Chuck Wilson (multimedia executive)

Last updated

Charles "Chuck" Wilson
Born (1968-04-23) April 23, 1968 (age 55)
Education University of Virginia (BA/JD/MBA)
Occupation
  • Entrepreneur
Children2
Relatives

Charles "Chuck" Wilson Jr. (born April 23, 1968) is an American entrepreneur. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Babygrande Global, an American diversified corporation based in New York. [1] He is also the founder of Babygrande Records. [2] Wilson has served as the executive producer on over 100 titles. [3] In addition, he was the director of A&R at Priority Records as well as director of business affairs at Black Entertainment Television. [4] He also conceived and co-wrote the 2004 film Soul Plane . [5]

Contents

Career

Film

Wilson broke into the film industry as an intern for Spike Lee on the set of 1994's Crooklyn . [6] Wilson sold his first script to Danny DeVito in 1999. [7] The film was about wealthy African Americans in the Hamptons, which Wilson said was akin to "a black Great Gatsby". [5] The same year, Wu-Tang International optioned his music-based urban drama Trife Life [8] and Jersey Films purchased his untitled urban comedy pitch, centered on golf. [9] Trife Life was set to star Mos Def, but never came to fruition. [7] He went on to write and direct the short film, Breakfast At Ben's which was also a part of his deal with Wu-Tang International. Wilson was granted rare access to shoot the film in the historic Washington, D.C. restaurant Ben's Chili Bowl where his father used to take him to eat as a child. [10] Breakfast At Ben's appeared on Warner Brothers's compilation, Afrocentricity [11] and premiered at the 2000 Urbanworld Film Festival. It also appeared in the DC Independent Film Festival [12] as well as the Maryland Film Festival. [13] Wilson went on to co-write the film, Soul Plane which was described by Variety magazine as a next generation Airplane! . [14] Soul Plane came under fire from several members of the black community including Spike Lee who accused the film of being exploitative of African Americans. [15] In 2004, he was slated to write "a black wedding comedy" titled, Meet The Mo'Fockers, parodying such films as Meet The Parents and The Wedding Singer . [16] The film was part of a deal with Maverick Films company, then owned by Madonna. [17] Despite its comedic nature, the film was also set to examine class differences within the black community. [6] Wilson has also collaborated with RZA on a screenplay entitle "Black Shampoo" based on the Wu-Tang Clan leader's alter-ego, Bobby Digital. [18]

Music

During his tenure at Priority Records, Wilson worked extensively on several projects, including the Training Day original soundtrack which he A&R'd. [19] In 2001, Wilson left his position as Director of A&R at Priority Records to found the independent label, Babygrande Records. Wilson said, "Early on, when I saw the whole consolidation trend starting to occur with major labels, I decided to branch out and start a small indie label". [6] Babygrande was initially funded by the money Wilson made from selling his scripts to Hollywood and operated from Wilson's apartment. [6] The label has released over two hundred titles, including albums from M.O.P., GZA of Wu-Tang Clan, U-God of Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon The Chef of Wu-Tang Clan, Brand Nubian, Grand Puba, Jedi Mind Tricks, Army Of The Pharaohs, Canibus, Hi-Tek and Sa-Ra, among others.

In 2004, SOHH (Support Online Hip Hop)) recognized Wilson as a "player to watch". [17] He was also named one of Billboard Magazine's 2005 Power Players. [2] He has also been cited as an authority on piracy by Billboard Magazine. [20]

Television

Wilson served as Director of Business Affairs at Black Entertainment Television. Among other initiatives, Wilson assisted with the company's launch of its first made for television feature film division, BET Pictures and the production of its initial ten "Arabesque Films". The original slate of ten films was historic in that they represented the largest single slate of African-American themed films ever produced.

New Media

In 2006, Wilson and several other partners formed Triumph Media Holdings, Inc which launched the first Hip-Hop social media network, Crackspace. The press dubbed the website, "A Myspace/YouTube for hip-hop". [21] In 2008, the site re-launched under the name iHipHop. [22]

Sports

In 2022, Wilson launched Babygrande Golf and described its current mission to support the worldwide growth and development of junior golf. [23] Since its launch, Babygrande Golf has sponsored tournaments with the AJGA, PGA Tour Player Cameron Champ's Mack Champ Invitational, and recently announced the Babygrande DC Classic, a new tournament and partnership with the AJGA and the National Links Trust. [24] [25]

Personal life

Wilson graduated from the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Architecture in 1990. He continued his graduate studies at The University of Virginia and went on to earn a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Masters of Business Administration from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration (JD/MBA) in 1994. As an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, Wilson was President of the university's NAACP chapter, and was selected to live in Thomas Jefferson's Academic Village also known as The Lawn which is among the highest student honors at the university. Wilson has been a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity since 1987. He also studied film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. [7]

In 2005, he married Jenise Campbell. [26] He currently splits his time between Manhattan, New York City and Beverly Hills, California. He has two sons that attend The Collegiate School and IMG Golf Academy.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wu-Tang Clan</span> American hip hop collective

Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop collective formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. Wu-Tang Clan are regarded as one of the greatest and most influential groups in hip hop history, helping to popularize and develop the East Coast hip hop and hardcore hip hop styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U-God</span> American rapper

Lamont Jody Hawkins, better known by his stage name U-God, is an American rapper and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He has been with the group since its inception, and is known for his deep voice and rhythmic flow that can alternate between gruff and smooth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raekwon</span> American rapper

Corey Woods, better known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, which achieved mainstream success following the release of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang , in 1993. Raekwon would subsequently pursue a solo career, releasing his first solo album, entitled Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., in 1995. The album received critical acclaim, and is regarded by many critics as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, as well as a staple of 1990s rap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghostface Killah</span> American rapper

Dennis David Coles, better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and a member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success. Ghostface Killah debuted his solo career with Ironman, which was well-received by music critics, in 1996. He has enjoyed continued success in the years that have followed, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Supreme Clientele (2000) and Fishscale (2006). His stage name was taken from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film The Mystery of Chess Boxing. He is the founder of his own record label, Starks Enterprises.

<i>Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)</i> 1993 studio album by Wu-Tang Clan

Enter the Wu-Tang is the debut studio album by the American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on November 9, 1993, by BMG, RCA Records and Loud Records. Recording sessions took place during late 1992 to early 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City, and the album was produced by the group's de facto leader RZA. Its title originates from the martial arts films Enter the Dragon (1973) and The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978).

<i>Liquid Swords</i> 1995 studio album by GZA

Liquid Swords is the second solo studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA, released on November 7, 1995, by Geffen Records. Recording sessions for the album began midway through 1995 at producer RZA's basement studio in the New York City borough of Staten Island. The album heavily samples dialogue from the martial arts film Shogun Assassin and maintains a dark atmosphere throughout, incorporating lyrical references to chess, crime and philosophy. Liquid Swords features numerous guest appearances from the other eight members of Wu-Tang Clan along with Wu-Tang affiliate Killah Priest.

7L & Esoteric (7LES) are an American underground hip hop duo from Boston, Massachusetts, known for battle rhymes and boom bap production. 7L is the duo's DJ/producer and Esoteric is the MC. 7L & Esoteric are both prominent members of underground hip-hop collectives Army of the Pharaohs and Demigodz, as well as being 2/3 of Czarface along with Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck.

Babygrande Records is an American independent record label based in New York City, founded by Chuck Wilson. Babygrande is distributed by The Orchard and represented by the Creative Artists Agency in Hollywood.

Chron Smith, better known by his stage name Hell Razah, is an American rapper. He is best known as a member of Sunz of Man, an early affiliate group of the Wu-Tang Clan.

<i>Legacy of Blood</i> 2004 studio album by Jedi Mind Tricks

Legacy of Blood is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. It was released on August 24, 2004, via Babygrande Records. Production was handled by member Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, with Chuck Wilson serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Des Devious, GZA, Killah Priest and Sean Price.

<i>Fire in the Hole</i> (album) 2004 studio album by Brand Nubian

Fire in the Hole is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group Brand Nubian. It was released on August 10, 2004 via Babygrande Records. Recording sessions took place at State Street Studios in Brooklyn. Production was handled by members DJ Alamo, Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar, who also served as executive producer together with Chuck Wilson. It features guest appearances from Starr and Aisha Mike. The album made it to No. 57 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jus Allah</span> American rapper

James Bostick, better known by his stage name Jus Allah, is an American rapper from Camden, New Jersey. He is best known for being a former member of Philadelphia-based hip hop groups Jedi Mind Tricks (JMT) and Army of the Pharaohs (AOTP).

<i>Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell</i> 2006 studio album by Jedi Mind Tricks

Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell is the fifth studio album by hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. It was released September 19, 2006 through Babygrande Records. The first single, "Heavy Metal Kings", featuring Ill Bill of La Coka Nostra, was released in early August through iTunes and a limited edition vinyl pressing. Additional guest appearances on the album are provided by Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond, Sean Price, R.A. the Rugged Man, Block McCloud and Army of the Pharaohs members Chief Kamachi and Reef the Lost Cauze.

<i>Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture</i> 2005 compilation album by Wu-Tang Clan & various artists

Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture is an album released October 18, 2005. This album was put together by Dreddy Krueger who has produced Wu-Tang and others. It includes collaborated tracks by Wu-Tang Clan members, Wu-Tang Clan affiliates, and various other underground hip-hop artists such as Cannibal Ox, Aesop Rock, Sean Price, Casual, and MF DOOM. The album has sold 59,133 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C.R.E.A.M.</span> Song by hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan

"C.R.E.A.M." is a song by the American hardcore hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on January 31, 1994 by Loud Records, as the second single from their debut studio album Enter the Wu-Tang (1993). The song was produced by the group's de facto leader RZA, and contains a sample of the Charmels' 1967 song "As Long As I've Got You" throughout. It features two verses from members Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, who discuss their upbringings while living in New York City, and Method Man, who sings its hook. Its music video, featuring all Wu-Tang Clan members in New York City, was released in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock the Bells</span> Annual hip-hop festival

Rock the Bells is an annual hip-hop festival that originally took place in Southern California only, but has since toured throughout the world. The concert features a line-up of high-profile alternative hip-hop artists, often headlined by a more mainstream artist. The first festival was held in 2004, featuring a re-united Wu-Tang Clan, who performed four months before Ol' Dirty Bastard's death. That festival is covered in depth by a 2006 documentary film also called Rock the Bells.

