Features

Perspective: David Moze Baptiste

David Moze Baptiste
Director of Promotions
SMOOTH Magazine
NYC


Job History
Father
Bouncer
Electrician
Party Promoter, your regular neighborhood hustler/go to guy
Director of Promotions, SMOOTH

Three words to describe yourself.

Father, unpredictable, and determined.

What are you currently working on? What is your day- to- day responsibilities?

Besides promoting for Smooth magazine, I own a promotions & artist management company based in Brooklyn. I'm also VP of Igloo Ent. which is owned & operated by Kool G Rap.

I currently manage a rapper named Saint from Flatbush, Brooklyn and singer/songwriter Lee Carr from Westchester NY.

My day to day consists of constant emails and phone calls from promoters, publicists, program directors, photographers, DJ's, reviewing or sending off proposals. I'm basically creating and maintaining a steady buzz for all of my projects.

What made you decide to pursue this career?

I actually got started in this industry by accident. I always hung with people older than me so I had a few friends that worked for an independent record label at the time. They asked me to help them promote a few of their artists along with some side projects by putting together a street team.

What inspires/motivates you?

My motivation are my two kids. They're my greatest inspiration.

At what point did you decide to make this career choice?

It was around the early 90's. One of my projects was "O.P.P." and that record got so big. I felt like this is where I belong, I was hooked. I started meeting so many different people and got so excited by it I started interning at more established labels. From there I started getting involved in different projects. As time went on, I bounced to Roc-a-fella, then Polygram, then Universal, and then to Frontline Marketing. While at Frontline I began meeting even more people and made sure I was exposed to and involved in even bigger and better things because I wasn't just promoting music anymore.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

There's been many times I have to be separated from my family due to all of my traveling. Anytime I get to spend with my kids I take it, or if I can have them with me, they're with me.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I would say my reputation. I don't like confusion. Anyone who's dealt with me in the past knows I gives it to 'em straight up and down.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn form the experience?

I think my worst career mistake was thinking I can't make it in this industry. I've helped many people become millionaires or at least be able to live comfortably. Whether it was directly or indirectly, people will be people and they forget easily. You have to position yourself where you benefit out the deal some way. I learned early not to think I was going to see money every time I do business. Step up your game buddy...period.

How did you overcome any roadblocks?

My Roadblock has been not being able to find anyone to work as hard as me. There are so many jealous motherf*****s out here and for no reason. For this, I have to look deeper into people and be very selective who I get involved with.

Was there ever a time where you thought you would not succeed? Please explain.

There's been many times where I just wanted to stop everything. I'm not a quitter. I'm to hard headed for that. People said I wouldn't get anywhere with SMOOTH because of one thing or another. Now we're on our third year and looked at as a credible magazine.

Is there a down side to your position?

Sometimes you have to do things to move your project. Things you really dread doing. I could get into somethings but I can't divulge that information :-)

It's sad people don't realize how critical promotions are to a project. It surprises me to see how many people run these corporations and totally shit on their promotion department. It's common sense that if your not keeping yourself visible to your target audience they will never respond. Out of sight, out of mind. It's that simple.

Another down side is you have a lot of "record label owners" who hire a promotions company. These "labels" are trying to do lobster & shrimp on a peanut butter and jelly budget. Then you have to get ignorant with them because they could've just kept it real with you from the start and explain their situation to you.

What are your Guiding principles?

I try to be as fair as possible.
Keep it real, Keep it right.
Respect those who show you respect.

What were/are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is being able to have the strength to just walk away from a lot of the negative bullshit this industry throws my way.

What personality traits do you think a successful person in this industry should have?

I think anyone looking to become successful in this industry should be excellent at networking, have common sense, and surround yourself with positive people.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?

If there is someone you're dealing with and you can't gain from them some kind of way, whether it's monetary or knowledge, don't fux wit'em!

When is your Birthday? Where you grew up?

I was born November 5, 1976. I was raised between Brooklyn and Hollis Queens.

Message David Moze Baptiste and tell him what you think

Tiffany Hayden

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