Friday, December 19, 2014, Written by Tiwanda ‘Ne Ne’ Lovelace - RE-POSTED for 04-15-2016
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“The information in this
article derived in full and in part from
Music, Murder and Mayhem – A True Story!
and Music Business: It's a Dirty Game!
All copyrights reserved”
Music Business: Tricks of the Trade!
"Understanding the Game!'
In my previous Article: 6, “What’s in Your Contract?” I mentioned the importance of reviewing your contracts and knowing what to look for in your agreement. I feel the need to provide more information regarding specific parts of your agreements.In the beginning of my venture at seeking a career in music, I wish that I would have had someone to share the whole truth about the business with me.
When you sign a music related or music publishing contract, it should be ‘a given’ and fully understood that they would want to pursue royalties. You would think that they would want to defend your work; especially, when they are contracted to receive a percentage of your work because you are a part of their team.
The first thing that comes to mind is that you are protected by this major music publishing company. You believe that they will fight for you because they have a stake in your work as well… but in most cases – this is far from the truth.
You would think that most attorney’s would jump at an opportunity to represent a plaintiff against copyright infringement; wherein, copyrights were secured, publishing contracts, proof of mailing, phone records, and recordings of works which were maintained.
I am speaking to you from personal experience when I tell you exactly how it is done. I can provide documented proof of any and all accusations regarding the practices of those in the music business. I am able to demonstrate exactly how the ‘system’ enables and assist with the dehumanization that has been allowed to continue for decades.
Although you may already be aware, I signed a 50/50 Co-Publishing contract wherein I was promised compensation for lyrics and melodies.
Prior to signing with a major music publishing company, I consulted with two separate entertainment attorneys (One of these lawyers was referred by the Bar Association).
Remember, the simple fact that any well-established entertainment attorney that encourages signing a ‘standard’ contract for low figures, is not looking out for their clients interest.
All entertainment attorney's know that when the deal sours, any potential attorney that the artist seeks out for assistance will require a very large retainer after the damage is done.
All entertainment attorney's know that when the deal sours, any potential attorney that the artist seeks out for assistance will require a very large retainer after the damage is done.
There has to be something unethical about an attorney working against individual artist when that attorney has full knowledge of how the industry operates; yet, they trade favors and artist like slaves.
I never received any monies for the numerous works submitted; which were over forty compilations of lyrics and melodies that miraculously found their way on the radio and up the charts.
There were no management or producer contracts (signed or otherwise that could be used) to justify refusing payments but this co-publishing contract was not honored but used to take and avoid paying royalties.
Let me demonstrate how the process really works most of the time.
The contracts presented will proudly list all of the major labels and their casting list that are given to you shows popular artist names that they say will be used to shop your materials.
Below this article is a copy of an actual contract portion listing most of the major labels and record companies:
These representatives of Zomba/Jive/BMG used the contract to solicit musical works from its own writers and afterwards parts of works are taken (or materials gutted).
After these gutted works begin to be played in constant rotation, then in their defense of copyright infringements, they used this same contract to state that they can choose not to pursue your infringements.
Although the courts never even allowed the case to be presented (unjustly, dismissed without valid cause), the attorney for the major music publishing company attempted to utilize that ‘standard’ contract in their defense. SEE BELOW:
The kicker is, in the beginning they exaggerate their interest in offering you an opportunity for recording artist deal while their true intentions and purpose is that they are actually ‘working’ you for materials after giving a little up-front compensation.
Later, they will state in their defense that ‘you refused to pursue claims’.
Pursue claims…with what?
Pursue claims…with what?
They offer a very small amount for initial investment with full knowledge that after they steal your material, any attorney that is in a position to help would require an enormous amount of money for a retainer in order to represent you.
THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROCESS FOR GENERATIONS
AND NO ONE HAS STOPPED THIS UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR!
EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE LIVES ARE STOLEN
AND LIVES LOST DUE TO THIS TRICKERY!
Other than the few dollars for the initial song, I never received a dime but I was forced to listen to my materials on the radio that were ‘gutted.’ However, I did received threats and became victims of acts of violence and civil rights violations. I can only imagine what Sara Baartman had to endure.
