Essay 414

Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Generation Guide To Success

By Kevin Liles with Samantha Marshall

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With this book, Kevin Liles makes two things happen:

1. He makes business really, really cool.
2. He makes hip-hop culture really, really cool.

OK, some might argue that hip-hop culture is already — and even inherently — really, really cool. But Liles manages to show the positive stuff often overshadowed and ignored. Through the words and actions in his amazing story, Liles presents the dedication, determination and energizing spirit fueling the culture. In August 2005, Time magazine proclaimed Kanye West as hip-hop’s class act. But Liles may ultimately be the better role model and ambassador.

Kevin Liles climbed from intern to president of Def Jam Records, accomplishing the feat by age 30. Liles inevitably landed as Executive Vice President of Warner Music Group. He set unprecedented standards. He demonstrated extraordinary passion. He invented new roles in the music industry. Webster could revise the definition of “hustle” to include an image of Liles.

Just as hip-hop culture appeals to a global audience, this book speaks with an inclusive voice that transcends race, gender, age, background and everything else. There are insights and relevant advice for anyone hoping to succeed in today’s society. Liles cites leaders from Jack Welch to Jay-Z, combining old school and new school wisdom in a highly engaging, readable style. He stresses discipline, work ethic and creativity — referring to it all as “The hip-hop way.”

Liles blends personal anecdotes with professional attitudes. There is simplicity and honesty at the heart of this book, right down to its straightforward structure. The author forwards ten rules of business success, which can actually be applied to every aspect of your life. The rules are neatly compartmentalized into ten chapters, with graphic summaries for easy reference.

As a business biography, Make It Happen is a compelling and original tale. As a guide for the hip-hop generation — or any other generation — this book is indispensable.

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Make It Happen is available at all major bookstores. Plus, click on the essay title above to visit Kevin Liles’ website.