The Industry Cosign

BIG CED

BIG CED started The Industry Cosign over 20 years ago by featuring entrepreneurs, celebrities, and entertainment executives, and other endearing people he may come across who have interesting backgrounds and stories.

  1. From Temple to W&W: Aaliyah Crawford on 35 Years of Entertainment PR, Building Legendary Brands & Breaking Barriers: My Friends Are Better Than Yours

    FEB 13

    From Temple to W&W: Aaliyah Crawford on 35 Years of Entertainment PR, Building Legendary Brands & Breaking Barriers: My Friends Are Better Than Yours

    From Temple to W&W: Aaliyah Crawford on 35 Years of Entertainment PR, Building Legendary Brands & Breaking BarriersJoin BIG CED of The Industry Cosign as he sits down with Aaliyah Crawford, Senior Vice President at W&W Public Relations and newly elected Vice President of the Recording Academy's Philadelphia Chapter. In this candid conversation, Aaliyah shares her journey from Temple University film student to representing icons like Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Patti LaBelle.Discover the realities of entertainment PR, from managing client expectations to navigating social media's double-edged sword. Aaliyah opens up about the legacy of W&W founder Patti Webster, the importance of authentic brand building, and what it takes to succeed in an industry where rejection is constant. She also discusses launching her new podcast, "Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford," and becoming the first professional member to serve as VP in her Recording Academy chapter.Whether you're an aspiring publicist, entrepreneur, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes in entertainment, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's been doing the work for decades.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:03 - Aaliyah Crawford Introduces Herself2:26 - How Aaliyah Got Into Publicity3:11 - Early Interest in Entertainment & Education at Temple University4:49 - Entry into W&W Public Relations6:02 - The Legacy of W&W (Founded 1991)6:49 - Remembering Patti Webster8:02 - Patti's Impact on Industry Relationships10:04 - The Importance of Professional Courtesy in PR11:39 - Managing Inbox Overload & Following Up13:04 - Dealing with Rejection as a Publicist14:43 - Creating Effective PR Strategies15:29 - Managing Client Expectations20:11 - W&W's Impressive Client Roster22:15 - What Makes a Good Client Fit24:00 - Different PR Specialties & Finding Your Wheelhouse26:03 - When Artists Aren't Ready for PR28:15 - Average Campaign Length & Timeline30:03 - What Makes a Successful Brand31:39 - Navigating Social Media as a PR Tool32:43 - Social Media: Gift and Curse34:39 - Social Media vs. Traditional PR36:47 - Recording Academy Vice President Announcement37:08 - Breaking Barriers: First Professional Member VP40:09 - Launching "Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford" Podcast41:02 - The Creator Economy & Podcast Opportunities43:01 - Going Viral: The Sign to Start Podcasting45:46 - Authenticity in Content Creation47:08 - The Importance of Public-Facing Business Leaders48:48 - Minority & Female-Owned Business Representation49:18 - Connect with Aaliyah & W&W50:55 - Closing RemarksConnect with Aaliyah Crawford:Instagram: @aaliyahcrawfordW&W PR Instagram: @wwrelationsWebsite: w-wpr.comPodcast: Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford (YouTube)Connect with BIG CED: https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://theindustrycosign.com/

