Legendz

Although 50 Cent may get most of the credit, Sha Money XL has been just as instrumental in building the G-Unit brand. He began in the mid ’90s as a local DJ and producer. His big break came, though, in 1996 when he landed an internship at Def Jam Records. During his two years at the historic label, Sha befriended Jam Master Jay, who introduced him to a burgeoning Queens rapper named 50 Cent. Sha and 50 immediately formed a strong friendship. Operating as the brand’s marketer, financer, mixtape producer, engineer, A&R and 50’s manager, Sha was eventually named President of G-Unit Records when Curtis signed his historic deal with Shady/Aftermath Records in 2002. 50 Cent held a meeting in January 2007 announcing major changes within the camp. As a result, Sha Money and 50 agreed to reorganize the company, as Sha vacated his position as the label’s president in order to focus on his Money Management Group.

Why did you become a producer?

I didn’t think it was something I was born for. I grew up with choices and we played soccer and piano. I tried soccer and didn't like it so when I did the piano thing it stuck with me. I then began to DJ and passed my turntables to my cousin Whoo Kid. He then became the DJ and I tried to be a rapper. In the process of becoming a rapper I realised I wasn't that great. Nobody made beats for me to rap to so I decided to make them myself and in doing so I realised I still had the talent for playing chords on the piano and it carried over into my music. Producing then became my better talent.

Back then, was there anyone that acted as a mentor to you?

I was into people like Mobb Deep and Q-Tip and all of the producers from New York I was fascinated by hearing their beats and seeing how they put things together with samples. I was inspired by all of that.

Are you still Sha Self?

I'm Sha Self by nature. I'm moving out and about but in my life alone it's me and family and that self mentality is still in me. I don't need big crews to verify that I'm some great big guy. I'm not into that so I'm still Sha Self. I’m self-made actually.

I heard you're working on four albums this year. Is there any truth to that?

Yes, first and foremost there's "Product Of The South", then we're going to release individual albums from solo artists. There are also some people that we're trying to sign who are in talks with lawyers right now but I don't want to give too much away about that until we cut the cheque and sign a deal.

How do you manage to produce and be a businessman at the same time?

I think business hours are business hours and as a manager you're going to be working around the clock. 9 to 5 I'm pretty much emailing and taking meetings. When that's all done there are some days, especially in winter when people have shut down, I'll be in my studio making music which is near where I live. I manage to balance it up.

Tell me about the annual One Stop Shop producer conference in Arizona.

It was designed with the thought of me coming up in the industry. Me being in the position I’m in I gave other artists and producers a chance to be on some tracks. I can't manage too many people but I wanted to provide an opportunity for these people with this talent and want to find an outlet for their music. I thought I would bring all of the top managers, producers, artists, tastemakers and publishers to this panel so they can ask questions. Networking is very important and this is for the real serious guys. All we know is going to awards shows but this is not an awards show, this is giving back.

What's the situation with G-Unit and Interscope now?

There is this is the point when you're hot off the press and people believe you and are behind you but when things take a turn everyone starts acting differently. It's a terrible time because I only like people who believe in me and I don't like being in business with people who don't really appreciate me. I don't know if this carries over with them but I just don't think things work if there's no belief in the picture. Whether Interscope doesn't believe in 50 [Cent] because of whatever, they also need to check themselves because 50 did everything he had to so that he could sell his record. This interview question is a big challenge. G-Unit can deliver the music but who will deliver the marketing?

Has all this animosity with 50 Cent been laid to rest now?

Yeah, it has. I'm my own guy and he's a talented guy. I can't rap or do what he does.

Are you proud of where 50 Cent is at the moment?

Absolutely, I'm proud of him and I'm proud of me believing in him so I'm completely proud because I saw something in him that other people ran away from.

What are your ambitions for Money Management and the artists on that roster?

I want to make sure all of my artists are financially fit, career driven and happy. I want them to fulfil their dreams and I'm encouraging my guys to produce more albums so we can build their brand even more and get them to do more publicity that can make them more valuable to the industry. I really want to go to the top with everyone that I have. We sit down and talk about things and if we don't fulfil a plan that means we didn't talk about it well enough. The plan always works as long as we carry out the order.

Are you proud of the success you’ve had so far?

Yes, last year was an incredible year. There were different dynamics put on me because of the departure of G-Unit but at the end of the year I was on some surf boards just surfing. I'm happy and I feel like I'm getting into a better position with myself as an individual.

What kind of tips do you have for producers who want to make it big?

You have to put yourself in the positions of concerts, clubs, radio stations and anywhere where the artists are at. You need a CD in your pocket. Don't be a guy that has a CD without his name and number labelled on it and don't be a guy who won't give out a CD because he's scared of copyrights or any bullshit like that. You have to put yourself in a position and honestly I know what position y'all are in and that's what the One Stop Shop is about. You can meet every contact that you might meet in a year in one spot. If you're being cheap, you're going to play yourself because I'm providing an opportunity for these guys to come out and meet you and listen to your music and collect your CDs. They don't have classes that teach you to be classy and have swagger or communicate with these guys who don't have 5 minutes to talk to you. This is something you shouldn’t miss.

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propz.. sha money is cool ...

sha money 50 banks buck and yayo thats G-UNIT!


and if they want back to the top they need to go back to this ..

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