#74: James Andrews - Surviving Hip Hop Shootouts, Being Black In Palo Alto, and the Future of Community
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Episode Description
In this episode, we discover the story of James Andrews, a successful New York City record label executive who was one of the first to experience the impact of social media and the interconnectedness of a digital community–all before the internet became a widely utilized commodity.
From wayward beginnings growing up in Palo Alto to learning how to network the Hollywood scene, James’ career spans a myriad of successes. From meeting Whitney Houston and Beyonce, to scoring a Guinness World Record in the early days of Twitter, James knows what it’s like to be surrounded by fame and recognition.
Yet, he’s also familiar with the setbacks of being an entrepreneur, and teaches us how to persevere by placing family first, having confidence in one’s passions amidst doubts, and how to possess a keen, independent mind towards the future through the importance and power of community.
Show Notes
Family History & Childhood in the Bay: James introduces the entrepreneurial spirit of his family members, whose independent thinking would later help shape James’ career despite his wayward beginnings growing up in the East Bay.
Moving to Palo Alto: Now living with his aunt, James’ journey takes a turn once he encounters the cultural transition of an academic city filled with endless curiosity.
Basketball & College: How basketball becomes a sense of identity and a centered getaway for James, and how that identity brings him unexpected recognition while attending college in Provo, Utah.
Baptism & UCLA: Fascinated by the discipline of the Mormon religion, James gets baptized and sets the beginnings of a pipe dream that would later become reality.
The Rodney King Protests: What was James’ experience during the 1992 Los Angeles riots? And what did he see that appalled him the most?
Dropping into the Music Industry: From selling CDs in order to afford dinner to making $200,000 a year in the music business – How did he do it?
Staying Grounded: How to not get caught up in the midst of wealth and fame: “Fame is a currency.”
The Dangers: To work in the music business in the 90s wasn’t without its dangers. From drive-by shootings to the industry feud between LA and New York.
Transition: While experiencing success at Columbia Records, James’ passion for technology begins to move him in a different direction, ultimately leading to the creation of Soul Purpose.
Starting Over & #BeatCancer: Struggling financially and upon the loss of his mentor, George Jackson, James finds himself in Atlanta, Georgia, where he’ll create Social People and utilize social media for social good.
A Multi-Verse of Communities: How James weaves hip-hop, community-building, and content creation into new and exciting investments: Audio Collective & The Authenticated.
To The Future & Back: James discusses the future of audio, and lays down some golden words of advice.
Links From the Episode
Audio Collective:
The Authenticated:
https://theauthenticated.mn.co
Recommended documentary The Black Godfather:
