Industry people don't dance (not that there's anything wrong with that), they just two step. So don't go treating Common's Album Release Party like that Yardi spot four blocks from your crib. There is such a thing as industry party etiquette.
Sadly, I know a lot of people who are frequent violators. But let's face it, even I've broken rules in the past. I'm no repeat offender though. After consulting a few of my colleagues, we came up with the Top 10 don'ts and don'ts of industry parties.
Complex/Puma Party at Puma Store
10. DON'T SKIP THE BAR LINE! Don't try to use your looks to get ahead of the line. You may not be that cute. Either way, some of us don't care. We'll tell you to take yo ass to the back of the line. Don't get embarrassed!
9. DON'T MAKE PROMISES! Say what you mean. If you're not likely to give somebody work, just say so. And if you don't intend on covering this manager guy's artist, then tell just him. Don't give anybody the runaround. It comes back around.
8. DON'T WORK SO HARD! Most of us work from 10 to 6, dickhead! Do not go into pitch mode at the party. Take a business card and follow-up during office hours, not during the party. On another note, don't go up to random people to ask them, "what do you do?" Networking should be organic.
7. DON'T ARGUE WITH THE DOOR PERSON! If there's a missunderstanding, keep it cool. Make a call, give credentials, but whatever you do, keep it cool. The young lady with the clipboard has the power to let you in. She also has the juice to keep you out. And if you cuss her out, chances are she'll remember you next time. Don't go picking fights with bouncers either. You'll just get yo ass whooped in front of a large crowd and I'll blog about it.
6. DON'T GAWK AT THE VIP SECTION! Don't just stand there to look at what Jay and them are doing. And please, please don't brag about being close to Jay, if you were outside the V.I.P. Unless you're trying to get a pic for your blog, keep it moving. If you can't get in, don't just stand in front and try to brainstorm your way in. You're just giving the "very important people" more time to laugh at you. Move on and enjoy the party.
5. DON'T ACT LIKE YOU BAGGING GIRLS IF YOU ONLY GET BUSINESS CARDS. Don't mix business with pleasure. Don't ask for the girl's business card cause you think you won't be able to get her personal number.
JClass Flickin' It Up!
4. DON'T OFFER TO BUY DRINKS TO GIRLS IF IT'S OPEN BAR. Come on, dude! If you were serious, then you is a cheap bastad! If you were kidding, then your joke was WACK!
3. DON'T NAME DROP! News flash, asshole! I got into the party too. We most likely know the same people, so don't brag about hanging out with Diddy or interviewing 50 Cent. We're not impressed. We do the same thing.
Sam Ed and Diddy after an interview
2. DON'T BE HOLLYWOOD! Dude! You're either a writer, editor, publicist or a promoter, not a rapper. Do not, under any circumstances, wear shades in the club. If some rappers can't freak it, what makes you think you can pull it off?
Red Cafe rocking shades
1. DON'T BRUSH PEOPLE OFF! The least you can do is acknowledge someone you've met before. Do not ignore somebody if you've been introduced to them five times. You never know who you brush off. You may just end up needing the person you brushed off one day.
Shouts to Jesse, Danica, EP, M.C., Aishah, Franny and Sam Ed for their input. I'm sure I overlooked a few commendments. Feel free to refresh my memory. Speak on it!
For any questions, suggestions, or if you want me to cover your event, hit me up at jackpot@sohh.com.
Comments (37)
I feel you on that homie.
http://sidneywadehiphop.blogspot.com/
Posted by Mike Steel | September 19, 2007 10:38 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 10:38
Chuuuuch
Posted by SOHH GOya | September 19, 2007 10:46 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 10:46
I will officially never wear shades in any party again, because I see your point. Good post! Some artists need to read this too!
Posted by marlon | September 19, 2007 10:47 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 10:47
You frogot one. If important people are taking a pic in the immediate are have the dignity to stand to the side and not ease your way into the pic. Your day to be in that "important people" shot will come just fall back and stop trying to buddy shine.
