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

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.

In part, this book is one man's rags to riches story. And his rags were indeed pretty bad. The west side of Baltimore is not where you would expect a senior business exectutime to begin his career. Indeed, growing up there you would expect a lifetime of drugs, jail and quite likely getting shot. Instead, Mr. Liles began working as a song writer and won a grammy for song writing. Then he decided that he would prefer working in the business side rather than the creative and went to work as an unpaid intern. Riches followed as he got promoted higher in the music business. He was clearly a focused individual. Over time he has developed a credo that should serve as a good set of 'Rules for Success,' or as he puts it 'Making It Happen.' Nothing really outstanding here, other people have done a similar set of rules. But most of them didn't come from the wrong side of the tracks and show the success he has. Another part of the book, perhaps not intended, is to show that the Hip-Hop generation is a market, a viable market by itself. Whether you are selling records, sneakers or iPods other product, here is a market that cannot be ignored. ==An enjoyable book with some key germs of truth -- only one of which applied to your business or career is wrll worth the time it takes to read.

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.

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.