs. just “going to college because parents said so”​19:42 Moving to Atlanta on industry advice, early law‑firm work​22:14 First big entertainment client around 1999​23:38 Launching BLW & Associates in 2002​25:10 Building a producer‑heavy roster (Bangladesh, her brother, etc.)​25:52 Streaming era shift and rise of independent artists​26:16 Taking on 21 Savage and new‑school deals​29:40 Navigating the “old boys” network as a young Black woman lawyer​31:36 Reputation, results, and referrals building her roster​35:34 Becoming an adjunct professor of entertainment law​38:01 Time management, boundaries, and running a busy practice​40:32 Triathlete life and long‑term commitment to fitness​#BernieLawrenceWatkins #EntertainmentLaw #MusicBusiness #BlackExcellence #WomenInLaw#MyFriendsAreBetterThanYours #BigCed #HowardUniversity #LaGuardiaHighSchool #theindustrycosign #BLW #ronlawrence ​Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

Join BIG CED on My Friends Are Better Than Yours as he sits down with Hawaii Mike—entrepreneur, cultural curator, and advocate for wellness. From breaking into hip-hop in the early ’90s to pioneering cannabis advocacy and embracing holistic health, Hawaii Mike shares his incredible journey, insights on community, and why gratitude and authenticity matter more than ever.✅ Topics Covered:Hip-Hop’s evolution and cultural impactCannabis industry realities and advocacyBuilding LTD Plus and Chef For HigherFasting, wellness, and longevityWhy unity and collaboration are the futureIf you’re passionate about music, culture, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with gems you don’t want to miss.Timestamps0:00 – Intro 0:11 – BIG CED kicks off the show 0:30 – What is “My Friends Are Better Than Yours”? 0:56 – Meet Hawaii Mike 1:52 – Gratitude and celebration in life 3:15 – Why Hawaii Mike? The origin of the name 5:37 – Growing up: From Hawaii to San Francisco 6:03 – First encounters with hip-hop culture 8:03 – Dancing, DJ crews, and early hip-hop hustle 9:47 – Sneaking into the Gavin Convention & breaking into the industry 12:01 – First job in music: Diamond D’s “Best Kept Secret” 13:33 – Hip-Hop as authentic expression 15:05 – 35 years in the game: reflections and lessons 17:03 – Hip-Hop’s global influence and misconceptions 20:25 – The real roots of hip-hop culture 23:02 – Hip-Hop as modern foraging and cultural evolution 26:54 – Transition to cannabis advocacy 27:50 – Why cannabis became a business focus 31:02 – The truth about cannabis prohibition 36:02 – THC vs CBD explained 39:01 – Nature as the ultimate healer 41:01 – LTD Plus: Building culture through media 43:04 – Creating Inked Magazine and lifestyle branding 47:56 – Regaining LTD rights and relaunching 49:57 – From media to management: Clark Kent, Nigel Sylvester & more 52:25 – The power of community and collaboration 56:03 – Fasting and health: Hawaii Mike’s wellness journey 1:02:03 – Why fasting matters for longevity 1:05:07 – Balancing food, lifestyle, and discipline 1:08:03 – Breaking negative cycles and reframing perspective 1:12:05 – Connecting generations and building trust 1:18:02 – Final thoughts: unity, prosperity, and purpose 1:26:02 – How to connect with Hawaii Mike 1:30:00 – Closing remarks Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/

Hip‑Hop legend T‑Money — DJ, artist, member of Original Concept, and MTV’s Yo! MTV Raps pioneer — joins BIG CED for a powerful, unfiltered conversation about the culture, the history, the growth, and the future of hip‑hop.From Long Island’s influence to his days at WBAU and MTV, T‑Money speaks on the evolution of the culture, the transition from local tapes to global domination, and the obstacles Black creators still face today. The two break down generational gaps, responsibility, health, the importance of unity, and why older and younger artists need each other more than ever.This episode is loaded with gems for artists, creators, and true students of hip‑hop.