From Street Hustle To Boardroom Strategy

by: Kristine Farnal

In less than a decade, Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbee is gaining notice as the number one executive in the Hip-Hop music industry. Ellerbee recently signed emerging R&B artist Shareefa in a joint venture label deal with Disturbing The Peace (DTP) and Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) Records. Ellerbee has quickly moved up the executive ranks with a proven 9-year track record, and he is credited with shepherding the careers of several top hip-hop artists, including Grammy-Award nominee and multi-platinum hip-hop artist Young Jeezy. The two, Jeezy and Ellerbee, have launched their own label CTE Music/Def Jam, where Ellerbee has assumed the title as Chief Executive Officer. CTE Music was established in 2006 and has created a musical home for themselves and their talented roster of artists.

“I decided I wanted to find my own niche in this game,” explained Ellerbee.

Currently, Ellerbee anticipates a great outcome for the “America’s Most Wanted” Music Festival tour featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Drake, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, Jeremih, and Pleasure P. In addition, Hush Management has began a new partnership with ‘Hip Hop Since 1978’ lead by Kyambo “Hip-Hop” Joshua and Gee Roberson.

“Jeezy’s new album definitely puts masterful hip-hop music back on the radio waves,” comments Ellerbee.

Now, they hope to work that same magic for other CTE artists including Blood Raw, Slick Pulla, Boo, and 211 to name a few. Demetrius’ goal is to groom at least 3 to 4 more multi-platinum stars over the next 10 years, which he and Jeezy are well on the road to accomplishing with this impressive up-and-coming stable of talent.

Ellerbee talks about his upcoming projects at Hush Management, another Ellerbee venture. “Aside from CTE Music, I look forward to working with Shareefa (DTP/Geffen) and London (Motown/Universal) on their upcoming albums and they both are very strong music artists. A music executive looks for an artist that can be consistently creative and reinvent themselves and I truly believe that this is the number one quality that I look for in talent that I sign.”

Beyond his work co-owning a label and executive producing music, Ellerbee has established a solid track record as a savvy negotiator on behalf of his clients. For example, under the HUSH Management banner Ellerbee has brokered multi-million dollar endorsement deals for Young Jeezy with blue-chip brands such as Adidas and Belvedere Vodka.

As a vivid philanthropist, Ellerbee’s passion is to encourage youth to pursue their dreams and become involved in music. He has non-profit plans on becoming a youth mentor and creating a school tour in Atlanta speaking to the future leaders of tomorrow--prominently focusing on the underprivileged areas in the city.