Crystal Annick: For those that aren’t familiar with you; who is Vakseen?
Vakseen: In short, I’m the CEO of Vakseen LLC and I’m an A&R Consultant and Product Manager for Slip N Slide Records. I’m a creative mind, a music producer, songwriter, artist (ie. drawing, painting, etc), manager, hustler, entrepreneur…basically a BEAST [laughs]!
Tell the newcomers what Vakseen LLC is all about.
Well it started as my production company that I ultimately wanted to convert into a full fledged label. The more I learned about the business, the less I wanted to actually make that conversion. There’s money to be made with artists, especially with 360 deals being the standard, but the people that really see bread are the producers and songwriters. This was basically my original setup. Applying everything I’ve learned in the game, my company now deals mainly with producers and songwriters and specializes in A&R consultation, Artist management and music marketing.
How did you make the transition from interning at Slip-N-Slide records to being on the staff?
The transition, as you state it, wasn’t hard at all [laughs]. As for the grind, I started interning for the label October 2005. Within a month I started Slip N Slide On Da Grind so I was eating with the label almost immediately. After a few more months of seeing my grind, Ted let me know he wanted me on staff as an A&R. Next thing you know, I’m Plies’ Product Manager and signing artists and producers. I’m also Swazy Baby and Camar’s Product Manager.
How did you know that this business is what you wanted to do?
I’ve been involved in creative arts since I was a kid. Growing up it was mainly drawing and painting but once I hit 9th grade, music took over me. Of course I’ve always had a love for music but thats when I started creating it myself. My passion for music has continued to grow ever since that point. These days I don’t even draw that much ironically. Creativity is something thats been with me my whole life and you have to make a living somehow, so it was sort of a no brainer. I think everyone should make a living doing what they love!
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Well, how did it feel to be apart of something with T.I. on his upcoming album King Uncaged? (Video)
It’s truly a blessed situation. Nothing happens overnight or when we want it to, especially in this music business. T.I. is the “King” so you’re almost guaranteed a win if he’s involved. Funny thing is, the record is #8 with NO promotional push. It was initially supposed to just be his lead street single from the new album. Obviously, since he was incarcerated for a hot sec the streets were starving for that classic street sound he first started with. “I’m Back” was just that! I actually just landed another joint “Gettin Paid” which is on his new mixtape “F*ck A Mixtape”.
How did that placement even come into play?
Just me grinding really. I’ve been shopping tracks to Grand Hustle for a hot sec. I got the call from their head A&R and he said they were diggin the music. He told me T.I. did 3-4 of our records and that we were the first tracks handed to him the second he got out. Definitely a blessed situation!
You have a lot of great accomplishments already under your belt, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Good question. Hmmm five years from now I wanna be on Cribs with mad Bentleys, models and bottles [laughs]. Nah I definitely see myself with greater placements, #1 Pop and Top 40 records, Grammy’s and platinum plaques. I’m really working towards building myself and my company’s brand so that I’m mentioned in the likes of a Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Jimmy Iovine, Craig Kallman or even Diddy. As much as I’ve accomplished so far, I know I’m really just getting started. I plan on opening my own restaurant as well. I’m a BEAST in the kitchen [laughs].
That’s what’s up! And around this time, 5 years ago, where were you?
I was still on the artist side of things. Locked in the studio most of the day, just starting my internship at SNS and slaving at T-Mobile the rest of my time [laughs]. Basically grinding towards a record deal, working my way into the business and laying a solid foundation for my future.
Can you tell us a little bit about TrackSlayerz?
TrackSlayerz are a dope production duo I found and signed back in 2007. They came to me with raw talent and no major placements but I knew I could get them to the next level. I got to work and landed placements with Jim Jones, Yung Joc, Gucci Mane, Lloyd Banks and Swazy Baby, amongst a few others. The best look came this year when I landed T.I.’s debut single “I’m Back”, which is the #8 Urban record in the country right now. I also landed them a production deal with Grand Hustle, as well as a publishing deal. 2010 has definitely been a blessed year for us!
The Lick? What is that about?
“The Lick” is the main section of Vakseen.com. Generally speaking, it’s Florida lingo. Basically a lick is a blessing or a steal…a deal you can’t pass up on. Like if someone is going to sell you a brand new Lambo for 10 stacks, THAT is a lick [laughs]. I don’t really blog verbally on my site (we have Twitter for that) but I make sure I keep exclusive content posted. You’ll find free download links for new exclusive music, mixtapes and sneaker releases. I have a slight fetish for dope kicks [laughs].
Any other projects in the works?
On the A&R side of things, any artist that’s currently working on an album! Far as Slip N Slide goes, I’m just grinding to make sure Swazy is officially broken this year. He’s already known regionally so half the battle is won. Just staying focused and building the awareness on his new single “I Sang”. He’s pretty much the main priority for the label, aside from the vets.
Who are some other big named people that you’d want to work with in the future?
Musically I’d love to work with Lady Gaga, Jay Z, Outkast & Kanye. There’s actually way too many people I want to work with. As long as you’re making greater music, let’s GO!
What is it that keeps you going/motivated?
Easy one. God! I’m motivated by my family, friends, success, health and happiness. I’m also motivated by others’ success. I love to see people winning and bringing their dreams and goals to full fruition.
So on your off time, what is it that you like to do?
Ummm what is off time? [Laughs] I’m blessed enough to love what I do so “work” never really feels like “work”. If I’m not working working, I’m usually with friends, getting quality me time in or on a date. Of course we party, I mean this is Miami [laughs]. I like trying different exotic foods, wines and we’ll hit some of the local bars that only carry imports. As long as I have a good time, I’m usually game to get into anything. Oh and I can’t forget spending quality time with my goddaughter Izzy.
Okay, okay, considering that your government name is Otha. Where did the name Vakseen originate?
Ah man you put the government out! Hopefully no one is looking for me [laughs]. Vakseen has been my producer alias for years before I even got involved on the business side of things. I grew up on classic R&B, Pop, Rock & Jazz before I even got into Hip Hop, so I’ve always felt music isn’t quite the same now, quality wise. The bigger music grows economically, the more artistry takes the back seat. As Vakseen, I’ve always been about creating greater music and providing the cure for music’s ailments. Vakseen = the CURE.
Influences?
Realistically, anyone that’s living life to the fullest and making their dreams come true influences me. I’m a very positive person so I try to keep positive energy around me at all times. Energy travels so that in itself is influence; and this applies to music, business and everyday life. I just love to see people doing it! I love to see people winning and working towards their goals, dreams and ultimately, success and happiness.
Some of your favorite artists consist of who?
Even though I’m a huge Hip Hop head, my musical tastes are rather diverse. I’d say my favorite favorites consist of Marvin Gaye, Parliament-Funkadelic, Outkast, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Kanye, Bilal and Led Zeppelin. I think that covers most of them. Oh yeah, Gucci too. That’s a guilty pleasure [laughs].
Any last comments?
I really think we covered everything. I definitely appreciate the look. Thanks again! Oh and tune into my daily show on Twitter and Vakseen TV on Youtube. Greater!
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Comments ( 3 )
hmmm he seems dope…cuz the TI tracks were hott!!! i’ll keep him in mind
lyah added these pithy words on
Jun 07 10 at
3:21 pm
BD added these pithy words on Great Article!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next for Vakseen!
Orla Manning added these pithy words on
Jun 08 10 at
9:35 am