👉 Guest: T‑Money (Yo! MTV Raps, Original Concept)👉 Host:BIG CED (My Friends Are Better Than Yours)🔥 Subscribe for more legendary interviews!https://www.youtube.com/@BigCed#TMoney #BigCed #YoMTVRaps #HipHopHistory #OriginalConcept #LongIslandHipHop #HipHopLegends #HipHopCulture #PodcastInterview #MyFriendsAreBetterThanYours #theindustrycosignConnect with T‑Money► YouTube: The T‑Money Podcast Joint► Instagram / Social: (add links if you want)⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Intro00:11 – Big Ced opens the show00:41 – Introducing T‑Money01:11 – Long Island roots & aliases01:40 – T‑Money Podcast mention01:59 – Gray hair & aging talk03:01 – Beard dye disaster story05:10 – Saluting longevity in hip‑hop06:01 – Reinventing yourself in the culture07:06 – Early hip‑hop environments08:31 – How hip‑hop reached Long Island09:54 – Mixtape era & DJ beginnings12:09 – Forming Original Concept13:37 – Meeting Chuck D & The Bomb Squad14:02 – Realizing hip‑hop could be a career15:04 – College, sports injury & choosing music15:51 – Def Jam beginnings & WBAU radio18:42 – WBAU’s impact on hip‑hop21:01 – Could hip-hop go global?22:54 – No‑rap era at parties23:38 – 80s explosion of rap labels24:50 – Why old-school hip-hop was diverse27:01 – Territorial styles shaping sound28:12 – Long Island’s hood culture33:02 – Hood realities beyond NYC36:08 – How Yo! MTV Raps changed everything39:43 – From cheap videos to million-dollar budgets40:55 – Marketing vs. talent42:07 – Younger artists & respecting pioneers45:07 – Gatekeeping, labels & control49:02 – Barclays Center vs. Summer Jam52:25 – Could hip-hop age like rock?53:32 – The unity hip-hop needs55:01 – Ownership, streaming & money57:38 – Men’s health & longevity1:00:05 – Sustainable income vs. entertainment highs1:04:46 – Salute to Sadat X1:06:03 – Platforms must support older artists1:08:07 – T‑Money’s podcast & current projects1:09:28 – Upcoming work with Ed Lover & Dr. Dre1:10:01 – Guiding the next generation1:12:20 – Growth, maturity & learning1:13:40 – Closing & sign-offConnect with BIG CED:https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/https://www.facebook.com/bigced328https://x.com/bigcedhttps://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5chttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

What does it take to jump from the music industry to the high-stakes world of Wall Street wealth management? In this episode of "My Friends Are Better Than Yours," we sit down with Terron Tidwell, a seasoned Wealth Manager at Hudson Point Capital with 17 years of experience.Terron opens up about entering the finance world during the 2008 crash, the reality of "babysitting" high-net-worth athletes and entertainers, and why he’s not afraid to tell his clients the truth—even when they don't want to hear it. We also dive into the future of finance, the impact of AI on the industry, and why your family might be the worst choice for managing your money.In this episode, we discuss:The transition from Jive Records to a career on Wall Street.The difference between a Stock Broker and a Wealth Manager.Managing "Big Egos": Handling athletes and entertainers.Why the "Yes Man" culture is dangerous for your bank account.The impact of AI on financial services in 2026 and beyond.Timestamps0:11 - Intro: "My Friends Are Better Than Yours"0:36 - Meet Terron Tidwell: Why everyone calls him "Tidwell"1:36 - Career Background: From Jive Records to Hudson Point Capital2:21 - The First Meeting: Why Terron "stalked" his host for a year4:31 - Maneuvering the Entertainment Space as a Finance Professional7:05 - The importance of honesty and "No Men" in business9:14 - How Tidwell got into the financial aspect of Wealth Management12:00 - The pressure of making seven figures vs. having fun14:55 - Dealing with high-profile athletes and big egos18:31 - The "Engineer Mindset" vs. Big Picture clients22:11 - Why family members can be "deadly" to your business24:34 - From Stock Broker to Wealth Manager: The 10-year evolution28:16 - Advice for those wanting to enter the finance industry30:03 - How AI is changing the landscape of wealth management#WealthManagement #WallStreet #Finance #Entrepreneurship #PersonalFinance #Investing #MyFriendsAreBetterThanYours #FinancialAdvisor #wealthbuilding #TerronTidwell #BIGCED #theindustrycosign Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/#entertainmentindustry #business #musicindustry #hiphop

