Platinum Bound, owner has multiple skills By Fred Kelly

Everything Underground staff writer

  Living the American Dream means the following things: you do what you want, when you want, and make major loot in the process.......Feel me? That is the street definition of an entrepreneur. Have you ever wondered how some cats seem to always be chillin'.........bills paid, ridin' fly and, like Tommy on Martin, nobody knows where they work?

Well, it ain't got to be all shady like that but, YO! What if you could figure a way to clock big dollas' and do what you like, all the time..without worrying about stupid feds, 30-minute lunch breaks, or office politics? Would you hop on it? The focus of this series is to uncover some of the secrets from a select group that I call "masters of the universe". These are cats that have become "unplugged" for all you Matrix fans out there. I say some secrets, because those in the know also know that the game should be sold, never told. However, we will attempt to unearth a general gameplan for anyone who wants to become a master.

CAUTION: Please believe that nothing comes easy. For those who want to be a master and don't want to put in the time, this is not for you.

The first step is to figure out what it is you like to do and turn it into a moneymaker. For Jordan, he knew it was hoops. True fans remember all the big shots, posterized plays, playoff domination and championship rings, but YO!! This dude got so big in the game that he retired (twice), unretired (twice), bought a piece of a squad, player/coached them, and never stopped flooding the world with gear. He was a true master if there ever was one.

 Jessie, AKA DJ Infamous, of the Platinum Bound Records ownership team, revealed some insight about the struggle:

 Q: how long did it take for the business to get off the ground? A: About a month. Basically, we ordered the 20 hottest CD's that were out at the time, sold those and ordered another 20. Before long, we were ordering a large selection and it kept on from there.

Q: how tough was it to get the start-up loot together? A: It wasn't that hard. We wanted to start off small. The plan was to get the door open first, and worry about inventory later. By doing this, we didn't need that much money to start off with.

Q: When did you start the company? A: April 24th 1999 Q: What services do Platinum Bound offer and will you be adding any soon? A: We do graphic design (flyers, cd covers, contracts), promotions, publishing, recording. We are in the process of finishing a studio. Basically we can do whatever you need. In addition to the daily matters at Platinum Bound, Jessie is also a, professional DJ.

 Many entrepreneurs that we will interview have to wear several "faces" to maintain their status.

 Q: How competitive is Nashville's DJ scene? A: Over the past couple of years it really hasn't been competitive. Now, it's a different story. We have "new" (so called) DJ’s buying CD’s and MP3 players..dj-ing parties for $30-$40. This not really competition, but undercutting. Its not like when I started, where I would hit 5-6 stores a week, trying to get all the vinyl I could, then go home and practice every day & night. Now, these guys can get on the computer and download everything they need, get in a club and play songs all night (without any skill).

 Q: You do spots at Blazing 106, right? How is that? A: It's cool. A great way to promote yourself. But for the station , itself...it is very unorganized. Formats switch daily, and now they have no appreciation for the DJ's. Instead of focusing on the DJ's, like most stations, they push us aside. I've never been a radio fan. So I'm just riding the wave as long as they let me. I like the streets. That's where my heart is!

Q: how long have you been doing professional DJ spots? A: I started in 87. But I really didn't start making "real" money till 91.

 Q: How did you break into the biz? A: My crew. Like most DJ's, it started with break dancing. But I always want to be behind the scenes. Instead of break dancing, I would get my boys to do it, and the show would be in my backyard. I was charging people to watch. Then when they wanted to try rapping, I slid behind the tables. And as you can see, I'm still there.

Q: Where else do you do shows? Any extra hot ones coming up? A: We do stuff here in Tennessee & up in Michigan. We are about to take the whole Midwest by the end of the year. I have a crew of DJ's in Chicago getting ready to blaze up there, and a few other tricks up my sleeve. I would tell you more, but I know haters can read.

Q: Any shot outs? A: Yeah. First & foremost GOD. DJ Outlaw. My crews The Great 8 (Blazin 106.7) & DJ Desperados. My family and friends (too many to name). Everythingunderground.com, Blackmusicmix.com, Topjocks.com, Justosmixtapeawards.com (log on & vote for me). Will, D-Pounce, Al & Rod, C-Brad, Dana, Ken, Brian & Chris, Ro, Tayler, J-Gates, Willie, Sir-Swift, Lil Les, L.J., Frogie, Big DM, Lawbreaker, DJ Notty B, Shorty Doo Wop, Ms Kitty, and the rest of the PB-Dancin crew. Platinum Bound Records, Nu Sounds, Tight-N-Right, Southside Car Wash (Fat Rat), Jacques, 3rd, and the foundation..Hang Em High Productions. If I forgot you, don't take it personal. Oh, to my enemies: keep hatin'!

Yeah!!! That's what I'm talking about!!! Well, there you have it. The first installment on 'how to become a master'. Please, believe me, this is only the beginning. We at everything underground will continue to bring you the game. What you do with it is up to YOU. This is just a taste of info to let you know the type of effort that is necessary to live the way you want to these days. The key is: turn what you do as your hobby into your employment. Anything that is worth getting usually requires time, patience and a steely determination. Combine these with a good plan for business, and you are on your way.

(Taken from The Good Life with Goodphella)