#shantidas

Undoubtedly one of music’s strongest and most influential veterans, Shanti Das has played a role in the success of some of your favorite artist’s careers. With 20+ (and counting…) years of experience in the music industry, the Hip-Hop Professional herself gives 5 helpful tips for people aspiring to work in the music industry.

As you scroll through the photo gallery on the HipHopProfessional website, you see candid moments with some of Hip-Hop’s greatest rappers and MCs all standing next to music industry’s shero Shanti Das. Das, a music industry veteran with over twenty years of experience got her start in the business like many others gritting it out as a street team marketer for LaFace Records. But unlike many, Das didn’t stop there or quit despite her share of rejection and denial. She took that small bit of opportunity, nurtured it and climbed the ladder of success all the way to become Executive Vice President of Urban Marketing at Universal Motown Records.

Labeled one of music’s ‘most sought after marketing gurus’ she has worked with many of hip hop and R&B’s most decorated artists and producers. And now, the industry vet has rereleased a compilation of trials and tribulations, words of wisdom and much more in her book, The Hip Hop Professional 2.0: A Woman’s Guide to Climbing the Ladder of Success in the Entertainment Business.

The book not only serves as a guide to navigate through the (often treacherous and womanizing) hip hop industry for her XX chromosome fans, but also illustrates ways for beginner artists, regardless of gender, to better their approach when attempting to break into such a complex industry.

With the book now released, Das has embarked on a nation-wide college book tour where she plans to interact with students interested in the entertainment business. The tour will offer internship opportunities, Q&A sessions with the vet herself, and important take-aways for anyone eager to learn about the front and back end of the music industry. 

When she’s not touring your local HBCU or other college campuses, Shanti Das is using her platform as a music veteran to contribute and give back to her community. Founder of May We Rest in Peace, Das’ non-profit serves poverty stricken families unable to provide burial services for loved ones.

Locally, Das had teamed up with fellow friend and long-time event promoter Marlon Nichols to host “ATL Live on the Park” a unique addition to the Atlanta music and nightlife scene. A spinoff from her New York live music project, R&B Live, the Atlanta event includes performances from established as well as emerging talent. With a mix of seasoned artists and producers with new flare, ATL Live on the Park creates a perfect environment for live music to manifest. You can catch an ATL Live on the Park event happening throughout the summer at Park Tavern in Midtown.