"Did you say, fourteen-hundred?"
That is impossible! That is not an
album, that is like a promotional flyer or something. Trust me, I should know.
My husband is an executive at one of the premier boutique labels in this city.
The worse an album ever did with one of his artists was 280,000 units. And the
album was quite well, but the artist ran into some trouble overseas, and he ended
up leaving the label."
Junya realized that this woman had some serious inside. Junya rose up
from where he was sitting and looked down at the woman.
"It sounds like me and you have much to discuss. With my new demo
project almost completed, I would love to get a copy to your husband so that he
may consider me for a recording contract."
"Heh, you?"
The woman said as she placed her hand on her chest. The
wedding ring she wore on her hand gleamed right into Junya.s eyes. Junya
wiped his eye, then looked back at the woman with a look of concern.
"Oh, and is that supposed to mean that you don't think I am album
material, or I would not surpass 280 thousand units? Or, you probably..."
"Now now, come on darling...you are obviously here on some oversight.
I do not think you understand what is taking place here. I must say, you are
adorable honey, but the people in this room...how can I place it simply...do not
take demos! These people in here handle some of the most intricate parts of the
music business. In all honesty, you are probably the only rapper in here! I can.t
tell you the last time I went to a function and met someone that told me to my
face that they rapped! Ha! It is not funny! You really need some schooling
boo!"
The woman grabbed Junya by his hand. She sat him down as she got up
and headed over to the bar. She brought back 2 glasses of champagne, and a
man with her. The man had his hand over hers; just like Junya did when he
walked into the room with her.
"This is my husband, Gerald Mickens. He is the executive vice president
of PMC Records. He operates all of the business, he deals with major marketing
and executive decisions..."
"I think I can explain it from here honey..."
The man interrupted. He
wore an elaborate watch that peeked out from his jacket as he extended his hand
forward.
"I am Gerald Mickens, but all of my friends call me G-Man. I am not sure
if you have heard of artists like BabyBoy, La Darlin, Meghan Milege, Tanyo,
Robert Ethridge, What.s Happening... a whole bunch of artists. I deal
predominantly with the management of new artists that are signed to me and my
partner.s label. We have been in business for over 25 years; responsible for some
of the hottest R&B talent around. A couple of the artists are here at this
gathering. So tell me young man, what brings you here?"
Junya felt a lump in his throat. He knew that this was the person that he
needed to speak with. Even if the man did nothing for Junya right then and
there, he had to say something to wow him over. Junya took a sip of the
champagne and placed the glass down on the roundabout seat where he and
Gerald.s wife sat.
"I am actually here looking for my girlfriend..."
Junya said with a smile
on his face. Gerald looked at his wife: she cracked a smile. Gerald looked back
at Junya and cracked a smile.
"Ha Ha! Hot damn, you serious my brother? Well, if you don't find her,
there.s plenty of options! Just don't take her, that.s my ass!
Gerald.s wife slapped him on the chest, then kissed him on the cheek and
started to walk away. Gerald stayed to talk to Junya.