    52 min
  2. Jungle Brothers Get Inducted Into The National Hip Hop Museum

    JAN 27

    Jungle Brothers Get Inducted Into The National Hip Hop Museum

    The Jungle Brothers were honored with an induction into the National Hip Hop Museum on Aug. 23, 2025.Mike G and Baby Bam of the legendary Jungle Brothers reflect on their earliest memories of Hip‑Hop, the power of manifestation, the Bronx and Brooklyn roots that shaped them, and the brotherhood that carried them through decades of culture‑shifting music.From childhood rhyme games and pause‑tape experiments to talent shows, Red Alert, graffiti missions, and near‑misses on the train tracks — this is a raw, heartfelt tribute to the journey that built one of hip‑hop’s most influential groups.Featuring: Mike G • Baby Bam • DJ Sammy BJungle Brothers • Universal Zulu NationShoutouts to Red Alert, Jam Master Jay, Andre Dorg, and the pioneers who paved the way.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introductions: Mike G, Baby Bam, DJ Sammy B0:21 – “Good day” — setting the tone0:45 – Brotherhood, love, and friendship1:16 – Baby Bam’s origin story: age 9, rhyme games with his mother1:47 – Age 11: punishment, jazz records, pause tapes, Radio Shack mic2:25 – “This is my record” — early DIY creativity2:28 – Hearing Jimmy Spicer’s Super Rhymes for the first time2:48 – Realizing: “I’m gonna make a record”3:04 – Age 14: first turntables, early mixtapes3:21 – Manifestation before knowing the process3:38 – High school connections: meeting Red Alert’s nephew4:00 – First day at Murray Bertram High School4:22 – The talent show: meeting Mike G4:45 – Meeting Kool DJ Red Alert in the hallway5:11 – Making tapes, getting noticed, newspaper write‑ups5:23 – Apollo Theater: seeing Run‑DMC, meeting Jam Master Jay5:39 – First studio sessions in Coney Island5:51 – Shoutout to Andre Dorg (Straight Out the Jungle mixer)6:07 – Manifestation and choosing Murray Bertram6:25 – “We made a couple of records… and had a good time”6:36 – Mike G speaks: “I am hip‑hop. We all are hip‑hop.”6:50 – Early Bronx River memories: Cold Crush, Grandmaster Caz7:22 – Shoutout to Jervin Green7:35 – Graffiti days: tracks, tunnels, buses7:51 – Near‑death moment on the A train — life‑changing decision8:24 – Choosing the studio over the streets8:35 – Gratitude for the era: “We grew up in the best time period”8:57 – Encouraging the next generation of hip‑hop9:13 – Hip‑hop as community, teaching, and saving lives9:30 – DJ Sammy B’s influence and early support9:48 – Universal Zulu Nation salute9:52 – Closing thanks from Mike G and Baby BamConnect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/#entertainmentindustry #business #musicindustry #hiphop #junglebrothers #kooldjredalert #theindustrycosign #bigced #thebronx #nyc #newyorkcity #music

    10 min
  3. Tanisha Colon-Bibb: From Harlem to South Africa: How This PR Boss Built a 2-Continent Empire: My Friends Are Better Than Yours

    JAN 26

    Tanisha Colon-Bibb: From Harlem to South Africa: How This PR Boss Built a 2-Continent Empire: My Friends Are Better Than Yours

