Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman

Last updated

Drew "Dru Ha" Friedman
Dru Ha.jpg
Known forCo-Founder & CEO of Duck Down Music Inc. and 3D Consulting & Distribution / Former Director of Urban Music at Cornerstone Promotion

Drew "Dru Ha" Friedman is an American music and marketing executive based in New York City. Friedman is Co-Founder and CEO of Duck Down Music Inc., 3D Consulting & Distribution, General Manager for Cinematic Music Group, and former Director of Urban Music at Cornerstone Promotion. Born and raised in White Plains, New York, he is a graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications where he studied advertising.

Contents

Background

During summer breaks at Syracuse University, Friedman interned at SBK Records under Rob Stone (Co-Founder Cornerstone Promotion and Fader Media). There Friedman worked College Radio Promotions for multi-platinum acts Vanilla Ice & Arrested Development. [1] Shortly after graduating Syracuse, Friedman began working at independent label Nervous Records where he became head of the company's Hip Hop department. He executive produced projects from Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun, Funkmaster Flex, and KRS-One's prodigy: Mad Lion. While working as a manager, promoter, and marketer, Friedman was also featured as a guest rapper on Black Moon's Enta Da Stage album on the song "U Da Man" under the name Big Dru Ha.

Career

Duck Down Mgmt. and Duck Down Music Inc.

In 1994 Friedman along with his partner Kenyatta Blake (Buckshot) formed Duck Down Management to formally manage the groups Black Moon and Smif-N-Wessun. [2] In 1995, Dru & Buckshot founded Duck Down Entaprizes (eventually modifying the name to Duck Down Music Inc.). to which they signed hip hop groups Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C. In 1996 Duck Down signed a deal with Bryan Turner and Priority Records (home to Ice Cube, N.W.A and Master P's No Limit Records) for label distribution. [3]

Late in 1996, Tupac Shakur invited Friedman and his artists, Buckshot and Smif n Wessun to work on the never released One Nation, an album that would attempt to show solidarity between the East and West Coasts. [4] Under Friedman's direction at Priority, Duck Down Artists worked with various Hip Hop Artists including collaborations with Mary J. Blige (Smif N Wessun - "I Love You" RMX), Tupac (BCC - "Better Days"), Method Man (Heltah Skeltah - "Gunz N Onz"), Spike Lee (Buckshot - "Crooklyn Dodgers"), Wyclef (Cocoa Brovaz - "Where's the Party"), and fallen songbird Aaliyah, who recorded "Nightriders" with the Boot Camp Clik. In 1997, Friedman witnessed an unsigned Eminem at a NYC's Lyricist Lounge and attempted to sign Em to Duck Down via parent company Priority Records. [5] Duck Down has sold over 3,000,000 albums which Friedman executive produced. [6]

In 1998, Friedman launched Vision Marketing. The agency provided promotion and cross marketing opportunities for Duck Down Album releases for companies such as Eckō Unltd., [7] Skechers, LRG and others. In 2002, Friedman and Duck Down signed a distribution deal with Koch Records (now E1). Under this deal the label retained full ownership of their Masters, manufactured their own product, and were responsible for all the artists promotion. Friedman negotiated a deal for Duck Down to keep its digital and physical distribution separated, allowing Duck Down to set up a rare direct deal with iTunes for digital distribution. [8]

In 2006, in addition to running Duck Down Music, Friedman accepted a position at Cornerstone Agency as Director of Urban Music. [9] There he has worked on campaigns such as Nike's "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)" with Rakim, KRS-One, Nas, and Kanye West. The track was nominated for the Grammy Award for "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group." In late 2010, Pepsi retained Cornerstone to handle the creative on the brand's campaign, Pepsi Max NFL Audible. Friedman enlisted the rappers Big Boi, Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B [10] and Talib Kweli for a campaign that included TV spots that aired during the 2011 NFL playoff games.