From Temple to W&W: Aaliyah Crawford on 35 Years of Entertainment PR, Building Legendary Brands & Breaking BarriersJoin BIG CED of The Industry Cosign as he sits down with Aaliyah Crawford, Senior Vice President at W&W Public Relations and newly elected Vice President of the Recording Academy's Philadelphia Chapter. In this candid conversation, Aaliyah shares her journey from Temple University film student to representing icons like Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Patti LaBelle.Discover the realities of entertainment PR, from managing client expectations to navigating social media's double-edged sword. Aaliyah opens up about the legacy of W&W founder Patti Webster, the importance of authentic brand building, and what it takes to succeed in an industry where rejection is constant. She also discusses launching her new podcast, "Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford," and becoming the first professional member to serve as VP in her Recording Academy chapter.Whether you're an aspiring publicist, entrepreneur, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes in entertainment, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's been doing the work for decades.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:03 - Aaliyah Crawford Introduces Herself2:26 - How Aaliyah Got Into Publicity3:11 - Early Interest in Entertainment & Education at Temple University4:49 - Entry into W&W Public Relations6:02 - The Legacy of W&W (Founded 1991)6:49 - Remembering Patti Webster8:02 - Patti's Impact on Industry Relationships10:04 - The Importance of Professional Courtesy in PR11:39 - Managing Inbox Overload & Following Up13:04 - Dealing with Rejection as a Publicist14:43 - Creating Effective PR Strategies15:29 - Managing Client Expectations20:11 - W&W's Impressive Client Roster22:15 - What Makes a Good Client Fit24:00 - Different PR Specialties & Finding Your Wheelhouse26:03 - When Artists Aren't Ready for PR28:15 - Average Campaign Length & Timeline30:03 - What Makes a Successful Brand31:39 - Navigating Social Media as a PR Tool32:43 - Social Media: Gift and Curse34:39 - Social Media vs. Traditional PR36:47 - Recording Academy Vice President Announcement37:08 - Breaking Barriers: First Professional Member VP40:09 - Launching "Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford" Podcast41:02 - The Creator Economy & Podcast Opportunities43:01 - Going Viral: The Sign to Start Podcasting45:46 - Authenticity in Content Creation47:08 - The Importance of Public-Facing Business Leaders48:48 - Minority & Female-Owned Business Representation49:18 - Connect with Aaliyah & W&W50:55 - Closing RemarksConnect with Aaliyah Crawford:Instagram: @aaliyahcrawfordW&W PR Instagram: @wwrelationsWebsite: w-wpr.comPodcast: Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford (YouTube)Connect with BIG CED: https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://theindustrycosign.com/

The Jungle Brothers were honored with an induction into the National Hip Hop Museum on Aug. 23, 2025.Mike G and Baby Bam of the legendary Jungle Brothers reflect on their earliest memories of Hip‑Hop, the power of manifestation, the Bronx and Brooklyn roots that shaped them, and the brotherhood that carried them through decades of culture‑shifting music.From childhood rhyme games and pause‑tape experiments to talent shows, Red Alert, graffiti missions, and near‑misses on the train tracks — this is a raw, heartfelt tribute to the journey that built one of hip‑hop’s most influential groups.Featuring: Mike G • Baby Bam • DJ Sammy BJungle Brothers • Universal Zulu NationShoutouts to Red Alert, Jam Master Jay, Andre Dorg, and the pioneers who paved the way.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introductions: Mike G, Baby Bam, DJ Sammy B0:21 – “Good day” — setting the tone0:45 – Brotherhood, love, and friendship1:16 – Baby Bam’s origin story: age 9, rhyme games with his mother1:47 – Age 11: punishment, jazz records, pause tapes, Radio Shack mic2:25 – “This is my record” — early DIY creativity2:28 – Hearing Jimmy Spicer’s Super Rhymes for the first time2:48 – Realizing: “I’m gonna make a record”3:04 – Age 14: first turntables, early mixtapes3:21 – Manifestation before knowing the process3:38 – High school connections: meeting Red Alert’s nephew4:00 – First day at Murray Bertram High School4:22 – The talent show: meeting Mike G4:45 – Meeting Kool DJ Red Alert in the hallway5:11 – Making tapes, getting noticed, newspaper write‑ups5:23 – Apollo Theater: seeing Run‑DMC, meeting Jam Master Jay5:39 – First studio sessions in Coney Island5:51 – Shoutout