    BIG CED sits down with Tanisha Colon-Bibb, a Harlem native who went from an intern at The Source Magazine to running PR and talent management companies across two continents. This conversation covers everything from navigating rejection as a publicist to building businesses with "delusional confidence" to the cultural differences between doing business in New York vs. South Africa.Tanisha shares the exact moment she realized she could run her own agency, the audacious networking tactic that landed her friend a Michelin-starred restaurant client, and why being featured in print for the first time hit different after 13 years of getting other people press.🎯 TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro: "My Friends Are Better Than Yours"1:04 - The Source Magazine Days & Harlem Connection2:32 - Lennox Terrace Neighbors Reveal4:54 - Eve the Rapper Lived Downstairs?!5:39 - Dame Dash, Cam'ron & Jim Jones Drama6:28 - Why Hip-Hop Was Inevitable8:00 - From Fashion Intern to PR Boss9:48 - Starting a PR Company with No Experience11:06 - The Move to South Africa (Love Story Alert)13:00 - Building Businesses Across Two Continents13:45 - The Moment She Started Rebelle Agency15:02 - Working with The Lip Bar & Black-Owned Brands15:15 - 2018 Burnout & Career Pivot15:45 - Tracy G & The Birth of Rebelle Management17:03 - Why Publicists Need Better PR17:21 - Handling Rejection as a Publicist19:12 - The Strategy Behind Great PR20:39 - Building Editor Relationships vs. Mass Emails22:32 - When Friendship Meets Business23:50 - Getting Featured in Glamour South Africa25:00 - First Time in Print: "Is This How You Feel?"27:02 - New York Aggression vs. South African Humility28:11 - The Uber Driver Greeting Incident30:20 - Being a Black Woman Business Owner32:21 - "I Can Be All Things, But Not All at the Same Time"33:29 - The Afro-Latina Experience35:04 - Full-Time Help & Work-Life Balance in SA36:08 - Starting a Business with "Delusional Confidence"36:22 - "I Could Run This Company Better"38:10 - When Your Brother Becomes Your First Investor40:36 - Future Plans: Africa, UK & The Diaspora42:04 - Reigniting The PR Agency in 202642:46 - How PR Has Changed Since 201244:33 - Doing What Makes YOU Happy45:13 - "You Have All the Resources to Make the Life You Want"48:36 - BE AUDACIOUS: The Michelin Restaurant Story49:30 - Asking the Universe for What You Want50:01 - How to Reach Tanisha51:04 - South Africa Travel Tips52:50 - Outro: My Friends Are Better Than Yours---ABOUT Tanisha Colon-Bibb:Tanisha is the founder of Rebelle Agency (PR) and Rebelle Management, representing talent across music, film, and digital media in both New York and South Africa. A Harlem native and Spelman College graduate, she's built a career connecting the diaspora and elevating Black voices globally. Her work has been featured in Glamour South Africa, and she's worked with artists like El Varnner, Tamar Braxton, The Lip Bar, and SiriusXM's Tracy G.ABOUT BIG CED:BIG CED is an industry veteran, writer for Black Enterprise, and host of "My Friends Are Better Than Yours" - a show dedicated to spotlighting the people you need to know. With over 21 years in entertainment journalism, he's The Industry Cosign you can trust.Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

    54 min
  4. Life Griffith Successfully Switches Industries: My Friends Are Better Than Yours

    JAN 24

    Life Griffith Successfully Switches Industries: My Friends Are Better Than Yours

    "No matter what you think you know, you really don't know nothing at all, which is the first step towards knowledge."In this episode of My Friends Are Better Than Yours, BIG CED (The Industry Cosign) sits down with a long-time friend and industry titan, Life Griffith (Life Allah). With over 30 years in the game, Life’s journey is a masterclass in evolution—from the Golden Era of NYC Hip-Hop to military service as a combat medic, and now, to the halls of USC as an entertainment law student.Life shares rare, behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of Rush Artist Management, Def Jam, and Loud Records. He breaks down the cultural intersection of the Zulu Nation and the 5% Nation of Gods and Earths, explaining how "Supreme Mathematics" influenced the B-boy stance and the very foundation of Hip-Hop culture.We also dive deep into his latest venture, High-End Media Partners (HEMP), where he merges his passion for music with the legal benefits of hemp for veterans, all while navigating the rapidly shifting landscape of Generative AI.Key Highlights:The Golden Era: Growing up in Queens with LL Cool J and Run-DMC.The "Oreo Theory": Life’s philosophy on navigating the business of entertainment.From Combat to Cannabis: How serving as a medic in Iraq led to his advocacy for hemp and veterans' health.The AI Revolution: Why Life believes the industry needs "proper leadership" to handle the artificial intelligence shift.Legacy & Law: Why he decided to go back to law school at USC after decades in the business.Connect with Life Griffith:Company: High-End Media Partners (HEMP) – Creativity on a Higher NoteFocus: AI Consultation, Entertainment Law, and Veteran Advocacy.1:15- Introducing Life Griffiths: 30+ years in the game 2:30 - Life’s Background: From the music space to the military and law 3:30 - Why the industry needs "Proper Leadership" right now 4:15 - Doing things the "Legal Way" & the importance of education 5:00 - New York Roots: Growing up in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx 6:15 - Hip-Hop vs. Rap: It’s a way of life 7:10 - The Early Days: Krush Groove, Russell Simmons, and Rush Management 7:45 - The Culture: Zulu Nation, the 5% Nation, and Supreme Mathematics 9:10 - Military Service (1985-1989) & returning to a changing industry 9:40 - Rising through the ranks: Road Management and working with Chris Lighty 10:45 - West Coast Move: Working with Steve Rifkind and Loud Records 11:55 - The Intersection: Why Zulu Nation members often joined the 5% Nation 13:10 - The Street Code: Lessons, knuckle games, and the "Voice of the Unheard." 16:30 - The "Oreo Theory": Understanding the business of entertainment 18:50 - The Ghetto Airlines: Moving to LA and getting the call from A&M Records 21:50 - High-End Media Partners (HEMP): Merging music and cannabis 25:40 - Returning to Service: 9/11 and serving as a Combat Medic 27:50 - Helping Veterans: Using Hemp to move away from opiates 29:45 - Defining AI: Artificial Intelligence vs. Arrogant Ignorance 30:30 - The Future: AI Consultation and Industry ReplacementSubscribe to the Channel:Join BIG CED as he interviews the people he admires most—the friends who are actually doing the work behind the scenes. Because let’s face it: My Friends Are Better Than Yours.Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

