eBook Full Version Music Business: It’s A Dirty Game!: Autobiography of Tiwanda Gail ‘Ne Ne’Lovelace $9.99
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Mr. Jake Salazar worked as an
entertainment executive, as label
manager and various department
director to presidents and CEOs of the
world’s leading entertainment
companies with tenures in affiliate
companies such as Warner Bros, RCA,
SONY, Universal, ABC, NBC
and CBS Broadcasting.
[1] Jake Salazar was a co-founder of
the Tempo Music Group. A coalition of
independent record companies owned
by veteran industry professionals
and celebrities such
as Anita Baker/Michael
Powell, Sylvia Moy, Martha Reeves,
Isaiah Thomas, Thomas Hearns, John
Salley, Lee Marcus, and Leonard Jones
among other prominent business
colleagues.
As mentioned in
I met and/or worked with the
highlighted names mentioned above
and I was unaware that these
individuals worked
together.
Jake has been consultant to over forty
record labels and for many
of the industries’ major artists and
manages the careers of a
chosen few.
There they were –
Jake Salazar & Lee Marcus
in my living room, personally providing
me with music tracks for me to write
my lyrics and melodies, I guess
I should have felt honored.
Jake Salazar, Lee
Marcus, Leonard Jones and
Michael Powell were
all prominent business colleagues
and they say that I am the one who
is guilty of betrayal.
Obviously, I didn’t just pull names out of
a hat, this was no accident, and I can see why these
people want me to just die.
What did these maniacs do?
Read inserts from Music Business: It’s a Dirty Game!
…
There they were, Jake Salazar and Lee Marcus,
in my living room, personally providing me with music tracks for me to write my lyrics and melodies, I guess I should have felt honored. Jake Salazar, Lee
Marcus, Leonard Jones and Michael Powell were all prominent business colleagues and they say that I am the one who is guilty of betrayal.
Obviously, I didn’t just pull names out of a hat, this was no accident, and I can see why these people want me to just die. I guess this is where the harassment from Hispanics could be originating from; they must have had a falling out.
What did these maniacs do?
Not one of them tried to offer anything, no decency, just treachery and you expected what to happen exactly? I was unaware that they were close prominent business colleagues.
Shortly after meeting Lee, I met Leonard Jones of All Purpose Disc. He was an older man in his late 50’s or older. I accepted a job as his secretary part-time. I actually liked getting dressed and going to work being that I had never worked before. My ex-husband provided for us for the most part, this enabled me to have more time focused on the children and my music. I believe he felt that keeping me close to home would prevent contact with other men.
While working for Jones, I met a lot of people that would come to the office to meet with him. He never came on to me or used his position to try to get some ass like I expected. Instead he seemed to be testing me and checking to see what my deal was. I was also watching, checking to see if he actually had good intentions. Of course, I felt that he might be in a position to help get me to where I wanted to be – Major. As I worked there, I would hear the different artist express their concerns and issues. Mostly, I would try to read all the people that came to his office; including his wife.
His wife hated the sight of me. Jones and I would laugh because we both knew that we weren’t doing anything. If he was cheating, it wasn’t with me. He’d joke and say that she called me ‘that thang’ and I would reply with “that’s Ms. Thang to her.” Although I liked Jones, I didn’t have faith that
once I signed he would follow through.
Eventually, some guys came in the office and they were not happy about something to do with money or a project and it was not pretty. That was my queue… I’m talking about Detroit men, pissed about money; I quit that day but before I left I called myself getting some numbers for distributors and possibly producers. Not unlike anyone else who felt they worked for it. I never saw him again but he wasn’t a bad man but just like others who couldn’t have their way – He probably wasn’t happy with me.
I worked with another talented local music producer named, Darrold Campbell. He was a light-skinned African American. He was quiet for the most part but he spoke when he had something to say. I genuinely wished him well and I liked his music tracks. He was very professional and he should have gotten a deal on his talent alone. He would tell me that I didn’t need help with writing song lyrics. His tracks were highly praised by those in the industry with years of experience. I never hesitated to give his business info to others.