In 2009, Friedman signed his first global act to Duck Down, New Zealand's Hip-Hop sensation David Dallas. David's second album, The Rose Tint , went on sale in October 2011 and became NZ's highest selling hip hop album for 2011. The Rose Tint was nominated for three New Zealand Music Awards and also shortlisted for the Taite Prize in 2012. [11] [12] Dallas' 2013 single Runnin' was used in the trailer for the video game Madden 25 and also featured in the video game FIFA 14. [13]

In 2010 and 2011, Duck Down partnered with 2K Sports to present a unique opportunity for aspiring producers and MCs. This involved an open call for submissions for original sample-free compositions for a chance to receive placement in the NBA 2K's game soundtrack (NBA 2K11 and NBA 2K12) and a trip to NYC to perform at Duck Down's CMJ Showcase. [14]

In 2011, in addition to releasing Pharoahe Monch's W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) album, Friedman formed 3D, a music-marketing and consulting firm with its own distribution network. 3D provides General Management for Artist-owned indie sub-labels such as Talib Kweli's Javotti Media (Gutter Rainbows) and Blue Scholars. This allowed artists to tap into 3D's expertise, relationships, and networks, while retaining control of their projects and ownerships of their masters. Expanded services from 3D are a Music Supervision Department that places clients' songs in film, TV, and video games, and creation and sales of Artist Merchandising.

2011 ING New York City Marathon

On November 6, Friedman participated in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon raising over $15,000 for the Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Friedman's father, Harvey L. Friedman, died from Alzheimer's earlier that year.

2012 saw the releases of Sean Price's highly anticipated Mic Tyson album, Skyzoo's A Dream Deferred, 9th Wonder & Buckshot's 3rd collaborative album, and releases from acts Murs & Fashawn, and De La Soul's Plug 1 * Plug 2, as well as a partnership with DJ Statik Selektah to release the DJ's self-produced albums.

2013–present

In 2013, Friedman and 3D were retained as General Manager for Cinematic Music Group, overseeing recording and marketing budgets, artist brand deals, co-op and global distribution, and overall label strategy. Friedman worked closely with Cinematic's Jonny Shipes, assisting with development and releases from the label's roster, which at that time included Joey Bada$$, Pro Era, Big KRIT, G Herbo and Mick Jenkins, as well as handling management duties for DJ and personality Vashtie Kola and hip hop artist T-Pain. In 2019, Cinematic Music Group's roster includes Flipp Dinero, Luh Kel, and Yungeen Ace, among others.

In 2013, while still serving as music director at Cornerstone Agency, Friedman was working on a campaign for Mountain Dew's label Green Label Sounds' and paired Joey Badass and DJ Premier to record the single "Unorthodox". On January 20, 2015, Joey Bada$$ released his debut album B4.Da.$$, which sold 66,000 units in its first week, making it the #1 rap and #1 independent album in the US. Friedman worked with Cinematic and Pro Era Records on global brand deals for Joey Bada$$ with Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Calvin Klein and Mountain Dew. In April 2017, Joey released his sophomore album 'A.A.B.A.' with the lead single "Devastated" achieving RIAA Gold certification. In January 2019, Flipp Dinero's "Leave Me Alone" obtained double platinum status, which led to a partnership with DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group for future releases. [15] Luh Kel's "Wrong" also obtained platinum certification.

In April 2015, Friedman partnered with rising Brooklyn star Young M.A to handle distribution and marketing through his Company 3D. In May 2016, Young M.A released OOOUUU which achieved RIAA certified triple platinum status. "OOOUUU" has over 80 million Soundcloud streams, and 313 million YouTube plays. The record peaked as the #1 record on the Urban Music Charts and #23 on the Rhythmic charts, with over 200,000 spins on radio. Friedman helped secure national brand campaigns for M.A with Beats Headphones, Adidas, Pandora Radio, Metro PCS and Google Pixel 2, Fashion Nova Men, and Iceberg. M.A's 2018 single "PettyWap" achieved gold sales status. In 2019, Young M.A released her debut album "Herstory in the Making", which has sold over 170,000 album equivalents. The lead single, "BIG", has reached over 600,000 single equivalents. M.A also landed a recurring role on USA Network's Mr. Robot. [16]

In September 2017, Drew Friedman, along with his brother Noah Friedman, formed a label and distribution company called 'Rapids'. Partnering with Caroline/Universal Music Group, the venture's first signing is Louisiana's JayDaYoungan. Since his signing, Jay has releases 7 mixtapes which, combined, have surpassed one billion streams. In 2018, Friedman secured a partnership with Atlantic Records to release Jay's future albums.