    1h 12m
  5. My Friends Are Better Than Yours Featuring Tomika Anderson Greene

    12/22/2025

    My Friends Are Better Than Yours Featuring Tomika Anderson Greene

    Tomika Anderson Greene is the founder and CEO of Manifest Greatness Media (MGM), a 5-star-rated, full-fledged marketing, public relations, and communications company that specializes in helping clients in both the commercial space as well as across federal, state, and local government. MGM helps visionary entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations turn powerful stories into national headlines, government contracts, and real community impact.An Emmy and NAACP Image Award–nominated writer and producer, Tomika brings over 25 years of experience in media and public relations. Her work spans major outlets like CNN, FOX, BET, MTV, and NPR, where she has profiled and collaborated with cultural icons such as Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Michelle Obama, Usher, and Dave Chappelle. She has led successful campaigns for the Obama Administration, UNESCO, the Defense Logistics Academy, Microsoft’s NTA Program, and the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable—earning billions of media impressions across TV, podcasts, and digital platforms.Her PR strategies have helped clients land features in Forbes, Essence, NBC, Good Morning America, USA Today, The Washington Post, and more—translating visibility into revenue, recognition, and real-world results. Personally selected by the Obama administration to lead journalist training across Africa in partnership with the African Union and UNESCO, Tomika has trained nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and global influencers alike.She is an Executive and Certified Professional Coach (ICF-CPC), a Prosci-Certified Change Management Practitioner, and an adjunct professor in the Communications Department at American University. Beyond her media work, Tomika is also the founder of Single Parents Who Travel and Motivated Mamas—two global communities that empower single parents and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and nationalities, including both women and men, through storytelling, curated experiences, and authentic connection.Whether she’s building brands or building community, Tomika leads with clarity, warmth, and purpose—and she’s on a mission to ensure more women and families win out loud.She’s also a proud boy mom to a high school senior who keeps her playlist fresh and her hustle sharp.Connect with BIG CED:https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/https://www.facebook.com/bigced328https://x.com/bigcedhttps://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328https://www.dailymotion.com/bigcedhttps://rumble.com/user/bigced328https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5chttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