The entire ‘system’ encourages the use of the music business as a tool for the influential and powerful to continue to conduct its ‘business’ of stealing lives. I can tell you that this music ‘game’ will leave you starving, bleeding on the side of the road and fighting everyone – literally.
When I researched the business, there were no books that told the ugly truth. There are no books that tell you that your contracts and copyrights don’t mean anything to a system geared to protect the wealthy. There are no books that tell you that you have no rights when you don’t have tens of thousands of dollars for a lawyer’s retainer.
When I researched the business, there were no books that told the ugly truth. There are no books that tell you that your contracts and copyrights don’t mean anything to a system geared to protect the wealthy. There are no books that tell you that you have no rights when you don’t have tens of thousands of dollars for a lawyer’s retainer.
There will be so many lies and everyone will believe everything said about you without question and you will be unable to maintain employment or attempt to earn any type of living.
It is important that people understand the ‘game’ and how it ultimately affects others.
While contracted with Zomba, I submitted over 40 song lyrics and melodies that were discussed in detail with their representatives and some listed directly in the contract.
They cut, chop and shop your work. They take all of the profits and then tell you that they can choose NOT to pursue your copyright infringements when they themselves are most likely the culprits.
What is truly sad is that these people don’t have to run the business this way but they choose to conduct business in this manner. It would be more profitable to be decent but that would be too much like right.
Conveniently, they can use this contract to basically take your work or even allow your works to be used without pursuing your interest.
Again, I am speaking to you from personal experience when I tell you exactly how it is done. In my experience, I never had the chance to go before the Judge. He completely disregarded my copyrights and ignored my request for counsel.
Don’t forget about the ‘built-in Conflict of Interest concern; in that, no entertainment attorney is going to fight for you against major music labels if it means risking their opportunity for future business.
I filed a lawsuit against BMI, Zomba and Jive because of their lack of response to my request as to how BMG, MCA, EMI, WEA, Polygram and Jive have released songs which blatantly infringe upon my copyrights. I sent these lyrics to Zomba and discussed these works in detail.
Ultimately, in spite of having copyrights secured by myself, copies of materials, copies of receipts for overnight mailings, and other correspondences submitted to Zomba representatives, it did not matter. My revised complaint complied completely with Fed. Rules of Civil Procedure but the courts responded as if they did not receive this revised copy. Review the Proof yourself at: Breaking News !
Review the Proof yourself at: Breaking News ! (click here or see below - Breaking News: The Business of Music: Operating wi...)
Review the Proof yourself at: Breaking News ! (click here or see below - Breaking News: The Business of Music: Operating wi...)
I provided copies of copyrights. I provided proof of certified mailings and other documents to support that I required courts assistance.
Although I requested assistance from the DOJ and the courts due to violence, I was denied. The acts of violence bestowed upon my family, friend and others were ignored and all of my supporting documents; such as, copyrights, certified mail receipt, etc… were referred to as miscellaneous papers.
The courts dismissed my case as frivolous preventing me an opportunity to have my case heard.
Judge Bernard A. Friedman cited that my complaint was bizarre, irrational and indeed delusional. Judge Friedman continues to state that the complaint is fanciful and delusional. I didn’t know that copyrights and certified mail receipts were miscellaneous papers.
‘‘It is easier to ignore facts and allow corruption to continue by claiming that my complaint was bizarre, irrational and indeed delusional but I didn’t imagine bullet holes, family members assaulted, friend and house shot up, my songs ‘gutted’ and played on the radio...
Clearly, I have been denied my rights and they continue to deprive others for decades using the methods listed above.
The fact that these agency and groups that are neglecting to acknowledge blatant wrongs; they’re inaction whether direct or indirect, inadvertently supports this injustice. Promoting deprivation of rights when an obvious injustice is ignored.
When any other corporation is found to be in violation of someone’s rights or involved in any unethical behavior, they are held liable.
How is it that an industry can deprive rights and deny compensation from their employees (artist/producers) without being held accountable for decades?
These major record labels BMG, MCA, PolyGram, EMI, the Sony Group or the WEA Group are listed in the contract and in the casting sheets. They are sent out to their roster of writers in order to shop with these multiple label’s Artist. After placement of ‘gutted’ works, they decide who they choose to pay or who not to.