In addition, Darrell Strickland was lyricist/producer (slightly crazy in my opinion from bumping his head for years with that damn dangling carrot). He was between light and medium brown-skinned African American. He was ‘cool people’ but because I felt that he wanted more than music relationship, I left. We had a great time hanging out though. We went to Nova Scotia, Canada and just kicked it with some other musicians. We all just sat around playing music and showing off our talents – Freestyle. I will always remember that trip. Canadians were very friendly to me and it was nice to get away for a while. I know that he had some crazy ass thuggish brothers.
I worked with Hershel Tinsley and Tim Lempke, they were music producers but I didn’t like the way they wanted me to sing. I tried and it didn’t work out. There was no soul or feeling in the song that I was given and I wasn’t allowed input.
I also met with some lady who had studio out of home said, ‘writing songs like a relationship’ Ah; no I don’t think so. I don’t remember her name but I didn’t like the vibe I felt. It was if people were saying that I tried to cut others and was completely self serving.
I was working on exposure and decided to agree to a radio commercial for ‘Mind your business campaign’ on radio. This was a campaign designed to encourage support for local businesses. It was really good experience and it felt good to hear my voice on the radio.
I was so excited
about music tracks and wanted to write, I began to seek out different
production companies to offer my vocals to help sell their songs for studio
time and/or tracks to write my songs.
Curtis, my husband, at the time supported my endeavors. He purchased a little 4 track player so that I could put my melodies down with the music. I would spend my nights
smoking weed and writing. I became obsessed with music and the more lyrics I wrote, the more I learned about copyrights, legal process, etc…but what I didn’t know is that even if you have copyrights – you are not protected if you
cannot get a lawyer to represent you.
My husband and family introduced me to Larry Hatcher (If that was his real name) was involved in music industry and was a writer/lyricist who lived in both cities, Detroit and Los Angeles. He was a friend of the family and I was told that he could possibly help me with my music. He was over 6 feet in height, medium build with medium brown skin African American and seemed upbeat, energetic and interested. He was fun and very likable but never open.
At this time in my life, my husband and I had just come clean about our issues and concerns with our relationship. I thought that we had decided to work things out and stay together.
So I went into my dealings with Larry with strictly business mentality.
Curtis would drop me off at his house to work on music tracks. I liked him but I was chilling and I made it clear that I wasn’t down for extracurricular activity. Once, Larry and Val were sitting on the couch and he just whipped it out and she started playing with him while they looked at me. I kept writing my lyrics and ignored them. He was the type of man that knew his way around women and how to get what he wanted.
One eventful night he decided to take me to a party at his friend’s house, I went and I was running from him the whole night. He finally brought me a drink, V.S.O.P. and I drank it. Right after the party, instead of him taking me
home he went to his house. I was out of it and the next thing I knew he had me up on the table on my back and lifted my dress up and he was inside me. I couldn’t move and I was in shock.
Immediately, I started crying and demanded to go home. I was throwing up all the way home. I can’t remember if he took me or if Curtis came to get me. I continued throwing up and crying all night. I told Curtis, my husband what happened to me and he didn’t even respond. It was like he didn’t care or believe me. I told my mother and I received the same response. I was so hurt that neither of them gave a damn that I said forget them.
Do you know that I hardened myself at that moment and made excuses to justify me going back to who I felt was the only person really in a position to further my career? The sooner the better, than I can get away from them for not
caring. I know that he was a friend of their family but I didn’t think that they would just give me away.
So, yes; against my better judgment I went back to him knowing that I had hateful feelings towards him for what he did. I addressed it with him and expressed my anger towards what he did. He apologized and I said I accepted but I still held a grudge at that time. I was furious but I just told myself that he didn’t hurt me. So keeping this in mind, I just couldn’t hold it anymore and when we had that meeting with Renzer – Zomba, rep at Art & Rhythm’s studio
with Larry Roc Campbell, I just snapped because I couldn’t bear the thoughts of them cheating me out of my songs and that he did me like that. I went off on him verbally but no one else knew why, just Larry Hatcher and me.