Posted by Heroin | September 19, 2007 10:56 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 10:56
I FUCkIN LOVE IT!!!!!! I'm going to send this out to my fellow industry bretheren..
Good job!!
Posted by SOHH Gyant | September 19, 2007 11:06 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:06
Jackpot strikes again!
Posted by Dark Kent | September 19, 2007 11:06 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:06
GOOD BLOG
Posted by victory park | September 19, 2007 11:27 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:27
Lastly, dont front like you got cake b/c we all know that 95% of industry folks hustle for less than 50k.
Keep the frontin to a minimal!
Posted by BStackz | September 19, 2007 11:31 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:31
You forgot another very important one, act like you've been there before. There is nothing more annoying than the industry insider that acts like a groupie.
Posted by EST | September 19, 2007 11:33 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:33
I keep the stunnas on in the club.
Posted by fresh to def | September 19, 2007 11:36 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:36
YOU FORGOT ONE RULE, DON'T COME TO NO INDUSTRY PARTY DRESSED LIKE SOHH GYANT'S BUM ASS WITH LUG BOOTS, PACO JEANS AND A KARL KANI SWEATER.
LAMOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted by HATE HATE AND MORE HATE | September 19, 2007 11:40 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:40
Hott frames are a must in the club... And they do serve a purpose... Half tints or the full black out... Keep roking them... especially those of you who indulge in intoxicants...
Posted by Romare Basquiat | September 19, 2007 11:50 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:50
After 4 kush blunts, one 40, a cup of that hen, and maybe a double stack, YOU MUST KEEP YOUR STUNNAS ON.
Posted by fresh to def | September 19, 2007 11:52 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 11:52
ha! 10 snaps for the 10 pot holes of partying...
Posted by killa | September 19, 2007 12:13 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 12:13
absohhlutely dude! speak on it. I can't stand frontin chicks who think they all that cause of where or who they work with. Chick you WORK FOR a person/company... you got a JOB -- you don't own it! Trick!
Posted by bigsquid | September 19, 2007 12:19 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 12:19
I love this entry. Sooo funny because it is so true.
Posted by Miss Chi | September 19, 2007 12:39 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 12:39
I'm I the only one that kept getting snagged on the mispelling and improper use of words?
I understand this is a hip-hop blog and that slang is the proper etiqutte, but damn can we try and use the right words in the right sentence.
This why our Nations average reading level is at the third grade; that includes whites, mexicans, and chinese.
I just want to know what the hell this last line means:
"I'm sure I overlooked a few commendments."
Posted by Damn can you get a proof reader. | September 19, 2007 12:43 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 12:43
It is true but,and yes you are right miss chi
Posted by lil mama | September 19, 2007 12:48 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 12:48
Miss Chi...if you are gonna put someone down for using improper grammer...please make sure that your grammer is 100% on point...
please explain this error:
"This why our nations average reading level is at the third grade; that includes whites, mexicans, and chinese."
I know you meant to type:
This is why our nation's average reading level is at the third grade, which includes whites, Mexicans, and Chinese.
Please also note that semi colons are not just to be thrown around anywhere you please....
Posted by You Idiot | September 19, 2007 1:01 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 13:01
Right on point.....good shit!
Posted by LowKey | September 19, 2007 1:47 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 13:47
hey heres anotha thing NOt to do:
dont yell out DAMN dats a PHAT AZZ at the celebrities!
Posted by bolo | September 19, 2007 2:17 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 14:17
POINTS NUMBER 2 & 8 ARE THE REASONS WE HATE INDUSTRY PARTIES FOR THE MOST PART.......
You are most definitely on point with points 2 & 8!
Posted by N-Turn | September 19, 2007 2:19 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 14:19
ALL YOUR POINTS WERE RIGHT ON! LUV IT!
