Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had been waiting for a success book to be written for the hip hop generation by the hip hop generation, along came Kevin Liles.

Given Kevin's high position in the music industry he was able to give insight from on the hustle it took to get there and the hustles hes observed of others. Might I add that that point in itself, his observation of others hustles, is what saved this book from being an autobiography (that wouldnt be a bad thing anyways).

Normaly I dont like too many stories in success books but Kevin is definitly the exception. From lessons learned playing Guts with Lebron James to that reasoning behind his reaction to Dame Dash barking on him on the infamous scene of The HardKnock Life Tour.

The one thing I like about this book also is that it wasnt all about getting money. It wasnt materialistic as most success books. Work hard, play hard seems to be able to sum up his philosophy.

The principles and attitudes Kevin shares arent simply for someone hoping to make it big in music either, they can be applied in anywhere.

I was skeptical at first, thinking that it was another book in which the author boasts about how great they are. That said, I was proven wrong, (which goes to show, you CAN'T judge a book by it's cover). I wish that I had a book like this when I was younger, one that illustrated exactly how one should embrace their career.

Mr. Liles was definitely a go-getter who made his own destiny happen. Throughout his journey, Kevin illustrates his determination to learn the business; he lived and breathed hip-hop, it is something he has to be a part of. You get to see and understand his success as well as what he considers his blunders (which are minimal)and the lessons he learned in making them. All while climbing to the top of Def Jam Records.

I suggest that if you are looking for a gift for that up and coming graduate (High Schooler, College Grad), especially one who seems to be heading toward the creative path, I would purchase this book for them. I stand corrected, I would purchase this book for anyone who clearly wants to understand what it takes to get to the top (whether it's through a company if not their own business).

Kevin Liles, the former intern, Def Jam president, and current executive vice president of Warner Music Group, makes his run for what will be his most coveted position yet: motivational speaker for the hip-hop generation. It's a role that he is personally and professionally qualified to flourish in. Using lessons learned during his mischevious, but disciplined teen years as a budding entrepreneur in Baltimore, and conflict encountered while at the helm of Def Jam and Warner, he demonstrates how to overcome adversity; face unexpected challenges; deal with difficult people; stand out from your co-workers; advance in your position; be true to who you are; find your real passion; build your own brand; and use your money wisely.

While the majority of this book emphasizes personal development and achieving corporate results with a hip-hop attitude, it's important to note that this is NOT a book on how to succeed in the music business (though it will certainly be of tremendous benefit to any aspiring music industry professional), this is a book on how to "make it happen" in any industry. It just happens to contain valuable insight on how to get your hustle on in the music biz. Most importantly it offers something of much greater value to the young hip-hop generation: tools for introspection and a mental and moral compass that can be used to navigate their way through life and business. It's an admirable accomplishment that will undoubtedly establish Kevin Liles as the Les Brown of hip-hop. Buy it for yourself or an abmitious young adult in your life.

I give this book the highest of 5 stars and encourage everyone interested in moving their life to greatness to buy this book, read it, read it again, study it and apply the lessons that Kevin shares. I do workshops called Rediscover Your Life through taking affirmative action 4 life. This is exactly what this book is about. Get the book and rediscover your true purpose & destiny! Make it happen & make a difference!! Your Best Investment is You.

Kevin Liles is the guy from Def Jam that most people don't recognize. Everyone knows Russell, most people know Rick Rubin. Kevin's one of the guys who came on board in the days when the company was transforming from start-up to big-time. He delivers a really simple message throughout Make It Happen... work harder than everyone else. That's the real gist of the 242 pages. There are chapters that have other themes, but the underlying cause of his success comes out in every section. Liles worked hard and was single-minded in the pursuit of his goals.

If we ever complain of someone not giving back, you cannot say that Kevin Liles has not; I had the distinct opportunity of hearing Mr Liles speak here in Mobile at Bishop State Community College, and he truly cared enough to write such a book as well as go on tour promoting the book and speaking to young audiences; Tonight, there were those who wanted to get into the game and all, but at the same time, you had those who wanted something to help them get and stay motivated and I fell definitely into the latter; The rules in this book is easy to understand and to follow; His 9th Rule about cash is so true that I wish he wrote this years sooner; Thanks Kevin.

Kevin Liles is the man. I read this book a few years back and it really inspired me to do what I am doing in life. I credit Kevins wisdom to making my journey an easier one. thanks bro!

Year after year I try to instill the importance of volunteering and giving back into my students. I think it is hard for them to grasp the concept of working for something other than money. This book makes for a great tool to help them understand what I am talking about.

In addition to being a great resource for our youth I personally found this book to be extremely motivational and inspirational. I found myself immediately applying the concepts to my life and thinking of ways that I could make my writing career soar.

I highly recommend this book to any and everyone because while it uses hip hop as the context, the advice applies across the board.

Monica Marie Jones

Author of FLOSS, The Ups and Downs of Being Round and Taste My Soul

FLOSS

The Ups and Downs of Being Round

Taste My Soul

It's a very good book overall. The book is very inspiring and has alot of good wisdom. It's right along the same lines as Russell Simmons's book, "Do You". Don't expect to see any Def Jam rumors or juicy gossip. Kevin Liles is not the type of guy to stay on the negative. Kevin is very humble, he emphasizes hard work and dedication.

If any drawbacks, the book is maybe a bit too long. Kevin makes sure to stay on good terms with other successful business men and successful rappers by mentioning them often. He's makes a real point of playing the business politics game.

I do think that Kevin is slightly misrepresenting his roots to appear more "down" with hip hop. The areas (Woodlawn and Pikesville) which Kevin mention in the book are really upwardly mobile, middle class white collar and blue collar types. However, Kevin is portraying them as rough neighborhoods.

He talks a bit too much about the group he was in, "Numarx". I've never even heard of the group before and I'm from Baltimore. It's definately Kevin Lile's book, not so much a book on Def Jam. It would've probably have been more interesting to hear a little more about the actual artists and albums. Yet, it's a very good read for all ages.

THIS BOOK IS VERY GOOD. IT'S PACT FULL OF PRINCIPLES WE MUST FOLLOW TO BECOME A SUCCESS. THOUGH THE AUTHOR IS A SUCCESS AT HIS JOB, HE SHOWS THAT HE IS A WORKAHOLIC AND NOT TOO SUCCESSFUL AT THE HOME FRONT. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON WHY I DID NOT GIVE IT 5 STARS.