These ‘entities’ mentioned in defendant's response were on Zomba's casting list and in contract showing that not only did Zomba work with them to place songs; shortly after contract their name changed to Zomba/BMG.
Zomba’s defense attorney stated in their response regarding songs that were in question that ‘allegations were unclear.’ However; prior to filing suit against them I received a letter stating that they were investigating my claims.
In fact, Zomba denied even receiving or having any works in spite of my return receipts and although some of the songs mentioned in copyright infringements were listed, were actually referenced and within my co-publishing agreement.
‘The Recipe’ has been mastered and fine-tuned to make this dehumanization of mankind an acceptable form of modern day slavery. The situation is presented to the public in many different ways to justify and encourage further abuse.
When reviewing and comparing the allegations of copyright infringements, civil rights violations, etc… listed in Lovelace vs. Zomba AND Lovelace vs. Dekalb County Police it is apparent that they work together in a combined effort to monopolize.
I say this because when attempting to seek resolution you are faced with the following:
1. Being denied representation because of either a ‘conflict of interest’ issue due to the industry being controlled. Events are creating to discourage any assistance
2. The fact that no entertainment attorney wants to slug it out on your behalf for fear of preventing further or future business.
3. Most attorneys require a very large retainer that the artist usually doesn’t have. The lack of funds is usually because the initial attorney had advised this artist that the contract with low figures were standardin the business encouraging acceptance.
4. Under false pretense, promises and manipulation, the publishing or record take your materials/works. The publishing or record company contract will then state that your contract says that we can choose not to pursue your claims.
5. You are faced with major opposition from multiple sources. I have had multiple major companies violate the Federal Trade Commission Fair Trade Act and Competition Laws.
There are many who have assisted with hindering my efforts in promoting and marketing my Titles by creating fake sellers, re-routed links to other products, listed titles in the wrong categories and listed incorrect prices.
These other companies are and were circumventing justice when I was promoting my books that were exposing the blatant tactics and methods subjected.
Let’s just say that I no longer wonder why people would easily associate the word ‘slave’ with the music business and the prison system. The courts only seem to recognize the goals of the major corporations.
In short the ‘individual’ does not have rights! Anyone can be presented as undeserving and be denied justice so be aware when you sign any contract!
This may not be everyone’s experience but I can tell you that none of them receives ALL of their compensation, if any.
Remember, there is no such thing as half-way crooks! If any of them can get away with not paying you, they will (even if they have to create reasons why they shouldn’t).
Everything in these Articles and Books are based on fact and can be substantiated with documentation from public record.
I only wish that I had someone take the time to share even a tiny bit of the information with me prior to my decision to pursue a career in the music industry.
Those rights that you believe that you have and are counting own having are simply non-existent.
Your copyrights are useless because the courts that are supposed to enforce the laws will bend to the will of the rich and powerful.
This reminds me of one particular instance where a contract was used to justify blatant injustice in the case of Sara Baartman.
The Sara Baartman’s of today are still put in positions to be killed, never compensated, put on display, lied on and manipulated against, left to die, to be raped and dehumanized. My previous blog tells of her story and can be found at: http://musicbizadirtygame.blogspot.com/2014/06/who-is-sara-baartman.html
I will discuss in great detail the problem with the entertainment attorney's and the issue of 'Conflict of Interest' in next week’s Article 8: Conflict of Interest and the Music Business! - Release date - October 3, 2014!
Everything in these Articles and Books are based on fact and can be substantiated with documentation from public record. I only wish that I had someone take the time to share even a tiny bit of the information with me prior to my decision to pursue a career in the music industry.
Those rights that you believe that you have and are counting own having are simply non-existent. Your copyrights are useless because the courts that are supposed to enforce the laws will bend to the will of the rich and powerful.
AGAIN, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROCESS FOR GENERATIONS
AND NO ONE HAS STOPPED THIS UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR!
EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE LIVES ARE STOLEN
AND LIVES LOST DUE TO THIS TRICKERY!
I didn't just run out and write a tell-all book. It wasn't until many years later that I decided to write my first book on the subject entitled, Music Business: It’s a Dirty Game!