to Andre Dorg (Straight Out the Jungle mixer)6:07 – Manifestation and choosing Murray Bertram6:25 – “We made a couple of records… and had a good time”6:36 – Mike G speaks: “I am hip‑hop. We all are hip‑hop.”6:50 – Early Bronx River memories: Cold Crush, Grandmaster Caz7:22 – Shoutout to Jervin Green7:35 – Graffiti days: tracks, tunnels, buses7:51 – Near‑death moment on the A train — life‑changing decision8:24 – Choosing the studio over the streets8:35 – Gratitude for the era: “We grew up in the best time period”8:57 – Encouraging the next generation of hip‑hop9:13 – Hip‑hop as community, teaching, and saving lives9:30 – DJ Sammy B’s influence and early support9:48 – Universal Zulu Nation salute9:52 – Closing thanks from Mike G and Baby BamConnect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/#entertainmentindustry #business #musicindustry #hiphop #junglebrothers #kooldjredalert #theindustrycosign #bigced #thebronx #nyc #newyorkcity #music

BIG CED sits down with Tanisha Colon-Bibb, a Harlem native who went from an intern at The Source Magazine to running PR and talent management companies across two continents. This conversation covers everything from navigating rejection as a publicist to building businesses with "delusional confidence" to the cultural differences between doing business in New York vs. South Africa.Tanisha shares the exact moment she realized she could run her own agency, the audacious networking tactic that landed her friend a Michelin-starred restaurant client, and why being featured in print for the first time hit different after 13 years of getting other people press.🎯 TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro: "My Friends Are Better Than Yours"1:04 - The Source Magazine Days & Harlem Connection2:32 - Lennox Terrace Neighbors Reveal4:54 - Eve the Rapper Lived Downstairs?!5:39 - Dame Dash, Cam'ron & Jim Jones Drama6:28 - Why Hip-Hop Was Inevitable8:00 - From Fashion Intern to PR Boss9:48 - Starting a PR Company with No Experience11:06 - The Move to South Africa (Love Story Alert)13:00 - Building Businesses Across Two Continents13:45 - The Moment She Started Rebelle Agency15:02 - Working with The Lip Bar & Black-Owned Brands15:15 - 2018 Burnout & Career Pivot15:45 - Tracy G & The Birth of Rebelle Management17:03 - Why Publicists Need Better PR17:21 - Handling Rejection as a Publicist19:12 - The Strategy Behind Great PR20:39 - Building Editor Relationships vs. Mass Emails22:32 - When Friendship Meets Business23:50 - Getting Featured in Glamour South Africa25:00 - First Time in Print: "Is This How You Feel?"27:02 - New York Aggression vs. South African Humility28:11 - The Uber Driver Greeting Incident30:20 - Being a Black Woman Business Owner32:21 - "I Can Be All Things, But Not All at the Same Time"33:29 - The Afro-Latina Experience35:04 - Full-Time Help & Work-Life Balance in SA36:08 - Starting a Business with "Delusional Confidence"36:22 - "I Could Run This Company Better"38:10 - When Your Brother Becomes Your First Investor40:36 - Future Plans: Africa, UK & The Diaspora42:04 - Reigniting The PR Agency in 202642:46 - How PR Has Changed Since 201244:33 - Doing What Makes YOU Happy45:13 - "You Have All the Resources to Make the Life You Want"48:36 - BE AUDACIOUS: The Michelin Restaurant Story49:30 - Asking the Universe for What You Want50:01 - How to Reach Tanisha51:04 - South Africa Travel Tips52:50 - Outro: My Friends Are Better Than Yours---ABOUT Tanisha Colon-Bibb:Tanisha is the founder of Rebelle Agency (PR) and Rebelle Management, representing talent across music, film, and digital media in both New York and South Africa. A Harlem native and Spelman College graduate, she's built a career connecting the diaspora and elevating Black voices globally. Her work has been featured in Glamour South Africa, and she's worked with artists like El Varnner, Tamar Braxton, The Lip Bar, and SiriusXM's Tracy G.ABOUT BIG CED:BIG CED is an industry veteran, writer for Black Enterprise, and host of "My Friends Are Better Than Yours" - a show dedicated to spotlighting the people you need to know. With over 21 years in entertainment journalism, he's The Industry Cosign you can trust.Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

