From rags to riches: how the Williams brothers went from poverty to becoming some of the richest men in hip hop
“The platforms are for individuals with something worth sharing.” This was the quote from Charlamagne Tha God when he accepted the Living Legends Foundation’s Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award. The co-host of WWPR (Power New York’s syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club, multimedia author and entrepreneur was among the eight recipients honored at the foundation’s anniversary gala on Friday night (Oct. at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood.
At the ceremony, Charlamagne asked the crowd to “ask you each the day who you have helped or inspired to assist people become the very best version of them.” This sentiment echoed through the event, which lasted three hours and saw Cash Money Records co-founders/co-CEOs Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In the lead up to the award, the director Polow da Don paid homage to the brothers “They provide a voice and representation to people that are out in the field.
Jean Riggins and my mentors are those I’d like to thank for helping me achieve my current position. They played a key role in helping me to become the person that I am currently. Sharon Heyward’s life is an inspiration to every person and I’m thankful to having her as a role model.
Sharon Heyward, Solutionist LLC’s the owner and operator, was awarded the Legacy Award by David C. Linton (LLF’s chairman in emeritus) and Ray Harris (longtime industry friends and coworkers). “I’m an ardent, straight-no-chaser girl” she said in a clearly emotional Heyward as she accepted the evening’s last award. The mentees, and other persons who have revealed to me how they’ve helped them in their professional lives is my greatest achievements in my professional career. The actress also took critics to task for ignoring old-fashioned workers, saying “age is an unimportant number.
The woman added “That is a sign of indifference to the legacy left to your.” You must respect one the other and to be able to assist and encourage each other. She was joined on stage by her daughter Monique who is also employed in the industry of music, Heyward sang snippets of Impressions songs “Keep on Pushing” and “I’m So Proud” before concluding “The recording industry is not a woman’s game for. I didn’t want my daughter Monique in this however I’m very proud of her…and to the crowd, thank you for letting me serve as an example to some of you.
The Digital Executive Award goes to Tuma Basa, director of Black music and culture at YouTube. This year’s Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award is awarded to Johnnie Walker, first female senior vice president of promotion for promotion at Def Jam Recordings and now director of business and founder of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment Inc. (NABFEME). The Founders Award goes to Henry “Hank” Caldwell, veteran industry professional and the founder partner/president and CEO of the -hour streaming company HBCUGO TV.
Morality
It is evident women musicians have major challenges to achieve equal position with males in the field of music. The next generation of female performers will succeed if they have strong model and coaches. I am grateful to take part in this discussion , and I’m hopeful that we continue to work for equality and equality within the music industry.
