1. What made you initially want to enter the music industry?
It’s not really something I pursued but once the opportunity presented itself I jumped in head first with no parachute. I love this business. I don’t think any other profession offers the same freedom and limitless potential for entrepreneurship. It’s been a great ride and I can’t even imagine myself doing anything else. It was all about answering the call when Destiny came knocking.
2. Did you feel you would have to work twice as hard being a black female in a male dominated business? Were any male counterparts threatened by your business savvy and smarts?
I think there is definitely a double standard for women in every industry. It’s just the way it is but I can’t truly say that I’ve ever subscribed to that thinking or allowed it to hinder my potential for success or what I’ve set out to accomplish. The men in this business have a tendency to stick together and look out for each other. Unfortunately you don’t find many situations where they provide those same avenues and opportunities for their female counterparts. Whether it’s because they are threatened or intimidated, I’m not sure, but hopefully I’ve managed to illicit the respect that my dedication and hard work deserves. I don’t look for handouts, I’m happy to work for mine but I expect that work to be acknowledged and properly compensated.
3. How did you link up with Chris Lighty?
Chris and I first connected when I was doing artist development. I worked with him on the Chi Ali project then we reconnected when I started working with the TrackMasters. He was one of the doors I went banging on when I was shopping tracks for the guys. We hit it off and when they (TM) decided to go their separate ways, Chris asked me to help him transition from Rush Management to Violator/Def Jam Records. I saw an opportunity with the artists that were formally signed to Rush needing management and formed Violator Management. The rest is music history.
4. Did you always know Violator would be the major brand it eventually became? What were those days like?
I knew we were young, hungry and determined so nothing could stop us. I don’t think either one of us anticipated that we would have the impact that we did. But with that said, we were incredibly Blessed to have an amazing roster of talent. Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott- all at the start or height of what would be phenomenal careers. There was no way we could lose.
5. What made you want to start Monami Entertainment?
I had spent 17 long and successful years building Violator and felt that there were other things that I wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. People grow and they grow apart and once Chris and I were no longer aligned in our goals and visions, it became clear that it was time to move on. Although it was at times daunting, I never doubted my ability to land on my feet. I figured I had built a successful company from the ground up and I was the same person- but now with more experience and expertise- so there was no reason I could not do whatever I set my mind to. Failure was never an option.
6. Your most defining moment as a manager is when…?
…you finally see the artistic vision and dream that your client possesses become a reality as a result of your abilities.
7. As an Executive producer of VH1’s “Love & Hip-Hop”, how much of your input and ideas go into the production of the reality series?
From concept to casting to execution, I have a hand in everything that you see on-air. I feel I have a unique perspective to contribute and I always want everything I do to be a reflection of my abilities so I am very hands on.
8. Do you feel like Black women in the music industry are respected more in 2012 than in 1992 or 2002?
I think with the music industry shrinking as it has that there are less opportunities for women overall. This has resulted in a weeding process and what’s left is the cream of the crop. It’s really tough to make an impact right now, so the women that are doing it are smart. savvy, driven and command an undeniable level of respect.
9. What’s currently on the bubble for Mona Scott-Young and Monami Entertainment?
More TV projects. I love producing as it’s given me a second wind in my career and is personally gratifying. I want to venture into films this year as well. Of course, music management is my core and I continue to look for talent but I’m incredibly excited about Missy’s upcoming album and look forward to a great year with her project!
– Derryck Johnson
