Michael
Ovitz
, a serious bigwillie in the Hollywood scene has recognized the significance
of Hip-Hop, and is taking his step into the rap music business.
His fledgling management/production company, Artists Management
Group, has formed an urban entertainment division to be headed
by Violator Management founder Chris Lighty and his longtime business
partner, Mona Scott. New York-based Violator’s roster includes
Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Mobb Deep, Q-Tip and Noreaga.
Violator’s artists
have sold more than 10 million albums annually over the past five
years. “Chris Lighty is a fantastic young executive with an equal
understanding of the street and the business,” Ovitz said. “I
was extremely impressed with the man himself and his expertise
in the area of urban music – particularly with regard to guerrilla
marketing.” Continued Ovitz: “I want to try to learn this whole
urban marketing situation. I see big crossover potential in films,
in sports and everything else.” Ovitz, who co-founded Creative
Artists Agency and briefly served as president of Walt Disney
Co., formed AMG with talent manager Rick Yorn, and Yorn’s sister-in-law,
Julie Silverman-Yorn.
