He also added Wu-Tang: Shalin Style, the group’s popular PlayStation video game, film and television assets to the chamber. While inking a $10 million first-level deal with Epic Records for RZA’s Razor Sharp Records in 1996, Diggs took the Wu-Tang brand beyond the borders of Hip-Hop via business partner Oliver “Power” Grant’s Wu-Wear clothing line and boutique locations. Negotiating lucrative deals such as Method Man’s reported $10 million agreement with Def Jam, Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s contract with Warner Brothers, GZA’s deal with Geffen Records, and Raekwon’s signing with Loud Records, Diggs quickly became one of the shrewdest and most successful executives in Hip-Hop. The project, one of several RIAA-certified efforts from the Wu that Diggs executive produced, spawned what became a global movement and has sold over three million copies to date. That union introduced the iconic rap group Wu-Tang Clan to the masses.īrokering the revolutionary deal with Loud Records that allowed Wu-Tang Productions to retain the contractual rights of each member as solo artists, the Diggs brothers unveiled the Wu’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, in 1993. Wielding an acute business acumen first sharpened on the streets of Staten Island, in 1992, Diggs teamed up with his brother Robert “RZA” Diggs to co-found Wu Tang Productions Inc. Yet, without his work behind the scenes, Wu-Tang Clan wouldn’t have become the multi-million dollar enterprise it is today. Mitchell “Divine” Diggs prefers to dwell in the shadows. Image Credit: Efren Landaos/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
In part one of our four-part series, we look back at 12 of the most impactful record label leaders in Hip-Hop history. In celebration of Black Music Month and Hip-Hop 50, VIBE and Lexus highlight 50 of the greatest music industry figures of the Hip-Hop Era. Creatives that make the art get the chunk of the headlines and credit, but it is often the work of the masterminds behind the scenes that pull the strings to ensure that the culture continues to be driven forward.
Yet, the efforts of those who launched companies, climbed the corporate ladder, or capitalized on their artistic endeavors to pursue entrepreneurship are indispensable. The presence of Black power brokers in the music business was not as prevalent 50 years ago as it is today. Thriving off the ingenuity of savvy founders, executives, managers, and enterprising artists, Hip-Hop has moved the global needle and contributed to big business since its inception. Taking street energy and lending its influence and buying power to music, fashion, entertainment, and more. The movement born in the 1970’s from The Bronx, NYC has evolved from its humble beginnings into a billion-dollar industry. A truly global agency, Island Vibe Agency provides the opportunity to book any Reggae, Dancehall, Soca or Calypso entertainer, anywhere in the world.Hip-Hop has become a global force, infiltrating various sectors of culture while impacting numerous facets of life. Whether booking the talent or overseeing all aspects of the entertainment component of your event, our staff will seamlessly guide you from your initial inquiry to the completed performance. Island Vibe Agency's mandate, which our clients consistently rely upon, is the highest level of customer service. We represent no artist exclusively rather we are a conduit to all, our long term relationships with artists and their representation allows Island Vibe Agency to provide clients the most current information regarding artist fees and production requirements. We also specialize in dub-plate services, studio recordings, artiste management & development, merchandising & more! Having more than 20 years experience specifically with events ranging from 50 -20,000 attendees, Island Vibe Agency translates live performances into experiences that stay with our clientele for a lifetime. Island Vibe Agency specializes in securing talent and producing live performances for concerts, private parties, corporate functions & fundraising events.
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