I think back to when I told my girlfriends/sister-in-laws that one of my fantasies was to have my man just take it but we were just talking.
Whatever, that was a tragic experience for me. Prior to this happening, I had met his friend Larry Roc Campbell and I was checking him out and I know he didn’t like it but he never said anything.
What possessed him to do that to me? –
To this day I think this was a tactic used to cause imbalance, confusion and
dismay. In addition, there were implications that she may have known Larry by her response to our incident. Looking back I truly believe he feels like I hurt his feelings because he said sorry. I am still negatively affected and way messed up by that move. If he hadn’t he may have had a chance but this drove me to what’s his face…and definitely far away from my ex-husband emotionally.
– Hurt, angry, mad at myself for responding the way I did – My husband
and mother failed me, so my dumbass made matters worse with that one.
Larry had introduced me to Larry Roc Campbell, who at that time was a music producer (master manipulator by his own words). Roc was already contracted with Zomba under Ara – Art & Rhythm and worked out of a small studio in Southfield, Michigan. Roc was slightly less than six feet tall, with medium build and medium brown-skinned African American. He would have probably been taller if he not been bow-legged. He also had a cleft or dimple in his chin. He was very sexy in his strong but silent kind of way.
Art & Rhythm; which consisted of Ara and Roc, offered a contract but didn’t want to offer any monies. Of course, just like anyone else would have done – I declined due to no money. I tried to talk to him but he just sent me to Ara.
Since I had a husband and mother willing to give me away, I had someone that I thought that I could trust hurt my soul. Roc didn’t think enough to come up with any money for contract, I wasn’t asking for millions; this why I signed
that BS contract in my weakened state. I guess I needed to believe that there was something good for me somewhere. I guess I was delusional about wanting to be cared for or looked out for…maybe I saw something that wasn’t there (you think, duh). That won’t happen again. I know that he was encouraging me with his complaining about home, treating me extra nice. Maybe, I wanted to believe I saw something that wasn’t there. Again, my dumb-ass came on to him and he rejected (which was the right thing to do).
I really thought that he was a nice person but as I look back, he gave me a ‘shh!’ gesture right before the meeting with Renzer – Zomba, rep. Looking back that is probably why Zomba rep. told me after the issue with works to stay
away from Larry Roc Campbell. Almost twenty years later, I discovered that he later became Jive Records A & R.
I worked on a few projects with Paul D. Allen. He was a music producer/engineer for Michael Powell’s Vanguards Studio. He is approximately 5’ 10, brown-skinned African American, well dressed quiet but definitely skilled music engineer. I didn’t trust him completely because his ties to Michael Powell and the fact that he scheduled a meeting with me then stood me up but called weeks later ready to work.
Paul was a music producer/engineer for Michael Powell’s Vanguards Studio. I had met Michael Powell but he had his artist that he was promoting and he came across very haughty. Mr. Egomaniacal…..I didn’t trust him and I was
afraid of his intentions and I had been shelved before.
Paul was quiet and reserved when I worked with him. Honestly, he supplied one of my favorite music tracks, “Why can’t I” – that was a really good song. I wrote and sung my heart out for that one. He looked up to Roc with respect when I made reference to him. It was almost like he wanted to stand up for him when I began to mock.
Shortly after my battle with Zomba began, I met CC or at least that’s how he introduced himself, I was not expecting that and my instincts said ‘run bitch.’ This was some new stuff and I probably shouldn’t have…but my instincts are rarely wrong. I don’t think he knew that I knew who he was. I had just seen his picture in a magazine associating him to Jive label. He was gorgeous and so I started to pretend as if I didn’t recognize him.
Suddenly, I got really nervous and I decided to make my famous get-away. I ran away because I couldn’t understand why he was in Detroit, at the same club that I was in. I don’t believe in coincidence. His demeanor and timing instilled concern and I was not ready but tried to play big girl but my fear took over.