<i>A History of Violence</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Jedi Mind Tricks

A History of Violence is the sixth studio album by Philadelphia hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks, released on November 11, 2008 on Babygrande Records. The album followed multiple summer releases from the Jedi Mind Tricks camp, including the group's first DVD, titled Divine Fire: The Story of Jedi Mind Tricks, and the Vinnie Paz-executive produced projects Jedi Mind Tricks presents Doap Nixon: Sour Diesel, Jedi Mind Tricks presents King Syze: The Labor Union, and Jedi Mind Tricks presents OuterSpace: God's Fury. The album's first single Monolith was released on October 2, 2008. Their second single Godflesh was released on their website and it featured King Magnetic and Block McCloud. The album features former Jedi Mind Tricks member Jus Allah's return to the group.

<i>Rip the Jacker</i> 2003 studio album by Canibus

Rip the Jacker is the fifth studio album by American rapper Canibus. Produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind of the group Jedi Mind Tricks, the album was released on July 22, 2003, through Babygrande Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RZA</span> American rapper

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA, is an American rapper, actor, filmmaker, and record producer. He is the de facto leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having produced most albums for the group and its respective members. He is a cousin of two other original Wu-Tang Clan members: GZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard. He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, along with executive producing credits for side projects. After forming the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA was a founding member of the horrorcore group Gravediggaz, where he went by the name The RZArector.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GZA</span> American rapper

Gary Eldridge Grice, better known by his stage names GZA and The Genius, is an American rapper. A founding member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, GZA is the group's "spiritual head", being both the first member in the group to receive a record deal and being the oldest member. He has appeared on his fellow Wu-Tang members' solo projects, and has maintained a successful solo career starting with Liquid Swords (1995).

References

  1. ↑ "Chuck Wilson | CEO & Founder - Babygrande Records". Rolling Stone Culture Council. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Martens, Todd (March 12, 2005). "Power Players". Billboard Magazine. p. 14. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Chuck Wilson". AllMusic.com. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Executive Turntable". Billboard Magazine. May 12, 2001. p. 16. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  5. 1 2 Dawson, Imani (July 1, 2004). "Kevin Hart And Chuck Wilson". King Magazine. p. 1. Archived from the original (JPG) on September 29, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Ford, Ryan (July 15, 2004). "Plane & Simple". Smooth. p. 1. Archived from the original (JPG) on September 29, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  7. 1 2 3 Sam. "BDO Feature: Chuck Wilson". Black DVD Online. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 31, 2001. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  8. ↑ Kit, Zorianna (September 15, 1999). "Wu-Tang Giving 'Life' To Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original (JPEG) on September 29, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  9. ↑ Kit, Zorianna (June 18, 2000). "Jersey, Wilson Aiming For Green". The Hollywood Reporter. p. 1. Archived from the original (JPG) on September 29, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  10. ↑ Anderson, Brett. "Ben's World". Washington City Paper. Washington City Paper. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Afrocentricity (2000)". IMDb.com. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  12. ↑ "DC Independent Film Festival". The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Archived from the original on June 20, 2010. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Maryland Film Festival". Maryland Film Festival. Archived from the original on May 4, 2001. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  14. ↑ Lowry, Brian (May 27, 2004). "Reviews - Soul Plane - Film Reviews". Variety. Reed Elsevier Inc. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Frequent Playas". New York Press. New York Press. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  16. ↑ Harris, Dana. "Wilson Meets Maverick". Variety.com. Variety. p. 1. Archived from the original (JPG) on June 7, 2004. Retrieved March 28, 2004.
  17. 1 2 Chery, Cari. "Player Watch 2004" (PDF). SOHH.com. Retrieved June 28, 2005.[ dead link ] Alt URL Archived September 29, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  18. ↑ "Film Notes". Spin. December 1, 2001. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Babygrande Inks Distribution Deal With Koch". RapMusic.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  20. ↑ Martens, Todd (July 9, 2005). "Shades Of Indie Grey". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  21. ↑ Martens, Todd (September 16, 2006). "Crack That Web". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  22. ↑ Nicole, Kristen. "Crackspace Loses The "Bad" Name, Becomes iHipHop". Mashable. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Babygrande Golf to Title Sponsor New AJGA Event". AJGA. May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Mack Champ Invitational focuses on identifying talented diverse golfers". AJGA. March 23, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Schedule of Events". AJGA. March 28, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Jenise Campbell And Charles Wilson Jr". The New York Times. May 15, 2005. Retrieved March 28, 2011.

Official website

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.