New additions to the roster include Gutta 100 and Brooklyn's MaxThaDemon.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heltah Skeltah</span> American hip-hop duo

Heltah Skeltah was an American hip hop duo which consisted of rappers Jahmal "Rock" Bush and Sean "Ruck" Price. The two were also members of New York supergroup Boot Camp Clik, along with Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun and O.G.C.

Black Moon is an American underground hip hop group from Brooklyn, New York. Formed in 1992 by East Coast rappers Buckshot and 5ft and record producer DJ Evil Dee, they debuted in 1992 with the release of the single "Who Got da Props". The group was most notable for their debut album Enta da Stage, and their affiliation with the Boot Camp Clik. As of 2024, the group has released four studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smif-N-Wessun</span> American hip hop Duo

Smif-N-Wessun, also known as Cocoa Brovaz and Tek-N-Steele, is an American hip hop duo from Brooklyn, New York City. It is composed of rappers Tekomin "Tek" Williams from Bedford–Stuyvesant and Darrell "Steele" Yates from Brownsville. The duo comprise one quarter of supergroup Boot Camp Clik, together with Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah and Originoo Gunn Clappaz. Both members are known for their Jamaican Patois during their raps, which was more evident during the earlier stages of their career.

Boot Camp Clik is an American hip hop supergroup from Brooklyn, New York City, which is composed of Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C.. Most of the members are from Brownsville, but Buckshot is from Crown Heights and Tek is from Bedford-Stuyvesant.

<i>Enta da Stage</i> 1993 studio album by Black Moon

Enta da Stage is the debut album by American East Coast hip hop group Black Moon, released on October 19, 1993, through Nervous Records. The album was produced by Black Moon member DJ Evil Dee along with Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz. Enta da Stage features the debut of underground hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun, as well as appearances from Havoc of Mobb Deep and Dru Ha, the co-founder of Duck Down Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buckshot (rapper)</span> American rapper

Kenyatta Blake, known professionally as Buckshot, is an American rapper from New York, best known as a frontman of hip hop groups Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik. He rose to prominence with Black Moon's debut 1993 album Enta da Stage, which is critically acclaimed and influential in hip-hop.

<i>War Zone</i> (album) 1999 studio album by Black Moon

War Zone is the second album by American hip hop trio Black Moon. It was released on February 23, 1999, through Duck Down/Priority Records. Recording sessions took place at D&D Studios in New York City. Production was entirely handled by Da Beatminerz, who also served as executive producers together with Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman and member Buckshot. It features guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Heather B., Louieville Sluggah, M.O.P., Q-Tip, Rock, Smif-N-Wessun and Teflon. The album peaked at number 35 on the Billboard 200 and number 9 on the Top R&B Albums. It was supported by two singles: "Two Turntables & a Mic" and "Worldwind (Remix)".

<i>Basic Training: Boot Camp Cliks Greatest Hits</i> 2000 greatest hits album by Boot Camp Clik

Basic Training is a greatest hits album by American hip hop collective Boot Camp Clik, composed of singles released by Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah and Originoo Gunn Clappaz between 1992 and 1999. It was released on March 14, 2000 via Priority Records. Production was handled by Da Beatminerz, BJ Swan, Black Market, Cuzin Bawb, E-Swift, Mark "Boogie" Brown, Self and Starang Wondah, with Buckshot and Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman serving as executive producers.