I feel that these Articles and books differ because it doesn’t just give you words from one person’s viewpoint, it provides step by step documentation proving how the artist works are stolen and how they are able to continue stealing lives with this modern day form of enslavement. This book uses contracts with major music publisher, copyrights, court records and more to demonstrate tactics used to steal, oppress and destroy lives.
My plight is not just about a broken heart, it's not about greed, and it’s not about revenge. I don't have time to be running around blaming and trying to hurt people. I am too busy struggling and trying to live. It’s about obtaining true freedom from oppressors who have deliberately used lies, money, power and positions to create a form of enslavement.
Being that Music is affecting so many lives, a part of everyone's life and that it is in everything from politics to religion...denying individuals their rights is bad business and we should all make music our business to prevent this from continuing to destroy lives!
SAMPLE CHAPTER - Music Business: It's a Dirty Game!
Chapter 7: In the Beginning – Music
The DEAL was at one point the biggest Dangling carrot of all. I wanted to write for others and have at least one project released where I was The Artist. I had plans but what I didn’t realize is that my plans interfered with someone else’s plans.Along the way I manage to piss off all the wrong people. I tend to do that when I sense that my best interests are not being looked after.
If I felt the slightest bit of deceit, I was in the wind. I was moving too fast and I didn’t want to settle for someone that would shelf me or just steal my lyrics. While at the same time, I had to get my name out there and let people see that I had talent. I soon found out that it wasn’t about talent. What I found was a lot of unhappy musicians who were trying for much longer to get there. The industry is definitely worse than the dope game.
All of the production companies were starving. Everyone had a dream but only so many had the ability to get their work heard by those who could make it happen. The egos were ridiculous the higher up you went. I met a lot of producers and I intend to address each of them in the order I met them to share my experience.
My first recording artist deal was when I was twenty years old. I signed a contract for a female group with Sanchez (different from the other Sanchez mentioned later). It never went anywhere and with time I just moved on.
Although at first I wrote stories, children’s poems and melodies, I eventually met Lee Marcus. He was about six feet tall or a little less than. He was brown-skinned and almost always wore African styled attire. He seemed like he was a genuine person who didn’t make me feel uncomfortable but I could tell he had pimp-like ways. He encouraged me to use my feminine wilds to get close to older men but this wasn’t my style.
I wanted to get into the business but I was young and thought I would be different. I found out much later that the song was used on a popular sitcom. The lyrics for the hook was, ‘Keep standing tall, Keep standing tall…’
I had never watched that type of show at the time so I didn’t realize it was used. I had poor man’s copyright at the time. I found out late that his family/brother was connected to or a police officer.
I ran into Lee Marcus some time later, (after my Zomba ordeal) we were going out and my mother ran out to the car to take a picture of him as we were leaving. I was so embarrassed. I think that’s when she gave a damn about my safety.
Lee Marcus wasn’t a bad guy, but he thought very highly of himself. Lee Marcus and Jake Salazar were in the music business together. I never found out what happened with them.
Even though no one seems to tell me anything lately; it is amazing how much information that people would brazenly tell when they thought that they had the upper hand. He was having big fun telling me how much that I reminded him of his ex-wife and that he didn’t like her. He also told me of his family being associated with the police. I don’t think that that was the only group that he was affiliated with.
I just assumed that his cocky attitude was because he felt connected or untouchable. I laughed it off because it didn’t matter to me. During our conversations about the music business, I trusted him due to his experience as a drummer in a band and dealings in the music industry. He definitely had more experience than I had. The information he was providing me with and the music tracks for me to write to seemed invaluable.
Lee educated me about the importance of copyrights but advised poor man’s was same. I discovered much later that poor man’s copyright is not the same. He had described the structure of the music business as a unit which consisted of five major labels at that time. He went on to mention that the Jews ran the music business. I never thought anything about it because I saw all people pretty much the same.
Being raised separate and isolated, I only had an ideal of the world – Brainwashed from youth. It was my view that most people wanted positive results for others. I was going to change the world. All my messages, poems and song titles reflected positive or nurturing ideas but that soon changed. After the initial placements of works that I had given; I can only assume that word got out about lyrics being free game.
Keep in mind that I was a fugitive from the law living in Detroit when I was working with him and I was not on any radar because I never used my name or social security for anything. I don’t recall him ever offering me a contract but wanted lyrics for music tracks. Five works given to Lee/Jake: 'Keep Standing Tall', 'It's Love/I'm what you need', 'where are you now?', 'I need you here', and 'Just for you.'
