"Dre's departure wasn't a loss. If you've got a multimillion dollar company and you own 100% and don't have a partner, then you don't have to give him nothing but his walking papers. That's great."
Success:
Understand that success is just another rung on the ladder to Greatness; Greatness is the goal. Don't settle. Today's success has no bearing on tomorrow's success, it may be and often is the cause of tomorrow's failure. Success is a serpent, Pride its venom.
Stay woke!
Talent:
According to John Payne, "Dre was the only asset the company (Death Row) had. He was actually the most bankable person at that time -- pretty much in the industry -- from the R&B and rap standpoint."
So, how do you let someone so GIFTED go? When you're too foolish and proud to see that the only meaningful assets in a creative enterprise are the creatives, dumbo! All our failed labels and artistes have tripped up on this little rock.
"The single biggest danger in business and life, other than outright failure, is to be successful without being resolutely clear about why you are successful in the first place."
- Robert Burgelman
Dear Artiste,
Now that the HITS have finally come and the flood gates of paid performance gigs have been flung open, do not forget what got you here in the first place, or you'll soon be back where you were.
You must be intentional about your journey and make time for introspection, discovery, improvement, replenishment and conscious brand building, in the midst of the frenzy. Of course, this is easier said than done, but failure to do this may prove fatal.