David McPhearson – Zomba, rep – CC/Jive… I never worked with him but I was infatuated with briefly. He was light-skinned African American, possibly six feet tall and very attractive. I still have no idea of what his role was in this sudden appearance.
Shortly afterward I started to hear stories about something happened bad to someone and people started treating me awful. Implying that he or someone was beat up or hurt. Now how was supposed to feel. I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know who was just caught in crossfire and who was responsible. I didn’t know it was a joint effort at the time. Each of them had their own motives and intentions.
a. First encounter which lead to Zomba
It felt like someone had my house wired because that would have been the only way. I didn’t go around telling everyone that he was there.
It wasn’t long after the incident with Larry that I met with David Renzer, Zomba, rep but he made me feel uncomfortable. I couldn’t read into his intentions probably because I was tore up from what I was going thru on the
home front and with my music. I felt that it didn’t matter/I didn’t matter – Just get your paper boo-boo or so I thought but my heart and mind betrayed me.
I was a mess and it was my first meeting with David Renzer and the other Jive label representative along with Larry, Roc and Ara, this is when I snapped. I had not seen or talked to Larry in a while so seeing him and being in that situation was upsetting at the time. It felt like I was in a pressure
cooker and all I could think about was what I was told about him taking credit for my lyrics, combined with my emotional state regarding our incident and life on the home front was not good. It was too much so I took it all out on him but he definitely deserved a lot of that verbal lashing (I had not forgiven him).
I am sure that each of them had their reasons and motives for their actions but there is one thing that I am sure of is that their intentions were
definitely self-serving.
Unfortunately, human nature doesn’t always allow for most to wish others well. Instead, it does give many reasons to intervene, attempt to prevent any progress, and spread a
complacent attitude towards doing the right thing.
Per Renzer’s request, I was supposed to submit in writing my claim to my work.
At the onset of what was supposed to be a promising career, these are entries from my actual journals.
December 25, 1993
Journal entry:
‘Hi, it’s me – I had that same
dream again that has been driving me crazy for years. You know the weird part
of the dream is that I am running and each time it’s with different people.
Each time as I plan my escape they are prepared for me. I don’t think I have
ever escaped but I keep trying. Sometimes, the dream is so intense that I can
actually call it a nightmare. On those days that I wake up sweating and tearing
out of the bedroom, only to go turn on the lights.’
‘I think that’s enough about
the dream. I feel compelled to talk music… I’d like to start off by saying that
I think that the problem with Roc and Ara of Art and Rhythm Productions/Studio
is simply said with one word – Egomaniacs.’
‘I just don’t understand why
they would not be focused and it’s not like he’s babyface or somebody. He needs
the help. How could anybody turn down someone like me? I have no problem
working with or even under somebody as long as I am taken care of. Now, that I
know the he has no interest in working with me as a team then I have no choice
but to view them as competition. It’s on – Let the games begin! I finished
“Attraction” (which is now called “Promise Me”, and I think it is a smash. All
I need now is to relay it down. Gangsta Groove is almost complete too.’
‘My concern is this, will these
new people – Mike from KJM, Paul from Vanguard, Darrell C from K&K –
cooperate. I sure hope they don’t let greed or their ego mess up a good thing
too.’
The dream that kept
haunting was really a warning, a prediction of what was to come. I no longer
have that dream.
December 27, 1993
Journal entry 11:30am:
‘I was hoping to have something positive
to release on paper but right about now would be a great time to write a sad
song. I paged what’s his name and he has not returned the page. Curtis says
that I haven’t given him enough time to respond. Bullshit. I hate not having
the know-how to create my own music, and then I could be a recluse. Happily at
home with my family, where I am safe or at least safer than being anywhere near
some other self-centered user. I hate it
when I leave myself open for disappointments. All I can tell myself is that
they know not what they do. I am good at
this; actually sometimes I am even
great when I put a little effort into it. These next songs that I send in will
be the shit or they won’t go anywhere. Zomba hasn’t been even sent my paperwork
like they were supposed to. I don’t think they know either. If I choose to move
on and not write I would be hurting myself because I know that I could write
Grammy winning songs. I will not worry, so excuse me but I think it is time to
indulge myself.
