I've resigned as Director of A&R at Atlantic Records.
Gave my notice last week Tuesday, though today is my final day in the office. No, I'm not leaving to take another job. Nor was I fired attempting to cover it up. I've just lost faith in the major label system. I'm a guy of integrity so the last thing I'll ever do is stay somewhere just to collect a check or say I'm "an A&R". That's just wack. Though I'll continue to consult for Atlantic, Asylum Records, Columbia Records as well as continuing to help the artists I've signed like Wynter Gordon, Slim of 112 and of course Saigon.
People who know me know I'm very passionate about my career. I started two businesses (record store in 2002 and The Famous Firm b/k/a I Can Make You Famous) before I had this job. I didn't take this position for the money. When Hip Hop first mentioned it to me in December 2005, I was hesitant. My lawyer laughed when I told her about it: "You're going to get a job?!?!?! You make more money on your own! Atlantic is about to fold! You're crazy!". But I knew the experience would be vital for my career growth. So I took it. I told myself "give it at least two years." That was February 2006.
I really enjoyed my A&R family at Atlantic. Craig, Gee, Jean, Brian, Darrale, Mike, Marsha, Walter, Dara, Lanre, Andrew, Kels, Aaron, Gina and Damon are all like brothers and sisters to me. Though Hip Hop leaving within the first couple months was tough, they made it a smooth transition for me. I had signing power and the freedom to roam all across the country in my search for finding new talent. My frustration came when it was time to put the music out (i.e. The Greatest Story Never Told). I'm not going to sign talented people to a label and have them sit. I rather bet on myself and get them hot in the streets.
If most people were in my position, they'd just ride it out. I've gotten all kind of advice from "Just take the checks and do your own shit anyway" to "Just stop coming in the office until they stop paying you" or my favorite "Do the bear minimum so they don't bother you". But I'm an idealist and believe this is the main problem in the music business today. That train of thought keeps great artists unsigned and the wrong people in the position of power. One of my friends jokes "You're keeping it real. But this is when keeping it real goes wrong." We'll see if he's right. But you only live once. I'm not going to waste anyone's time in a place where I'm not productive. I want to win!
As I said before, I'm not going to take another job. Atlantic was my first gig and probably going to be my last. I'll only work as a company through The Famous Firm. We represent and develop talent at The Firm. Yeah we rep singers and rappers but specialize in non traditional talent like athletes, photographers, writers, graphic designers, clothing lines, studio engineers, stylist etc. We can help develop and represent anyone with talent. We use our in house non traditional talent to help develop new talent. It's all about talent!
I'm a firm believer (no pun intended) in the idea of "you can't do new things with old people". That's why I'm a part of a 10 person operation at The Firm with the average age being 22. Shout out to Sade, Eli, Sterling, Mike, Michael, Nina, Jay, Pesos and Dan. Everyone is young, hungry and learning how to be entrepreneurs. I have a goal at the Firm, to make this everyone's last "job". I want my team to leave running their own profitable business, breeding a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Lastly, I want to thank Atlantic for the opportunity, grooming and experience. I wouldn't be able to help change the future of the entertainment business without it. I'm lucky to be able to depart on such great terms. Everyone was very understanding and supportive of this decision. I'm also excited for certain people to stop calling/e-mailing me under the pretense of me being "an A&R" rather than what I can really do. I want people to fuck with me and the Firm for us, not because we're tied to a major.
I love this blog. Thanks for listening. All my contact info is exactly the same. Sickamore@TheFamousFirm.com.
While there isn't anything traditional about a office job within the music industry I'll still say that the the office culture within someone else's establishment is not for everyone especially when you have proven you can do it yourself. There is always that voice of Sanaa in Brown Sugar saying "we all sell out a little bit its how you survive the business". I think that's just the difference between a worker and a owner. Keep your head up and much success to you.
You continue to build your empire. You've been doing your own thing for a while now, and just stay trusting yourself. I'm sure you sought advice and took it in consideration, at the end of the day you have to live with the "coulda shoulda woulda" aspect of it all.
I'm no where deep in your circle to tell you what's a mistake and what's an awesome move, but I can definitely say you're business man with integrity I always wished Execs could acquire into their ethics of business.
Today was my first time reading your blog. I read your letter, announcing you resignation, twice. Very encouraging. I wish you the best of luck with everything. And I am going to have to copy the line:"YOU CAN'T DO NEW THINGS WITH OLD PEOPLE". Classic. I will continue to read your blog. Have a good one.
