Page 77 of Love U Down II

“What’s up?”

“I have an idea I’d like you to help me execute.”

“Okay. Let me hear it.”

I exhaled and planted a smile on my face while I looked around the crowded boardroom. All of the seats were taken and Shade, Genie, and the entirety of Sundaze were standing in various spaces around the room while Kevo, only two hours after signing his new contract, stood near the door.

A part of me was nervous, which I thought was hilarious considering I performed in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of people and was perfectly fine.

“Hi. So I called this meeting because honestly, I don’t think we’ve had a full label meeting, and second, there are going to be some temporary changes to how the label is being run while Drix is on sabbatical.”

“Drix is on sabbatical?” one of the men from Sundaze asked.

“Yeah. So I’ll be heading a few things and one of those things will be making sure this label is launched properly and all of you amazing artists are able to get the promotion and shine you deserve. That means that each of you are going to get highlighted via all the label’s socials in week long intervals. Launch wise, we’ll release Sundaze, Shade, Dashawn, Genie, Charm, Kevo, me, Rome, then Drix. Your week will be broken into three social posts per artist, except Sundaze who will get six, two rows to cover all four artists and get their music out there.

“You will all be performing and releasing a single during your week of promotion. At the end of the promotional period, all of the singles will be released on the EP Drix already pitched to everyone. Most of you already have songs together, which is great, but those songs aren’t going to be used for this. I want songs that highlight you and only you. If you need background vocals, I can get some done for you, but we’re starting from scratch here.”

Dashawn whistled.

“That turnaround time is a little crazy, Myome.”

“Yeah, I know, but I think we can get it done.”

“And where are these performances going to be taking place?” Genie asked.

“Various places,” Allison jumped in. “The plan is to have you each do a live performance and record it. The recorded performances will be themed and take place in areas that make sense for your artistry. So for example, Kevo’s will probably just be at his home on the farm. It works with his image and his music. Sundaze will perform in a meadow. It’s already been booked. We were able to book the same building where you battle rap, so your video will probably be in that ring and we’ll just try to keep it true to each artist.”

“And the day your video is posted is the day your song will go live.”

“And the people being revealed around you are strategically placed because they’re the people you’ll be doing your podcast interview with.”

“Podcast interview?” Shade repeated.

“Yeah. I spoke to some podcasts that Drix and I went on and they agreed to take us on. Sundaze will go in alone since there are four of them and they’ll be interviewing with Olivia and Alydia. Charm, Kevo, and I will speak with Olivia and Alydia as well. Shade, Dashawn, and Genie will go on Hakeem and Eric’s show. Once they’re back, Rome and Drix will be on a pod somewhere together. I’m sure with Rome on tour, anyone will be happy to take them.” I tapped my nails on the table. “Does anyone have any questions about this?” I waited for a moment. “Okay, so everyone this is Alan.” I gestured toward him. “He’ll be producing your music for the EP.”

“What?” Alan glanced at me.

“You heard me. Drix said you have an ear for it, so let’s see how you do. Worst case scenario, we’ll outsource, but the booths in this building are up and running and I have active keycards for you all.” I waited for a moment to see if he’d argue but he didn’t. “Moving forward, if you have any issues with your brand or performances, you’ll reach out to Allison. If you get in trouble with the law, you’ll reach out to Zamir, and I have a stack of his cards here.” I dug into my purse and set them on the table. “You’ll reach out to me for everything else. If you don’t think I know the answer, ask anyway. If I don’t know, I’ll find out, but under no circumstances are you to bother Drix. When I say he’s off the clock and off the grid, I mean that.”

Several of the artists nodded.

“Any questions about any of this?” I waited for a beat, then another, and nodded. “Alright. Well, thank you all for making time to meet and please grab one of Zamir’s cards and stop to schedule a studio session with Alan before you leave today.”

I sat back and watched as the artists talked among each other, grabbed cards, and spoke to Alan before leaving the room.

When it was just Charm, Allison, Dashawn, and Alan, I melted into my seat and let my head fall forward.

“Did I just bite off more than I can chew?” I asked.

“Nah, and even if you did, you’ve got us to help you out.” Dashawn nudged me. “We ain’t gon’ let you sink, Lil Drix.”

I sucked my teeth and elbowed him as I laughed.

“Lil Drix isn’t crazy to you?”

“Only to people who haven’t seen y’all together.” He shrugged.

“Hey.” Charm grabbed my attention. “You’re wearing this whole CEO thing well, alright?”