Once I signed the publishing contract with Zomba, I spoke with Lee again and I was trying to build a team. I had four to five writers under contract with my company and asked him would he like to help. I remember that he became indignant and began to mock and he laughed at me saying that ‘him sign with me’ as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. He was by himself this time without Jake Salazar.
At this time I had no knowledge of other works being placed. So I believe that when Zomba referred to having songs that I had written ‘before and after’ covered in contract, it was very likely that they had knowledge of these works. I, personally, looked at it as if I were paying my dues and was willing to charge that to the game at that time.
Meanwhile, I was unaware that a Georgia warrant was issued on May 19, 1993 for probation violation after I started working with other local music producers. I think that my decisions definitely interfered with someone's plans. I can wholeheartedly say that their intentions were bad from start. Then I received the blame for not signing or letting them lock me down when it was apparent that I had no value in their eyes. Well after initial Georgia warrant and case was resolved, I really started to work with others in the music industry.
After many years, I was able to obtain information on each of the music producer and I discovered that they were not competitors as I was lead to believe but that they worked together.
[5] At the same time, Jake kept in touch with his musical roots frequently helping his uncle and various other groups playing ethnic music around Michigan and Ohio. The recording studio opened up another world for Jake Salazar and he started to analyze the recordings with curiosity and ambition dissecting each note like a surgeon and precisely orchestrating the production not only as a session studio musician but also as a record producer.
[5] http://ftpmirror.your.org/pub/wikimedia/images/wikipedia/commons/d/de/JS_Biography.pdf
Jake took direction from Richard Becker who was the chief engineer for Motown Records and owner of Pac 3 Recording Studio in Detroit that produced all of the hits for Westbound Record (Parliament/Funkadelic, The Ohio Players, and Patti LaBell.) Jake later hooked up with DJ (Ben Mercado) who played Latin music at a Detroit local black station, WJLB late at night. He worked for the DJ who asked Jake to go through the records from the mail room addressed to the show and separate the playable records from the non-playable records. Jake got to take the non-playable records home. The playable records, of course, were the records that contained money in the album jackets.
The music industry was deeply embedded heart, mind and soul and it surrounded Jake day and night with its creative influences. His devotion was unparalleled to no other desire. Jake did a sting promoting records for several independent record promotions companies with clients such as CBS Records, Warner Bros. Records, RCA Records, MCA Records and Capitol Records and traveled around the country visiting stations and their PDs to get them to play the records.
During the late seventies and eighties he started working for labels, production companies and music publishers while occasionally performing live and recording in the studio. Jake Salazar has led a successful career as a music record executive a long side his many accomplishment as a record producer.
Jake has achieved three Grammy Nominations for his record productions. Being in the company of legends, heighten Jake's capabilities with extreme confidence. Jake Salazar became affiliated with Manuel Montoya of MEG (Montoya Entertainment Group) a company that provided international services to clients such as Herb Alpert, Janet Jackson, Marie Osmond, Quite Riot, Julio Iglesias, Kenny Rogers, Placido Domingo and Sylvester Stallone to name a few and established a production company.
[6] Jake Salazar was a co-founder of the Tempo Music Group. A coalition of independent record companies owned by veteran industry professionals and celebrities such as Anita Baker/Michael Powell, Sylvia Moy, Martha Reeves, Isaiah Thomas, Thomas Hearns, John Salley, Lee Marcus, and Leonard Jones among other prominent business colleagues.
[6] http://ftpmirror.your.org/pub/wikimedia/images/wikipedia/commons/d/de/JS_Biography.pdf
Jake has been a consultant to over forty record labels and for many of the industries' major artists and manages the careers of a chosen few. Jake has been a consultant to over forty record labels and for many of the industries' major artists and manages the careers of a chosen few.
Hip-Hop/Rap artist Baby Blue, A.K.A. Big Nic on Big Money Records produced by Jake's son, Jake "Chacho” Salazar, III. All distributed through an arrangement with Universal. Prior administrative obligations were for Grammy Winner Little Joe/Polygram Records, Grammy Winner Cesar Rosas/Los Lobos/Warner Bros. Records, Platinum artist Tierra/MCA Records and DeLeon Music Publishing/Peer Publishing.