    39 min
  6. My Friends Are Better Than Yours Featuring Nicole Duncan Smith

    12/12/2025

    My Friends Are Better Than Yours Featuring Nicole Duncan Smith

    Rev. Nicole Duncan-Smith is a dedicated bi-vocational minister whose theology is firmly rooted in the Baptist tradition and Hip-Hop culture. Embracing inclusivity akin to Jesus' universal love, she employs contemporary pop culture and technology to illuminate the path to spiritual enlightenment.Founder of The Sunday School Dropout, Rev. Nikki, as she is affectionately called, champions a ministry dedicated to hearing personal faith testimonies, nurturing biblical literacy, and providing sanctuary for those who seek God outside traditional church settings.Originally from West Philadelphia, she seamlessly integrates the dynamic influences of Hip-Hop into her spiritual practice, reflecting her upbringing immersed in its rich cultural tapestry.In addition to her pastoral duties, Rev. Nikki has made significant contributions as an editor and writer for a diverse array of publications, including AtlantaBlackStar.com, OprahDaily.com, theGrio.com, BET.com, AllHipHop.com, Rap Pages, Vibe Magazine, The Source, Christian Science Monitor, among others.Her career includes pivotal roles at various record labels, distribution companies, and entertainment firms, working alongside industry luminaries like Sheri Riley, Russell Simmons, Steve Stoute, Lauryn Hill, and L. Londell McMillian.Currently, she serves as the Director of Corporate Communications for the Ultimate Rap League and sits on the Advisory Board of The Hip Hop Museum. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rev. Nikki holds degrees from Spelman College and New York Theological Seminary. Her scholarly pursuits have taken her to lecture halls at Princeton Seminary, Drexel University, Virginia Tech, New York Theological Seminary, and globally in Nigeria and Japan, where she explores the intersection of religion, rap music, and cultural studies.Her spiritual journey began at Resurrection Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Dr. C.L. Amaker and her grandparents, Deacon James Tindal and Deaconess Lucille Tindal, shaping her profound connection to faith and community.In 2019, Rev. Nikki was ordained at the historic St. Paul Community Baptist Church, holding the distinction of being the first woman in the church’s history to receive this title.Rev. Nicole Duncan-Smith’s ministry starts at home, where her chief ministry is as wife to Gregory Smith, Jr., and mother to actor and physicist, Eden Duncan-Smith.Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/

    2h 16m
  7. My Friends Are Better Than Yours Featuring Anthony L. Morris

    10/31/2025

    My Friends Are Better Than Yours Featuring Anthony L. Morris

    The award-winning Morris Team has graced the pages of real estate publications: Brownstoner, Brick Underground, and Curbed. Their presence has also expanded to broader publications such as The New York Times, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and national publications, Elle Décor and HGTV. With an 88% repeat customer and referral rate, they are in demand and proven.Their commitment to clients is to add the most sustainable value as they engage clients in the most important decision of their lives. Their 35 years of experience includes every aspect of real estate including working with buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, commercial projects, distressed sales, foreclosures, multi-property sales, condo conversion, 1031 exchanges, property management as well as out-of-state transactions including Georgia, Arizona, Texas, Maryland, and Florida. Their international network includes the United Nations Federal Credit Union which allows them to seamlessly transact everywhere.Reaching Top Sales status year after year is proof that they have successfully equipped clients with the knowledge that impacts their bottom line and wealth-building potential. Enthusiastically, they present every possible option, keeping their clients well-prepared to make the most informed and lucrative decisions. They believe in your dreams.There is no distance too far, no transactions too small, and no challenges that they don’t overcome. While serving theirclient’s immediate needs, they also aim to build their client’s future wealth. Craving long-term relationships, they are not afraid to commit.The Morris Team serves all in need of impeccable service during the good times and the bad. In a single day, they may be selling a million-dollar property while also moving a client out of a shelter into their first home. They understand that life has its ups and downs.Because of their hunger for knowledge, they hold additional certifications: Eco-Broker, Loan Origination, and Property Management. They deliver an unforgettable experience; explanation, education, empathy, and excellence. They are ready when you are.Connect with BIG CED: https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://theindustrycosign.com/

    1h 9m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

BIG CED started The Industry Cosign over 20 years ago by featuring entrepreneurs, celebrities, and entertainment executives, and other endearing people he may come across who have interesting backgrounds and stories.