Posted by STRAIGHTOUTTANYC | September 19, 2007 2:42 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 14:42
BY FAR THE MOST USEFUL BLOG IVE BEEN A PART OF. I AGREE WITH THE TOP 10. I LIKE THE FIVE TIMES MEETING THING. YOU U ARE LIKELY TO IGNORE A PERSON AFTER MEETING THEM ONCE LAST MONTH.
Posted by GATO | September 19, 2007 3:00 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 15:00
good blog except the part bout the shades...after all the blunts & drinks i keeps my shades on...the tint from the shades along with the lights in the club adds to my buzz...shades never come off sorry...good blog tho.
Posted by swag | September 19, 2007 3:05 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 15:05
Check out these neats produced by Skrooge Banga http://www.esnips.com/web/Skroogestrumentals
Posted by Skrooge | September 19, 2007 3:18 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 15:18
ya forget rule # 1. dont eva dick ride
Posted by my nigga | September 19, 2007 4:30 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 16:30
You forgot something, dont write blogs acting like you that dude telling other people what to do...the industry is full of nothing but shady ass people who fuck each other over and are going to hell in a hamdbasket. Hell dont go away cuz you got some paper the government says is worth something. People lets stop acting like we that nigga cuz we meet/know someone that can make a song or has some money. Number 8 is especially stupid, yes working hard should never get you clowned, but this short sighted assholes act like they came out the womb like they was rich and they granddaddy was a slave....ya'll negros make me sick. God is love, not a house nigga posing for pictures thinking hes changing the world.
Posted by Big Rizz | September 19, 2007 6:00 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 18:00
DAMN MISS CHI U CAN'T EVEN USE PROPER ENGLISH U DUMB BITCH. WTF DOES THIS MEAN: "I"M I THE ONLY ONE THAT KEPT GETTIN SNAGGED ON THE MISPELLING AND IMPROPER USE OF WORDS?"
YOU MEANT TO SAY "AM I THE ONLY ONE............
Posted by prettygurltee | September 19, 2007 6:05 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 18:05
This means I shouldn't drink @ an industry party...
Once I start drinkin the wild girl is comin out!!!
This sounds more like a conference and not a party. That's why the game is so saturated now. The fronters...
Posted by T. Jelli | September 19, 2007 6:31 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 18:31
Clearly some people aren't paying attention to how these posts work. My name is posted underneath the comment I made (the way they have the lines set up is weird). Soooo, please re-direct your comments to "Damn can you get a proof reader" because that's who is talking about the grammar or whatever.
Posted by Miss Chi | September 19, 2007 9:20 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 21:20
Unless you're stevie wonder...Stunna's in a dark club is a no-no. u look like a complete idiot.
Posted by cHocolate Rain | September 19, 2007 11:00 PM
Posted on September 19, 2007 23:00
I DESERVE TO BE AT THE PARTY!!!!!!!!
Posted by kanye west | September 20, 2007 2:09 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 02:09
Nigga you are LAME
No shades in the club my a$$!!!!!!!!
Posted by TEE DRAPER | September 20, 2007 8:45 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 08:45
Rule #1 of "Industry" parties: Don't go running to your website with pics, comments, and coverage of an industry party. It sucks and make you look like a newbie to the game, which you are.
A couple of points on your rules:
8) Kind of right. Yeah, we're off the clock but its still business, hence "industry" party. Any real publicist is going to try a soft-sell if they are in a room full of editors. Don't you think? A lot of what happens in the industry happens during off time not during the routine hours of 10-6. These parties should be a time of relationship building and networking, which means work.
5) Are you kidding? We all mix business and pleasure all the time. You must don't know!
2) Wearing shades is not "hollywood". Especially when one is high, and the possibility of your boss lingering by. Plus this is New Yrok, everyone has their own style. Who the fuck are u, to say stop wearing shade? Truly buggin.
1) They are soooo many irritating fucks in this business that I can damn well please brush you off. I don't care if I met your mama, if I don't want to be bothered you will not be acknowledged. Live with it.