<i>Monkey Barz</i> 2005 studio album by Sean Price

Monkey Barz is the debut solo studio album by American Brooklyn-based rapper Sean Price of Heltah Skeltah. It was released on May 31, 2005 through Duck Down Records as a part of the label's "Triple Threat Campaign", followed by Buckshot's Chemistry and Tek & Steele's Smif 'n' Wessun: Reloaded. The cover art is based on the Planet of the Apes series. Production was handled by Khrysis, TY Deals, Agallah, 9th Wonder, Ayatollah, Dub Z, Edward Maximillion III, Justice, Kleph Dollaz, MoSS, P.F. Cuttin', Phat Babyz, Star.com and Tone Mason, with Buckshot and Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from fellow Boot Camp Clik members Buckshot, Louieville Sluggah, Rock, Starang Wondah, Steele, Tek, and affiliate Ruste Juxx.

<i>Chemistry</i> (Buckshot and 9th Wonder album) 2005 studio album by Buckshot & 9th Wonder

Chemistry is the first collaborative studio album by American rapper Buckshot and record producer 9th Wonder. It was released on June 21, 2005 through Duck Down Music as a part of the label's "Triple Threat Campaign", preceded by Sean Price's Monkey Barz and followed by Tek & Steele's Smif 'n' Wessun: Reloaded. Recording sessions took place at Missie Ann Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina. Production was handled entirely by 9th Wonder, with Buckshot and Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Keisha Shontelle, Big Pooh, Joe Scudda, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Phonte, Sean Price and Starang Wondah. This album is paralleled by the Black Moon album Alter the Chemistry, which was basically a remix album produced by Da Beatminerz.

<i>Smif n Wessun: Reloaded</i> 2005 studio album by Tek & Steele

Smif 'n' Wessun: Reloaded is the third studio album by American hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun, and the only one released under the name Tek & Steele. It was released on September 13, 2005 via Duck Down Music as a part of the label's "Triple Threat Campaign", preceded by Sean Price's Monkey Barz and Buckshot's Chemistry. Production was handled by Da Beatminerz, Coptic, Ken Ring, Khrysis, Rune Rotter, MoSS, Roc Raida and Dru Kevorkian. It features guest appearances from the Boot Camp Clik, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli and Tony Touch. The album peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duck Down Music</span> American record label

Duck Down Music Inc is a New York City based record label, talent management, music-marketing, and consulting company founded by Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman and Kenyatta "Buckshot" Blake in 1995. In Duck Down's 20-year existence, the company has released over 40 albums and sold more than 3 million collective copies worldwide. Home of established hip hop artists such as Boot Camp Clik, Pharoahe Monch, Black Rob, 9th Wonder, KRS-One, B-Real of Cypress Hill, The Away Team, Statik Selektah, Random Axe, Promise, David Dallas, Marco Polo, Ruste Juxx, Torae, Blue Scholars, Special Teamz and Kidz in the Hall.

<i>Smif-n-Wessun: The Album</i> 2007 studio album by Smif-N-Wessun

Smif-N-Wessun: The Album is the fourth studio album by American hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. It was released on October 23, 2007 through Duck Down Music. Production was handled primarily by Swedish rapper and producer Ken Ring and Norwegian producer Tommy Tee, along with Rune Rotter, Soul Theory and Collen & Webb. It features guest appearances from the Loudmouf Choir, Chukki Star, Joell Ortiz, Million Stylez and Rock.

<i>The Formula</i> (album) 2008 studio album by 9th Wonder & Buckshot

The Formula is the second collaborative studio album by American rapper Buckshot and record producer 9th Wonder. It was released on April 29, 2008 through Duck Down Music. Recording sessions took place at De Stu at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. Production was handled entirely by 9th Wonder, with Buckshot and Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Carlitta Durand, Arafat Yates, Big Chops, Keisha Shontelle, Swan, Talib Kweli, Tyler Woods and the Formula Crew. The album debuted at #137 on the Billboard 200 album chart, opening with 5,874 units sold.

<i>D.I.R.T.</i> (Da Incredible Rap Team) 2008 studio album by Heltah Skeltah

D.I.R.T. is the third and final studio album by American hip hop duo Heltah Skeltah. It was released on September 30, 2008 via Duck Down Music, making it their first album in ten years since the release of Magnum Force in 1998.