December 27, 1993
Journal entry 1:00pm:
‘I received a phone call from
Roc to meet him at the studio in half an hour so I went a little late due to an
unforeseen occurrence. I just paged again so I don’t know so I guess I better
get to work at finishing those for Dave Renzer – Zomba, rep to check out my
stuff and flip out again at my unorthodox methods. Well they make me feel like
I’m fighting to stay on top of things.’
‘In the letter I plan to
mention “Gangsta’s Need Love Too” and my contribution to that song and find out
do they require my signature on anything. Also, request my paperwork from
Blackstone – Zomba, rep and Renzer – Zomba, rep in NY. Yeah, right – all I got
to say is I am pissed off now.’
‘I can’t believe the sucker
didn’t call me back. I must move on.’ ‘Curtis, Sean and I have begun to
critique what I have done and to try to enhance “Gangsta Groove.” “Curtis is
very active in this groove.’
11:00PM –
‘The night ended up horrible.
Background didn’t show. I guess I will have to do it myself. Tyra will not hear
from me for a long time and she will not be singing on anything that I am on.
Sean has let Latonya tell him not to change his style and now he is locked on
what he can and cannot do; which gives me nothing to work with. He is useless
to me now and he doesn’t finish what he starts. I guess I will redo it myself.
By the way Paul never called back around 3:00pm like he said. I will keep
pushing on.’
‘I can’t make it without help
and cooperation. I cannot believe I am rushing and I don’t even know if this
will be wasting my time because Roc is not going to allow me to get anything
over a certain percentage. At times like these, I don’t want to talk to anyone
and I am not from this day forward that is after I phone Dave Renzer regarding
that song with Roc. I refuse to work on another music track with Roc. I refuse
to deal with anyone outside of family. I am so hurt, wounded, drained and
de-energized.’
‘Goodnight (anyways), I hope as
long as that damn dream doesn’t come tonight. I can’t help but to think that
they have stolen from me. I must move on and not look back to no one. I will
keep struggling forward.’ ‘I was looking forward to working with: Utopia – Karl
Reed, KJM – Mike, K&K- Darrell, and Ken Johnson – Angelo Bond or Sanchez.
December 28, 1993
Journal entry:
‘I called Kapp Ivory he says he
is ready at the 1st of the year. I have an appointment with KEP
Sounds at 6:00 pm tomorrow. I called Angelo Bond and he is setting something up
that I can be included in on. Finally, I am happy with my work. Strategy is
together. Write hits, and then place hits; it’s just that simple.’
‘I also spoke with Terry Powell
and he is ready to bring me a track too and work with me on Nick and his
tracks.’
December 29, 1993
Journal entry:
‘Kenny Johnson is also prepared
to join forces and kick out hits. I called to request a fax of casting sheet
and procedures but Blackstone – Zomba, rep is out of office until January 5,
1994.’
‘Curtis and I discussed which
tunes to send and what the letter should say to Dave Renzer – Zomba, rep and Drew Dixon – Zomba, rep .’
4:30pm-
‘I am ready to get paid and if
Zomba chooses to believe then it is their loss because baby, I am unstoppable –
with God’s help of course. A good fight always gives me the energy I need to
kick out hits.’
‘I am Ne Ne – Notoriously
Executing New Era.’
a.
Letter sent to
Zomba/Jive regarding Warner Chapel Deal
Less than a month later, on March 23, 1995
Handwritten Letter sent to Zomba – Re-typed:
Zomba
137-139 W. 25th
Street
New York, NY 10001
Attn: R. B – Zomba,
rep,
It has been brought
to my attention that an artist by the name of Desire (real name Monique), with
the help of Michael Powell, Art & Rhythm’s – Larry Roc Campbell, Paul D.
Allen, and Larry Hatcher has received a 6 album deal with Warner Chapel label
releasing single in May 1995.