There they were, Jake Salazar and Lee Marcus, in my living room, personally providing me with music tracks for me to write my lyrics and melodies, I guess I should have felt honored. Jake Salazar, Lee Marcus, Leonard Jones and Michael Powell were all prominent business colleagues and they say that I am the one who is guilty of betrayal.
Obviously, I didn’t just pull names out of a hat, this was no accident, and I can see why these people want me to just die. I guess this is where the harassment from Hispanics could be originating from; they must have had a falling out. What did these maniacs do? Not one of them tried to offer anything, no decency, just treachery and you expected what to happen exactly? I was unaware that they were close prominent business colleagues.
Shortly after meeting Lee, I met Leonard Jones of All Purpose Disc. He was an older man in his late 50’s or older. I accepted a job as his secretary part-time. I actually liked getting dressed and going to work being that I had never worked before. My ex-husband provided for us for the most part, this enabled me to have more time focused on the children and my music. I believe he felt that keeping me close to home would prevent contact with other men.
While working for Jones, I met a lot of people that would come to the office to meet with him. He never came on to me or used his position to try to get some ass like I expected. Instead he seemed to be testing me and checking to see what my deal was. I was also watching, checking to see if he actually had good intentions. Of course, I felt that he might be in a position to help get me to where I wanted to be - Major. As I worked there, I would hear the different artist express their concerns and issues. Mostly, I would try to read all the people that came to his office; including his wife.
His wife hated the sight of me. Jones and I would laugh because we both knew that we weren’t doing anything. If he was cheating, it wasn’t with me. He’d joke and say that she called me ‘that Thang’ and I would reply with “that’s Ms. Thang to her.” Although I liked Jones, I didn’t have faith that once I signed he would follow through.
Eventually, some guys came in the office and they were not happy about something to do with money or a project and it was not pretty. That was my queue… I'm talking about Detroit men, pissed about money; I quit that day but before I left I called myself getting some numbers for distributors and possibly producers. Not unlike anyone else who felt they worked for it. I never saw him again but he wasn’t a bad man but just like others who couldn’t have their way – He probably wasn’t happy with me.
I worked with another talented local music producer named, Darrold Campbell. He was a light skinned African American. He was quiet for the most part but he spoke when he had something to say. I genuinely wished him well and I liked his music tracks. He was very professional and he should have gotten a deal on his talent alone. He would tell me that I didn’t need help with writing song lyrics. His tracks were highly praised by those in the industry with years of experience. I never hesitated to give his business info to others.
In addition, Darrell Strickland was lyricist/producer (slightly crazy in my opinion from bumping his head for years with that damn dangling carrot). He was between light and medium brown skinned African American. He was ‘cool people’ but because I felt that he wanted more than music relationship, I left. We had a great time hanging out though. We went to Nova Scotia, Canada and just kicked it with some other musicians. We all just sat around playing music and showing off our talents – Freestyle. I will always remember that trip. Canadians were very friendly to me and it was nice to get away for a while. I know that he had some crazy ass thuggish brothers.
I worked with Hershel Tinsley and Tim Lempke, they were music producers but I didn’t like the way they wanted me to sing. I tried and it didn’t work out. There was no soul or feeling in the song that I was given and I wasn’t allowed input.
I also met with some lady who had studio out of home said, ‘writing songs like a relationship’ Ah; no I don’t think so. I don’t remember her name but I didn’t like the vibe I felt. It was if people were saying that I tried to cut others and was completely self-serving.
I was working on exposure and decided to agree to a radio commercial for ‘Mind your business campaign’ on radio. This was a campaign designed to encourage support for local businesses. It was really good experience and it felt good to hear my voice on the radio.
I was so excited about music tracks and wanted to write, I began to seek out different production companies to offer my vocals to help sell their songs for studio time and/or tracks to write my songs.
Curtis, my husband, at the time supported my endeavors. He purchased a little 4 track player so that I could put my melodies down with the music. I would spend my nights smoking weed and writing. I became obsessed with music and the more lyrics I wrote, the more I learned about copyrights, legal process, etc…but what I didn’t know is that even if you have copyrights – you are not protected if you cannot get a lawyer to represent you.
