Imagine the world’s musical landscape without meteoric careers by Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Maxwell, or Missy Elliott.
You don’t have to, thanks to Mona Scott-Young, one of the leading ladies behind the scenes in the urban entertainment industry over the past 20 years. As co-founder of Violator Management with former partner Chris Lighty, Scott-Young has been a trailblazing guide for some of the legends of Hip-Hop. She stopped by the AllHipHop.com offices just a few days ago to talk about her latest pursuits – here she paints the backdrop for what’s possibly a masterpiece of a career:
Mona Scott-Young’s business savvy, along with an obvious in-person cool and grace, have helped make her a top name in the entertainment business. After nearly 20 years helping lead Violator, she took a leap out on her own, landing at the top of her own firm, Monami Entertainment. There, she developed a reality TV series called “Love & Hip-Hop” three years ago, eventually for VH1, which profiled a certain Dipset MC known for his strong personality.
There’s a lot of love and hate for “Love & Hip Hop” and the variety of shows like it. The series, in its second season, with its rapper antics and rapper’s girl drama, has a definite following, to the delight of some and the disgust of others. Over time, the cast and storyline has expanded to include Jim’s lady, Chrissy, along with Yandy, rapper Fabolous, Fab’s baby mama Emily, singer Olivia, and more. In this clip, Scott-Young talks “Love & Hip-Hop” and why this kind of TV (like it or not) – with personalities like Jim Jones and others – just works:
When you’re Mona Scott-Young, there has to be a certain degree of gratification from your work. Her Monami Entertainment is the umbrella for successful divisions in film/TV, artist management, and a digital platform called “The Rocbox.” It’s clear the lady handles her business – and she, along with her legendary clients, has enjoyed a nearly 20-year career in an industry that is known for being short-lived and harsh, especially for women. Here, Scott-Young ponders the changing Hip-Hop industry, the “Umpteenth Coming of Busta Rhymes,” and what’s next for her – listen and learn:
Get in Mona Scott-Young’s business at www.monamient.com or on Twitter at @MonaScottYoung. Check out more on VH1’s “Love & Hip-Hop” here.