Each week, Music Week profiles the brightest new talents in the business. This week, Kilo Jalloh and Moe Bah, founders of 2K Management, the company behind J Hus' rise to stardom, tell their story..
How did you break into the music industry?
We were helping a friend [J Hus] who we had convinced to take music seriously, as we knew he was a very talented rapper. We knew nothing about the music business, but we were willing to learn on the go. During this time a few good people advised us to set up a management company, which we did. This was a major transition.
What’s your proudest achievement so far?
Releasing Common Sense by J Hus and [producer] JAE5 – a classic album that is still in the Top 25. Five months down the line, it’s a big achievement for us. J Hus and JAE5 have a unique sound and phenomenal chemistry, they’re the pioneers of their sound. We’re also proud of [single] Did You See going gold and then platinum, the album going silver and selling out the UK tour [coming up in October and November]. We’ve had a Top 10 single and a Top 10 album, and being nominated for the Hyundai Mercury Music Prize has been fantastic, too. These are big milestones for us. We’re very humbled, and are confident that there are many more to come. All these achievements have been with the same team from day one.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being able to be to work and be in the studio with so many creative musicians. Also, meeting the masterminds behind the scenes and the legends in the industry. Travelling to different countries and different cities with the crew is such a laugh, too. Also, meeting great artists we used to listen to, and building relationships in the music industry that turn into friendships.
What’s your biggest challenge?
That would probably be agreeing [laughs] and getting enough sleep.
What advice would you give to those looking to break into the biz?
Believe you can break into the business even if you are new to it, be willing to learn and have your artists’ best interests with every decision you make. Stay focused on your goals and ambitions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to progress.
What’s your greatest ambition?
We would love our names to be mentioned for doing and being a part of something great for the scene and for the industry. We want to be the greatest and to continue developing great artists.
KILO'S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
MOE'S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
Earlier this year, Music Week spoke to DJ Semtex and Black Butter president Joe Gossa about the J Hus campaign as part of our cover feature.
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