Sick you know from my constant harrassment via Myspace that I think highly of you lol, however today you have graduated into my HERO!!!Damn I can't wait to see the takeover, you've really made me excited about music again. I hope you don't mind if I send this blog to a couple of people, wait...is that even possible? Eff it I'll just send them over here!! You rock Sick!
"Woe onto those that call good evil and evil good"- Prop Joe.
And that's that.I wish you all the best Sickamore. You strike me as a good chap and I'm certain you'll land on your feet (not to suggest you're not on them already). It's a shame what is happening to Saigon. Must be fraustrating. You've stood by your principles and I'm certain they'll stand by you.
I can definitely see someone saying "Just do the bare minimum and collect that check" 'cause I know ALOT of people who do just that in the same enviorment but I feel you 100% on your decision. When its time to go, its time to go.
LOL @ "When keeping it real goes wrong". NAH SON, ALLOW ME TO RE-INTRODUCE MYSELF MY NAME IS SICK!
If anything, I really never even sent emails or called BECAUSE I didn't want it to seem that it was under the pretense that you were tied to a Major.
I know you'll keep doing your thing full throttle and I'm definitely still hitting you up as soon as I'm done "Not trying to get a record deal, and trying to become a star!"
"Who wanna make the papers? I CAN MAKE YOU FAMOUS!"
ha! i remember how much u thought i was an idiot for quitting this gig i had as a road manager! now u know, the freedom of doing your own thing feels way better than working for somebody else. altho the experience is priceless, once u've outgrown that experience, the cost of staying there is time wasted.
Wow! From the aspect of a person still trying to get my foot into the door in an office position at a major label, I'm kinda stuck in aw. But you've been there and done that so you're seeing it from the inside. I know that was a big decision to make and you have probably been pondering on it for a while now. But you have your own vision, and it is The Famous Firm. Atlantic Records was a person's vision and they got that shit poppin. So do the same and get The Famous firm poppin.
Sick...This is one of the proudest moments I have had in a long time for someone I dont particularly know in "person"...I am humbled by your decision to not sell your self short due to being a "title" holder. I admire your strenth and conviction to continue to follow your heart and trailblaze a unbeaten path that most dont have the balls to do. Chin up ..chest out. Not because the streets is watchin but because you know you are a commodity to your own self worth and value.
We will always need the passion and ambition for sharing great talent. The cash grab is an easy way to get the delicate art twisted. The best choice is your own choice... now I need to get to North Africa ... anybody gonna give me a lift? I'll chip in on gas!
I wish you much luck & success in the future. You gotta do what's best for you. I admire your loyalty to the label. You cool people in my book, so I know you put your heart & soul in whatever you do. 8-)
thats whats up sick.... hip hop needs dudes like you who are truly devoted to the culture and not just a title and a check.... i know you'll have success with your future endeavors....
by the way, check this dude out.... he's new and he's hungry as hell.... raw uncut music
stands up and *applause* that was beautiful. I'm so proud of you and I know your future holds big things. I'm excited for you. You know last summer I said I would never send out another resume nor step in someone's office and although at times it gets tempting to go back, i haven't had to. The industry is so shallow and as long as you do what you feel is right in your heart, you will NOT LOSE. ever.
I felt that whole post seriously and needed to read that today for so many different reasons. Like another person said, "you are my hero". stay up!
Very commendable! It's always good to do you rather than uphold other folks' expectations of you -- especially if you aren't feeling comfort or progression there. I appreciate that.
This is my first time visiting your blog. I was struggling with some job related issues and your blog just affirmed that it is sometimes best to move on. Thank you!
I wish you much luck and success in your endeavors.
Damn Sick this is getting bigger than Pay It Forward!! Soon everyone one is going to quit their jobs. They'll be no one in Pathmark to ring up my shit in the middle of the night!!! LOL!!
Congrats on putting the middle finger up to the labels man :-) You certainly have a better chance of doing your damn thing and moving forward with a company that can MOVE with the trends rather than those that are stuck with the old....keep it moving and lets connect and do something digital!!!!
I reckon this is a tough decision for anyone to make, but I'm excited. Anyone who can show this amount of guts, is someone who is definitely headed for big things.
It's all about the hustle, man. Although i do understand how age, and the wisdom which comes from it, can be beneficial, I still feel there is nothing better than being young and passionate about something. Cause then you really have the energy and the fresh outlook to do the impossible before you become old and jaded.