My husband and family introduced me to Larry Hatcher (If that was his real name) was involved in music industry and was a writer/lyricist who lived in both cities, Detroit and Los Angeles. He was a friend of the family and I was told that he could possibly help me with my music. He was over 6 feet in height, medium build with medium brown skin African American and seemed upbeat, energetic and interested. He was fun and very likable but never open. At this time in my life, my husband and I had just come clean about our issues and concerns with our relationship. I thought that we had decided to work things out and stay together.
So I went into my dealings with Larry with strictly business mentality. Curtis would drop me off at his house to work on music tracks. I liked him but I was chilling and I made it clear that I wasn’t down for extracurricular activity. Once, Larry and Val were sitting on the couch and he just whipped it out and she started playing with him while they looked at me. I kept writing my lyrics and ignored them.
He was the type of man that knew his way around women and how to get what he wanted. One eventful night he decided to take me to a party at his friend’s house, I went and I was running from him the whole night. He finally brought me a drink, VSOP and I drank it. Right after the party, instead of him taking me home he went to his house. I was out of it and the next thing I knew he had me up on the table on my back and lifted my dress up and he was inside me. I couldn’t move and I was in shock.
Immediately, I started crying and demanded to go home. I was throwing up all the way home. I can’t remember if he took me or if Curtis came to get me. I continued throwing up and crying all night. I told Curtis, my husband what happened to me and he didn’t even respond. It was like he didn’t care or believe me. I told my mother and I received the same response. I was so hurt that neither of them gave a damn that I said forget them.
Do you know that I hardened myself at that moment and made excuses to justify me going back to who I felt was the only person really in a position to further my career? The sooner the better, than I can get away from them for not caring. I know that he was a friend of their family but I didn’t think that they would just give me away. So, yes; against my better judgment I went back to him knowing that I had hateful feelings towards him for what he did. I addressed it with him and expressed my anger towards what he did. He apologized and I said I accepted but I still held a grudge at that time.
I was furious but I just told myself that he didn’t hurt me. So keeping this in mind, I just couldn’t hold it anymore and when we had that meeting with Renzer - Zomba, rep at Art & Rhythm’s studio with Larry Roc Campbell, I just snapped because I couldn’t bear the thoughts of them cheating me out of my songs and that he did me like that. I went off on him verbally but no one else knew why, just Larry Hatcher and me.
I think back to when I told my girlfriends/sister-in-laws that one of my fantasies was to have my man just take it but we were just talking. Whatever, that was a tragic experience for me. Prior to this happening, I had met his friend Larry Roc Campbell and I was checking him out and I know he didn’t like it but he never said anything.
What possessed him to do that to me? – To this day I think this was a tactic used to cause imbalance, confusion and dismay. In addition, there were implications that she may have known Larry by her response to our incident. Looking back I truly believe he feels like I hurt his feelings because he said sorry. I am still negatively affected and way messed up by that move. If he hadn’t he may have had a chance but this drove me to what’s his face…and definitely far away from my ex-husband emotionally. - Hurt, angry, mad at myself for responding the way I did – My husband and mother failed me, so my dumb ass made matters worse with that one.
Larry had introduced me to Larry Roc Campbell, who at that time was a music producer (self-proclaimed master manipulator). Roc was already contracted with Zomba under Ara - Art & Rhythm and worked out of a small studio in Southfield, Michigan. Roc was slightly less than six feet tall, with medium build and medium brown-skinned African American. He would have probably been taller if he not been bow-legged. He also had a cleft or dimple in his chin. He was very sexy in his strong but silent kind of way. Art & Rhythm; which consisted of Ara and Roc, offered a contract but didn’t want to offer any monies. Of course, just like anyone else would have done – I declined due to no money. I tried to talk to him but he just sent me to Ara.
Since I had a husband and mother willing to give me away, I had someone that I thought that I could trust hurt my soul. Roc didn’t think enough to come up with any money for contract, I wasn’t asking for millions; this why I signed that BS contract in my weakened state.
