I’m Rick Brown, son of Vinny Brown, former PD of Kiss FM & WBLS & Anita Parker-Brown former VP, Affiliates, American Urban Radio Networks. Growing up, radio was a way of life in my family. Dining with Bootsy Collins, chatting with Prince to hanging backstage with Michael Jackson was a regular school night for me.
I began interning at Def Jam in promotions, which solidified my desire to pursue a career in the biz. Hired as an assistant at East West Records, I soon gravitated toward the label’s A&R department where the hits were crafted for artists like En Vogue, Gerald Levert and Das EFX. I served as Director of A&R and the knowledge gained from Merlin Bobb & Sylvia Rhone was unprecedented. At Elektra I signed a few acts & was instrumental in the preliminary careers of artists like Missy Elliott, Pharrell, Keith Sweat & Busta Rhymes.
I then co- founded Cold World Entertainment where I discovered & managed Carl Thomas. We had breakout success on Carl’s debut LP “Emotional” on Bad Boy, where I was Co-Executive Producer.
Most recently I’ve been consulting on new product launches focusing on brand activation, production & manufacturing in partnership with creative agencies for clients like YouTube, Nike & NY Fashion Week. Continuing our Brown family legacy, 2BrownBoys Media was launched with my son’s Chase & Cruze showcasing their creativity in visual art & music production. My ultimate goal is to assist artists & influencers with product development projects to enhance their global brand recognition.
The biggest change I see in the industry is accessibility, which artists once depended solely from radio & labels. Today, if you’re savvy with a smartphone, you’re equipped to create, distribute & promote your music, content & brand to millions. The industry’s future relies heavily on tech & strategic partnerships. Today’s artists are able to sell more than music. Brand endorsements are cool but owning products & selling direct to consumer is better, which is a trend I hope continues to grow. The song that most inspires me is “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers.
Follow me on IG &Twitter @ itsrickbrown & Facebook @ItsRick Brown
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