(For real)

So you worked hard, blood, sweat, tears to get an agent.  Mailings after mailings.  Knocking on doors.  Showcase after showcase.  Friend recommend after friend recommend.  Just someone to rep you and send you out into this jungle.  And you catch that muthafuckin’ person.  And you breath a huge sigh of relief.  You tell your friends the good news.  You celebrate.  You get sent out.  A few times.  A lot.  You start working on your craft and leaving all the business for your manager or agent to sort through.  You make less calls.  You look through even less breakdowns.  You don’t knock on any doors anymore.  Soon you’re so detached from your go-getter attitude that you’ve become a baby feeding off your representation.

No no child.  No.  Get INVOLVED.  Stay INVOLVED.  You’re a hustler.  You’re always scheming or (to put it nicely) setting goals.  A lot of rappers gloat about still selling dope while they’re selling out concerts…  Alright alright, I’m not advocating selling dope or believing that shit.  But I AM suggesting that you keep YOUR hustle going, whatever it may be, while you also have other people working for you.  You be the leader.  You show how much you value yourself and your talent.  Don’t lose your relationship with your agent because your manager is handling biznass now.  Nah, middle men are great and all, but make sure folks are getting to know who YOU are.  And no better way to do that than be upfront & personable.

But be conscious of overdoing it.  Sloppy looks desperate.  That ain’t no hustle.  And yeah, some reps don’t like the client to be involved.  Well, FUCK EM!  Nah, I’m kidding I’m kidding.  If you express interest in wanting to be involved, they’ll let you know what’s up.  And then you adapt your hustle.  Woah, and don’t think it’s all about some relationships.  Where your business cards?  Where’s your website at, son?  That reel?  I mean, soon you’re gonna have publicists, lawyers, etc so set the example and make sure your house is in order.

Shoot… How I see it? Stuff is starting back up.  Episodics are soon.  New TV shows.  Have you seen all the pilots?  Are you up to date?  What’s your plan Stan?

AY!  For all you Howard Roarks out there who need a website.  Holler at me.  I got 5 kids to feed…

– HUSTLEMAN