Chauncey Way: From Chicago Streets to Music Industry: Journey with Jive Records, R. Kelly & Death Row
Chauncey Way shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to entering the music industry
Former long-time music executive Chauncey Way (Loomis Rhodes Group) shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to entering the music industry. Starting as an intern at Jive Records in 1989 to get out of college classes, he quickly moved into street team promotions. He recounts his first encounter with R. Kelly at a recording studio, playing basketball with him, and his subsequent rise through the ranks working with major labels like Uptown, Tommy Boy, Death Row, and Interscope. He also highlights his experiences on the road with industry figures like Garnett March and the unique regional success of Death Row Records.
Topics Discussed:
- Early Life and Entry into Music: Growing up in Chicago, playing college basketball, and landing an internship at Jive Records.
- First Industry Encounters: Meeting R. Kelly early in his career and navigating the studio environment.
- Street Team Promotions: Working with iconic labels such as Uptown, Tommy Boy, Rap-A-Lot, and Death Row.
- Mentorship and Growth: Learning the business from industry figures like Garnett March and working as a regional representative for Interscope.
- The Rise of Death Row Records: Insights into how Death Row became a massive success without touring because artists were under probation restrictions.
Chauncey Way: From Chicago Streets to Music Industry: Journey with Jive Records, R. Kelly & Death Row