Post by dawyked on Jan 4, 2006 20:29:36 GMT 1
Wyclef Introduces Clef Records, Explains Why He Won’t Sign DylanBy Jayson Rodriguez
Date: 5/24/2004 3:40 PM
With technology revolutionizing the music industry, Wyclef Jean looked to the past in order to figure out the future of the billion-dollar business.
“I read the Russell Simmons book, the Berry Gordy book,” he told AllHipHop.com from Platinum Studios. “And I was like ‘What’s the next level?’
“Focus,” he said, answering his own question.
Clef explained focus is the organization of music and business. With that in mind, the Refugee All-Star started Clef Records, an independent venture that is as close to being vertically integrated as possible. Wyclef and long-time collaborator Jerry Wonder produce everything, which is recorded at Clef’s studio, and then they press it up themselves and shop it to a distributor.
As a musician and artist, Wyclef stated he can’t do everything and that’s why he will still shop for distribution. “The distribution game is not what we do,” he clarified. “I don’t want to be in the distribution business, that’s a headache within its own. I’m gonna pay you a fee to get it from here to Japan quicker than me.”
The first acts on Clef Records that will require distribution are female rapper Trini Don and Bronx R&B group 3 on 3, whose father is former Harlem Globetrotter Clarence “Mugsy” Leggett.
Wyclef boasted how his artists write their own lyrics, which presents their authentic point of view. “They got a whole side of the BX that’s like Motown now,” he said of his crooners’ residence. “That side is not expressed.”
One person who Wyclef won’t allow to help express himself is Dylan of the Da Band, who speculated on his future with the hit-making producer. Clef was also featured on “Making of the Band II” giving advice to the young dancehall artist.
“You never know what can happen. Wyclef is a big supporter of everything that I do. He co-signed the first song, 'Dear Diddy'” Dylan told AllHipHop.com in a recent interview. “Me and Clef chill every other day if I’m in New York.”
While Wyclef did acknowledge the track, he also said it was highly unlikely he would recruit the dancehall artist to his label.
“It’s a crazy record,” he admitted. “But my relationship with Puffy—Puffy’s just too powerful. Really powerful.
“Then he’s my friend,” Clef added, explaining how Diddy specifically called him and asked him to appear on “Making of The Band II” because he hadn’t had much exposure recently. “I can’t sign Dylan.”
Wyclef previously had a deal for his Yclef Records (a different label from Clef Records) imprint through J Records, but the only release was the soundtrack to Dr. Doolittle 2.
Wyclef is still signed to J Records and will release his next solo album on the label. No date has been set at press time.
;D
Date: 5/24/2004 3:40 PM
With technology revolutionizing the music industry, Wyclef Jean looked to the past in order to figure out the future of the billion-dollar business.
“I read the Russell Simmons book, the Berry Gordy book,” he told AllHipHop.com from Platinum Studios. “And I was like ‘What’s the next level?’
“Focus,” he said, answering his own question.
Clef explained focus is the organization of music and business. With that in mind, the Refugee All-Star started Clef Records, an independent venture that is as close to being vertically integrated as possible. Wyclef and long-time collaborator Jerry Wonder produce everything, which is recorded at Clef’s studio, and then they press it up themselves and shop it to a distributor.
As a musician and artist, Wyclef stated he can’t do everything and that’s why he will still shop for distribution. “The distribution game is not what we do,” he clarified. “I don’t want to be in the distribution business, that’s a headache within its own. I’m gonna pay you a fee to get it from here to Japan quicker than me.”
The first acts on Clef Records that will require distribution are female rapper Trini Don and Bronx R&B group 3 on 3, whose father is former Harlem Globetrotter Clarence “Mugsy” Leggett.
Wyclef boasted how his artists write their own lyrics, which presents their authentic point of view. “They got a whole side of the BX that’s like Motown now,” he said of his crooners’ residence. “That side is not expressed.”
One person who Wyclef won’t allow to help express himself is Dylan of the Da Band, who speculated on his future with the hit-making producer. Clef was also featured on “Making of the Band II” giving advice to the young dancehall artist.
“You never know what can happen. Wyclef is a big supporter of everything that I do. He co-signed the first song, 'Dear Diddy'” Dylan told AllHipHop.com in a recent interview. “Me and Clef chill every other day if I’m in New York.”
While Wyclef did acknowledge the track, he also said it was highly unlikely he would recruit the dancehall artist to his label.
“It’s a crazy record,” he admitted. “But my relationship with Puffy—Puffy’s just too powerful. Really powerful.
“Then he’s my friend,” Clef added, explaining how Diddy specifically called him and asked him to appear on “Making of The Band II” because he hadn’t had much exposure recently. “I can’t sign Dylan.”
Wyclef previously had a deal for his Yclef Records (a different label from Clef Records) imprint through J Records, but the only release was the soundtrack to Dr. Doolittle 2.
Wyclef is still signed to J Records and will release his next solo album on the label. No date has been set at press time.
;D