I guess I needed to believe that there was something good for me somewhere. I guess I was delusional about wanting to be cared for or looked out for…maybe I saw something that wasn’t there (you think, duh). That won’t happen again. I know that he was encouraging me with his complaining about home, treating me extra nice. Maybe, I wanted to believe I saw something that wasn’t there. Again, my dumb-ass came on to him and he rejected (which was the right thing to do).
I really thought that he was a nice person but as I look back, he gave me a ‘shh!’ gesture right before the meeting with Renzer - Zomba, rep. Looking back that is probably why Zomba rep. told me after the issue with works to stay away from Larry Roc Campbell. Almost twenty years later, I discovered that he later became Jive Records A & R.
I worked on a few projects with Paul D. Allen. He was a music producer/engineer for Michael Powell’s Vanguards Studio. He is approximately 5’ 10, brown-skinned African American, well dressed quiet but definitely skilled music engineer. I didn’t trust him completely because his ties to Michael Powell and the fact that he scheduled a meeting with me then stood me up but called weeks later ready to work.
Paul was a music producer/engineer for Michael Powell’s Vanguards Studio. I had met Michael Powell but he had his artist that he was promoting and he came across very haughty. Mr. Egomaniacal…..I didn’t trust him and was afraid of his intentions and I had been shelved before. Paul was quiet and reserved when I worked with him. Honestly, he supplied one of my favorite music tracks, “Why can’t I” - that was a really good song. I wrote and sung my heart out for that one. He looked up to Roc with respect when I made reference to him. It was almost like he wanted to stand up for him when I began to mock.
Shortly after my battle with Zomba began, I met CC or at least that’s how he introduced himself, I was not expecting that and my instincts said ‘run bitch.' This was some new stuff and I probably shouldn’t have…but my instincts are rarely wrong. I don’t think he knew that I knew who he was.
I had just seen his picture in a magazine associating him to Jive label. He was gorgeous and so I started to pretend as if I didn’t recognize him. Suddenly, I got really nervous and I decided to make my famous get-away. I ran away because I couldn’t understand why he was in Detroit, at the same club that I was in. I don’t believe in coincidence. His demeanor and timing instilled concern and I was not ready but tried to play big girl but my fear took over.
David McPhearson - Zomba, rep - CC/Jive… I never worked with him but I was infatuated with briefly. He was light-skinned African American, possibly six feet tall and very attractive. I still have no idea of what his role was in this sudden appearance.
Shortly afterward I started to hear stories about something happened bad to someone and people started treating me awful. Implying that he or someone was beat up or hurt. Now how was supposed to feel. I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know who was just caught in crossfire and who was responsible. I didn’t know it was a joint effort at the time. Each of them had their own motives and intentions.
First encounter which lead to Zomba It felt like someone had my house wired because that would have been the only way. I didn’t go around telling everyone that he was there.
It wasn’t long after the incident with Larry that I met with David Renzer, Zomba, rep but he made me feel uncomfortable. I couldn’t read into his intentions probably because I was tore up from what I was going thru on the home front and with my music. I felt that it didn’t matter/I didn’t matter – Just get your paper boo boo or so I thought but my heart and mind betrayed me.
I was a mess and it was my first meeting with David Renzer and the other Jive label representative along with Larry, Roc and Ara, this is when I snapped. I had not seen or talked to Larry in a while so seeing him and being in that situation was upsetting at the time. It felt like I was in a pressure cooker and all I could think about was what I was told about him taking credit for my lyrics, combined with my emotional state regarding our incident and life on the home front was not good.
It was too much so I took it all out on him but he definitely deserved a lot of that verbal lashing (I had not forgiven him). I am sure that each of them had their reasons and motives for their actions but there is one thing that I am sure of is that their intentions were definitely self-serving.
Unfortunately, human nature doesn’t always allow for most to wish others well. Instead, it does give many reasons to intervene, attempt to prevent any positive results, and spread a complacent attitude towards doing the right thing.
Per Renzer's request, I was supposed to submit in writing my claim to my work.
Read more...
Yeah, they were trying to 'help' alright...themselves. Now they got people gunning for me because of all of their versions of events. I had no idea of all of the violence and 'warring' that ensued. I did not even know that they were spreading their lies through the streets or that I needed to defend myself.
How dare me want anything from their industry besides 'they' were popular...
But I am the bad guy and it's all my fault, really?
Learn, don’t get burned!
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