Posted by owhatutalkinbout | September 20, 2007 9:42 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 09:42
YOU FORGOT ONE RULE, DON'T COME TO NO INDUSTRY PARTY DRESSED LIKE SOHH GYANT'S BUM ASS WITH LUG BOOTS, PACO JEANS AND A KARL KANI SWEATER.
LAMOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted by HATE HATE AND MORE HATE | September 19, 2007 11:40 AM
^^
CO-SIGN! LMFAO! And dont be like Gyant and rock the silk shirts with dragons n shit on em like the mexicans at wal-mart. lmaaaooo!!!
Posted by EReal | September 20, 2007 10:28 AM
Posted on September 20, 2007 10:28
RULES OF A REGULAR CHICK – condensed
Rule #1
Murder the open bar. Especially if you’re a plus 1.
Rule # 2
Bring em’ out. “em’” – meaning your tiddies. Or your Hottentot mama Africa ass. Whatever one works best for you. Notice I said one. Not both. The goal is to look the part of a Sophisticated tramp. And in the words of my homie Toni, “make sure your shit cost”. That means no House of Derion ladies. Sorry.
***sidebar*** note to all the chicks who might actually ‘belong’ in the party, please take off that tired ass black dress you’ve been wearing since your days at Howard. If you MUST wear solid colors make it’s fly, try something like this http://harrietsalteregoonline.storesecured.com/items/shop/dress-shop1-detail.htm
Rule #3
Fuck that, we dance. That bullshit they be talking about not dancing is exactly that, bullshit! Now I’m NOT saying start ‘dutty winning’ your weave all over the dance floor, nor am I inviting your 6 foot 1 big, dumb ass to start ‘walking it out’ in your church shoes(yes dude, your cards been pulled). But ain’t nothing wrong with a cute Mary j. blidg-esque two-step or an old school (LIGHT) whopping it out moment. The point is dance & have fun. And if your CUTE and can dance a little bit, (and your SMILING) it makes you even more interesting to the folks watching (trust me, they ARE watching)
This brings us to Rule #4
Dance with the white boy. Yes, he looks ridiculous. No, he doesn’t have rhythm. Yes, his nuts probably do hurt in them pants, But so what. Un-screw your face shorty, he just wants to dance. He’s not dragging you out the fields by you hair and forcing you to breed his mulatto babies. Relax.
And his dorky ass is probably editor in chief.
Rule #5
Chat up the flyest gay boys at the bar. Be beautiful, fib a little. Smile and tell em you like his shoes. One of them is gonna get you in V.I.P. to introduce you to his man, who is probably CEO. And you know what that means……..photo op.
Rule #6
Now this rule is kinda tricky. Overall don’t be a THIRST BUCKET to get a photo. You may actually want to try and avoid the camera man. If you’re doing everything else right, he will find you. Don’t make any wack ass peace signs or blow kisses at the camera. Try something original. Shit, throw the black power fist up, especially if you’re white. (btw, it’s the RIGHT fist, get it together homie!)
Rule #7
Be nice to the white girls in the bathroom. Not just any chick wears dark purple patent leather Valentino booties. Recognize real.
Rule #8
Smile, chat up and mingle with the 4 people you DO know. You’re not a complete looser cause you’ve made it past the doorman. Now work what you got, but keep it moving, don’t stay up under the friend(s) you’re rolling with. Also don’t keep walking back and forth, it makes you look brand new. Make a couple moves to the bathroom and the bar and that’s it. I mean really, where are you going? Find a spot (preferable just OFF center of a decent source of light) and post your ass up.
Rule #9
Don’t lie. You’re here with a friend. It’s ok.
Rule #10
Last but not least. You don’t have a business card nor is your job “industry”. Your only hope is for people to like you on a personal level until you can polly some ‘’business” of your own. Smile. Tell a joke. Get at least 1 number.
Follow these rules and you might actually one day find yourself on “THE LIST”
- Kitty Hawk
Brooklyn, New York City
Posted by Kitty Hawk | September 20, 2007 4:06 PM
Posted on September 20, 2007 16:06