FROM DA MOMENT I MET YOU I BELEIVED IN YOU N TODAY YOU REALLY BECAME MY HERO SICK, WORD. THIS IS UR AFRICAN AFRICA IN ATL YO I WANNA WORK WITH YOU EVEN MORE NOW. I WANNA BE THE FIRMS GO TO GUY IN ATL. I WILL TEXT YOU TOMOROW. MUCH SUCCESS TO YOU BRAH. LIKE WE SAY IN FRENCH "VIVEMENT SICKAMORE". GET AT ME SICK. I WILL TEXT N CALL U ONCE A WEEK FOR A YEAR TILL YOU DECIDE TO TAKE MY CALL N LET ME WORK WITH YOU. TO EVERYBODY ELSE WHO NEVER MET SICKAMORE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT WHAT DIRECTION TO TAKE WITH YOUR CAREER I MUST ADVICE YOU TO CONSULT DIS DUDE FOR REAL.
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Sickamore is on of the first dudes who brought my sound to the majors (thankful),,,, Altantic being one of them ,,,, There Were times when things were topsy turby be we pulled though,,, "You Can only bring the horse to water you cant make it drink" I Think fallin Back Was A Good Move ,,,,,.....
Besides we Don't the Bull**** We Already Famous!!!!!
had the same thing happen at Jive with my group trillogy they just sat after the advance we want to make music and open budgets , not be content with being signed, and get this the leader of said group is a Radio One DJ AND Rhymefests tour DJ and still couldnt get Jive/zombas support!
check me out at my blog digitalfame.blogspot.com julian
First time on your blog. Much respect on your decision. You only live once! I think everyone has a some kind of vision but the thing that defines the winners from the losers is actually following that vision. Much success!!! Are you taking resumes???
Good move, I quit my day job to pursue my own business that was 6 months ago, now I'm doing just fine. It's never a good idea if your a hustler to just sit and collect dust.
Peep this quote, Jay-Z said it to me, "Always strive to get out of your comfort zone".
(JERRY exits his office into main work area. Employees begin to pause and watch what he will do.)
JERRY: Well, don't worry. I'm not going to do what you all think I'm going to do, which is flip out! Let me just say as I ease out of the office I helped build. I'm sorry, but it's a fact that there's such a thing as manners--a way of treating people. These fish have manners. These fish have manners. In fact, I'm starting a company and the fish will come with me. You can call me sentimental; the fish are coming with me.
(He walks to the fish tank and captures one in a Ziploc bag.)
Okay, if anybody else wants to come with me, this moment will be the moment of something real and fun and inspiring in this God-forsaken business and we will do it together. Who's coming with me? Who's coming with me? Who's coming with me? Who's coming with me besides—(looks at fish)—Flipper here? (Nobody volunteers.) This is embarrassing. (Picks up his bags.) Alright. Wendy? Shall we?
Hey as a business owner...I know how it felt to work for others. It can be very demeaning, everyone's not cut out to be a follower. I looked at it as paid training. I used them like they used me. Got the info I needed then bounced! add me to your myspace please, I want to keep up with your goings on...big up Brooooooklyn my hometown! myspace.com/tearose33
Thats real my dude. Getting out of the major's because you really believe stagnant people just "coasting" are doing nothing for a suffering business is very commendable. If more people would follow suit, they're might just be a much needed evolution in the system.
I just left my relatively cushy job as a publicist for a gaming company and my last day was Friday the 15th because, though for reasons different than your own, I also could not compromise my integrity any longer.
Congrats for stepping up and taking a stand. The music industry needs more people like you who care about the music and not the paycheck. When execs are making 7 figures and the label is 10-20 million under, it becomes about money and not music. There is more power and growth opportunities on your own and I'm glad you found it.
I was surfing through the Net looking. I happened to see your blog. I have honestly, tell you that your truly a Fundamentalist and innovator. I agree with you, that many or in positions that they shouldn't be in. Leadership takes integrity. Your writing is excellent. Congratulations; good things are coming your Way. Just have Faith.
One Love;
Lovely Linda; Receptionist Linda; Ruby; aka...well honey I got so many. I;ll see you around. ...lol
Name: Sickamore Home: Broooooooooklyn, New York, United States About Me: 23 Year Old Talent Manager + Ageist. Runs ThankGodImFamous, GoOldHead and The Famous Firm. Overall sarcastic yet nice guy See my complete profile
While there isn't anything traditional about a office job within the music industry I'll still say that the the office culture within someone else's establishment is not for everyone especially when you have proven you can do it yourself. There is always that voice of Sanaa in Brown Sugar saying "we all sell out a little bit its how you survive the business". I think that's just the difference between a worker and a owner. Keep your head up and much success to you.