{Now how would I have a clue if someone
didn’t tell me and give me specific’s. This is the same public that runs around
breaking their necks to hurt. I was definitely out of the loop but the source
seemed reliable and I did supply a lot of material to all parties included.}
I bring this to your attention because I heard personally and have others confirm blatant similarities to my work and have been derived in full and/or in part from my
copies submitted to Paul D. Allen. of M. Powell’s – Vanguard Studio, Larry Hatcher of Hatcher Hits, Larry Roc Campbell of Art & Rhythm and David R – Zomba, rep .I worked consistent with all parties listed for a period of time. I have split sheet for “Baby Stay With Me” and I heard this finished by her.
I would like for this situation to be taken seriously. In addition, I would like a copy of a detailed Royalty statement for Hi Five’s song, “What can I say to you to justify my love” and a copy of (signed) split sheet for my records.
As a whole, they have collected 30 or more songs from me and they are all on this same project. Larry Roc Campbell
laughed and told me that he received money when I signed with Zomba. How is this possible?
I certainly hope that you will handle my administration of copies of materials that were sent to David R – Zomba, rep; Cherry, Drew D – Zomba, rep, and Kymberlee Thornton –
Zomba, rep. Paul D. Allen received a copy and signed split sheets with me. I also have copyrights for the materials:
1. Why can’t I?
2.
Baby
stay with me
3.
Is the
sex still good
4.
Casual
Love
5.
With
your love
Larry Hatcher
received more than 14 songs. Larry Roc Campbell received more than 20 songs.
Of course, Zomba
received copies of all copy-written materials, see list enclosed.
b. Completed
Split
sheets for musical works submitted to Zomba
I completed split sheets on shared works and
I required signed agreements for those who chose to work on projects with
me. I was able to secure four or five
writers under my Production Company, Seven West.
See bottom for Split Sheet:
Chapter 12: Coping
methods
The
music industry has some complex rules regarding how things are done with
regards to how money is distributed. If you work for any particular label or
company, your loyalties are supposed to lie with that company. Back then the labels were structured into five major
labels. Even though people are shuffled amongst the different companies, again,
their loyalties were supposed to remain unscathed.
When
I had my first encounter with writing lyrics, I was living in my home town – Detroit, Michigan.
I wrote for Lee Marcus and Jake Salazar. Lee was connected with the police
department. That was definitely my song lyrics and melody used on that sitcom
prior to Zomba contract.
I
had refused to sign with other production companies because either they offered
no money or they didn’t seem to have my best interest in mind.
I
was encouraged by Detroit
attorneys to sign with Zomba. Then after painstaking months of hard work and
submitting multiple lyrics and melodies, I was subjected to harassment.
I
stepped up for credit and monies for my works and I kept pushing; while Detroit groups were trying
to sabotage.
Remember,
Lee told me of that story of the girl who was robbed of her lyrical credits
then forced to commit suicide. In addition, he was associated to the police who
never had any good intentions for me because of family’s history.
So
here I am, all by myself, stuck listening to all my works on the radio,
fighting for what should be mine. Clueless to what was going on around me.
Lee’s group wasn’t
happy, Larry was in the Hi-Five’s video of the song that was used to present
the contract but he didn’t look happy. As I look back the plan was for Lee’s
group to use me for lyrics, make money and then drive me mad. Jake Salazar was
a co-founder of the Tempo Music Group. A coalition of independent record
companies owned by veteran industry professionals and celebrities such as Anita
Baker/Michael Powell, Sylvia Moy, Martha Reeves, Isaiah Thomas,
Thomas Hearns, John Salley, Lee Marcus, and Leonard Jones among
other prominent business colleagues. They all knew each other and they all were
influential in Detroit.
Getting
back to the rules…It turns out that some of the people that I had worked with
locally were not supposed to or were in conflict with the plans. It felt like a
game was being played within a game and not all the higher ups were in the
know. I am sure that this type of thing is not uncommon but this had some extra
mess added.
They did not want a woman to succeed; especially me!
Seven West Productions, LLC 