<i>Monumental</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun

Monumental is a collaborative studio album by American rapper and record producer Pete Rock and hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. It was released on June 28, 2011 through Duck Down Music. Recording sessions took place at DaMan Studios in New York. Production was handled entirely by Pete Rock, who also served as executive producer together with Steele and Tek. It features guest appearances from Black Rob, Buckshot, Bun B, Freeway, Heltah Skeltah, Hurricane G, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Memphis Bleek, Raekwon, Styles P, Top Dog and Tyler Woods. The album peaked at number 110 on the Billboard 200 and number 24 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

<i>Born and Raised</i> (EP) 2013 EP by Smif-N-Wessun

Born and Raised is the first extended play by American hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. It was released on December 3, 2013, through Duck Down Music. Entirely produced by Beatnick & K-Salaam, the six-song EP is a blend between reggae and hip hop music, and includes guest appearances from Jahdan Blakkamoore, Junior Kelly and Junior Reid. The EP was preceded by one single — "Solid Ground" featuring dancehall icon Junior Reid.

<i>Rise of da Moon</i> 2019 studio album by Black Moon

Rise of da Moon is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group Black Moon. It was released on October 18, 2019 via Duck Down Music. Produced entirely by Da Beatminerz, it features guest appearances from Smif-N-Wessun, Method Man and Rock.

<i>The All</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Smif-N-Wessun

The All is the sixth studio album by American hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. It was released on February 22, 2019 through Duck Down Music. Production was handled by 9th Wonder and members of his production team The Soul Council, including Khrysis, Eric G., E. Jones and Nottz. It features guest appearances from Heather Victoria, GQ, Musiq Soulchild, Raekwon, Rapsody, Rick Ross and SmittytheCAINSMITH.

<i>Backpack Travels</i> 2014 studio album by Buckshot & P-Money

BackPack Travels is a collaborative album by American rapper Buckshot and New Zealand music producer P-Money. It was released on June 24, 2014, via Dawn Raid Entertainment/Dirty Records/Duck Down Music. Production was handled entirely by P-Money, who also served as executive producer together with Buckshot, Andy Murnane, Callum August and Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman. It features guest appearances from Chelsea Reject, CJ Fly, David Dallas, Joey Bada$$, Raz Fresco, Steele and T'Nah Apex.

References

  1. Arora, Moe. "Talking With Dru Ha". MoeArora.com.
  2. Lindstrom, Al. "Feature: The Indie Series Presents: Dru Ha". AlLindstrom.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2011.
  3. Serwer, Jesse. "Duck Down 15 Year Anniversary".
  4. Bernard, Adam. "Dru Ha Interview Pt. 1". RapReviews.com.
  5. Bernard, Adam. "Dru Ha Interview Pt. 2". RapReviews.com.
  6. Delaini, Jasper. "Duck Down Label Honcho Buckshot Celebrates 15 Years in Business With a Tour". Broward Palm Beach New Times.
  7. Starbury, Allen (November 17, 2009). "Duck Down Records Readies Three-CD Triple Threat Box Set". BallerStatus.com.
  8. Firecloud, Johnny. "Duck Down Makes Direct Deal With iTunes". CraveOnline.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  9. Kayser, Brian. "Duck Down Records Update". HipHopGame.
  10. Gensler, Andy (January 14, 2011). "Watch B.o.B.'s Pepsi Ad for Falcons vs. Packers Game". Billboard.com.
  11. "The Taite Music Prize 2012: announcing the finalists". April 18, 2012. Archived from the original on April 18, 2012.
  12. "Independent Music NZ Inc". Independent Music NZ Inc. Archived from the original on April 18, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  13. "ayebro.co.nz". ayebro.co.nz.
  14. "NBA 2K11 x Duck Down Records hold MC/producer contest". WoooHa.com. March 8, 2010.
  15. Grant, Shawn (May 28, 2019). "FLIPP DINERO CELEBRATES 'LEAVE ME ALONE' GOING DOUBLE PLATINUM". The Source. The Northstar Group.
  16. Collins, Sean T. (November 18, 2019). "'Mr. Robot' Season 4, Episode 7: Acts of Malice". The New York Times. Retrieved December 19, 2019.