"No matter what you think you know, you really don't know nothing at all, which is the first step towards knowledge."In this episode of My Friends Are Better Than Yours, BIG CED (The Industry Cosign) sits down with a long-time friend and industry titan, Life Griffith (Life Allah). With over 30 years in the game, Life’s journey is a masterclass in evolution—from the Golden Era of NYC Hip-Hop to military service as a combat medic, and now, to the halls of USC as an entertainment law student.Life shares rare, behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of Rush Artist Management, Def Jam, and Loud Records. He breaks down the cultural intersection of the Zulu Nation and the 5% Nation of Gods and Earths, explaining how "Supreme Mathematics" influenced the B-boy stance and the very foundation of Hip-Hop culture.We also dive deep into his latest venture, High-End Media Partners (HEMP), where he merges his passion for music with the legal benefits of hemp for veterans, all while navigating the rapidly shifting landscape of Generative AI.Key Highlights:The Golden Era: Growing up in Queens with LL Cool J and Run-DMC.The "Oreo Theory": Life’s philosophy on navigating the business of entertainment.From Combat to Cannabis: How serving as a medic in Iraq led to his advocacy for hemp and veterans' health.The AI Revolution: Why Life believes the industry needs "proper leadership" to handle the artificial intelligence shift.Legacy & Law: Why he decided to go back to law school at USC after decades in the business.Connect with Life Griffith:Company: High-End Media Partners (HEMP) – Creativity on a Higher NoteFocus: AI Consultation, Entertainment Law, and Veteran Advocacy.1:15- Introducing Life Griffiths: 30+ years in the game 2:30 - Life’s Background: From the music space to the military and law 3:30 - Why the industry needs "Proper Leadership" right now 4:15 - Doing things the "Legal Way" & the importance of education 5:00 - New York Roots: Growing up in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx 6:15 - Hip-Hop vs. Rap: It’s a way of life 7:10 - The Early Days: Krush Groove, Russell Simmons, and Rush Management 7:45 - The Culture: Zulu Nation, the 5% Nation, and Supreme Mathematics 9:10 - Military Service (1985-1989) & returning to a changing industry 9:40 - Rising through the ranks: Road Management and working with Chris Lighty 10:45 - West Coast Move: Working with Steve Rifkind and Loud Records 11:55 - The Intersection: Why Zulu Nation members often joined the 5% Nation 13:10 - The Street Code: Lessons, knuckle games, and the "Voice of the Unheard." 16:30 - The "Oreo Theory": Understanding the business of entertainment 18:50 - The Ghetto Airlines: Moving to LA and getting the call from A&M Records 21:50 - High-End Media Partners (HEMP): Merging music and cannabis 25:40 - Returning to Service: 9/11 and serving as a Combat Medic 27:50 - Helping Veterans: Using Hemp to move away from opiates 29:45 - Defining AI: Artificial Intelligence vs. Arrogant Ignorance 30:30 - The Future: AI Consultation and Industry ReplacementSubscribe to the Channel:Join BIG CED as he interviews the people he admires most—the friends who are actually doing the work behind the scenes. Because let’s face it: My Friends Are Better Than Yours.Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

One of the most revered DJs in the world, Kool DJ Red Alert, was honored last August in Washington, D.C., when he was inducted into the 2025 National Hip-Hop Honors. The ceremony took place at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. He was joined by Kid ‘N Play, Jungle Brothers, Dana Dane, Kwamé, Sweet Tee, DJ Hollywood, and Antoinette.This video was taken that night in celebration of several legendary figures in Hip-Hop, and The Industry Cosign was there to witness the accolades.Kool DJ Red Alert, who is celebrating his 50th year in Hip-Hop and going on his 23rd year on the radio, accepted his award and acknowledged his career in front of the packed audience.The National Hip-Hop Museum is the world's first museum dedicated to Hip-Hop, based in Washington, D.C. In the halls of this monument, you will find The House of Hip-Hop Art Galleries, The Hip-Hop Shop, The Hip-Hop Cafe, and The Hip-Hop Museum Pop-Up Experience. The 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization is led by one of the first recorded Hip-Hop artists, The Sugarhill Gang's Master Gee, who serves as the executive director.