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Education as Compensation

Spoke to a young, aspiring producer today who reached out to us via MySpace. I hope this excerpt from the conversation gives you some insight into the philosophy behind NextSelection’s creative approach.

Hit me with any other questions you may have about being on the NextSelection team. God bless!







26 Responses to “Education as Compensation”

  1. Richie Rivera:

    Ryan, first let me say that I enjoy your music, I came by your studio one day w/ my good friends NinaSky and saw you work man! you’re a very talented brother..and I would love to work with you…I love what your movement is all about and I am down to write for any material you may have…that’s what I do, I sing, I write and I play bass guitar. I’m from Brooklyn, N.Y….and music is my life…it’s all I want to do. Get at me. I’d love to hear from ya. God Bless.

  2. Paddy:

    Richie, ur songs are great!
    “Do You” is my song.

  3. DrE:

    Speechless… He actually makes sense and he is a good man, what a combo….

  4. Tino Attila:

    Good advice Ryan its cool somebody out there is helping the struggling artrists progress. I’m a have to hit ya up when I’m in New York next!

    Take Care

    P.S. Love the album by the way diggin’ “Used To Be”.

    “The Flips in Here!!”

    Tino Attila

  5. Lou:

    yo ryan man im really lovin the whole next selection movement and the music your puttin out man..its crazy what ur doin right now..but i myself would love to be a part of the next selection team man..i mc and im not one of those half ass bullshit mcs either nah mean..haha..say their nice but really not..but yeah man id love to get down with yall maybe i could send you some stuff sometime or somethin..but anyway stay safe and keep commin with the heat

    1love

  6. Fuji:

    Good job, how can a brother link up with the movement? I’m from harlem reside in AZ and working with a R&B group, how can we hook up?

  7. sasha:

    heyy i really like the way you handle your situations, and the way you like your things to be done. i think that for you to teach yourself how to make hits is an achievment of its own. keep it up

  8. carl cartagena:

    it’s nice to know that good music will be heard eventually and some people will actually start to notice a good producers talents and open up the door for newer and better things. nice comment on humility. it keeps it very humble sounding.

  9. Vince Eyma:

    That’s some real good advice. The reason why alot of people don’t make it in the game is because they’re not humble. I started my own company at 23 but I realized that i couldnt do it alone, so I got with other people that were doing the same thing i was doing. Staying positive and Thinking BIG is what I live by, and it looks like that what Next Selection stands for. Good Luck to everyone trying to get in the game.

    VINCE EYMA
    VALHOLLA ENTERTAINMENT
    WWW.VALHOLLA.COM

  10. MikeWest13:

    Obtaining real world experience is worth its weight in gold, even if at the present time its not paying dividends, the return on your investment will be more than worth it!

  11. X.O.Vino:

    I watched the video and it was very inspiring, I have been in the Entertainment game for about 14 years now. I am now 24 and I think if you are not dedicated to this Game you will never make it. I was in the Marines for 4 years and i still manage to do my music matter of fact i did a lot of music when i was in the Marines i put out a album that was shopped around by Producer/ARtist Michael Sterling “Lovers and Friends” which had considerations from Atlantic records, and BMG. I was flown to miami to get pictures taken by Peter Langone, featured in 2 news papers, The Marine corps News and the Yuma Sun. I also have started my own entertainment business Tha S.T.A.N.D Ent LLC. and done numerous shows including one with SLim Thug and Lil KeKe. I’ m out the Marines now and back in my hometown Houston, Tx and now i’m working with Platinum producer Mike Bee “Flossing by Mike jones” really i’m still looking for a record deal are a Distribution deal for my label but i’m not going to ever give up on this game, there is a lot of snakes in the grass in this Biz, and that’s why Atlantic records could never get in touch with me but i will never give up People like you Ryan Leslie inspire me Please check out my website
    www.xovinothastand.com

  12. Ryan Rucker:

    thats probably the coolest thing i’ve seen any artist/producer do on myspace. most ppl are just out to promote and you’re here to help us, the artists/producers. god bless you man, for real. i’ll be looking out for more stuff from yourself and Cassie. I’m putting together a press kit to send off and I wanted to send one to your label. Once my teams done with my music video it’ll be off in the mail and hopefully you’ll hear my name come up somewhere. keep doin what your doin, it’s all cool and I appreciate the love big time. peace.

    -Ryan Rucker

  13. Rodney:

    man u are some’ special!
    you dont forget where you came from…
    you know the struggle as it is for a aspiring producer (sorry if my english is bad)

    you where absolutely right on that he was acting like he knows it all!
    i mean why would you give away a internship to a guy that knows it all.. its all about learning!

    i been a big fan of ur music for a couple years now! i love ur style of producing and i hope u would find the time to hit me back up with a mail…
    i would love to get in contact with you so maybe you could even learn me something about producing…
    i been busy with it for a couple years now and u are the reason i started!! i eat breath sleep and dream music! well hope you read this!

    ps: i heard you are comming to the netherlands this march? if so ill be there for sure!!! i just have to see you!

    God Bless You, Rodney

  14. KING JAMEZ:

    R-Les, i tell, ya wut ur doin for this Muzik game right now iz wuts right. I appreciate ur vibes and ur outlook on the indusrty.
    With that being said when r y’all gonna make a trip out here to Cananda??
    We already know it’s been a long time comin, but with tha mix tape we puttin everybody on to this Next Selection Straight goodz, cuz it can’t be denied. When u plann on makin plans in canada or even scoutin out Canadian Talen, Holla this Way, either way i feel Next Selection and King Jamez r gonna cross paths in the FUTURE, Si Dieu Veux! (God Willing)

    Keep up tha make u feel sunthin muzik and ima do that same !
    God Bless, THe NS
    KJ

  15. stephanie:

    Ryan:

    I thought the words you had to say to the young brothah was solid & on track. Alot of people trying to get in the biz don’t want to pay their dues. To be successful is a hustle that is not only in action but in ones state of mind. It was rereshing to see you preach your knowledge but also that you kept an open mind/door open to the young man!

    Many blessings to you!
    stephanie

  16. Lizzitta:

    hey.

    After watching your blog video with the “aspiring producer”, I was very impressed with how punctual and well spoken you were. Your professionalism is out of this world.

    much love,

    liz

  17. Alex Da Kid:

    Hi Ryan

    I’ve just sat thorough every single video that u have post on your website (and on You tube etc) and I have to said I am very inspirited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I am a young producer / songwriter from the U.K. and have just been approached by the Director of A&R at Jill Scott’s label (Jerrold Thompson) with regards producing on Jill new record. He has also approached me with a management contract.

    I am planning on coming out to the U.S. when I finished university at the end of June. I know your really busy but I was wondering if u had any advice for me with regards to coming out to the U.S. and working as a producer / songwriter?

    Keep on inspiring,

    P.S.
    When are you coming back to tour in the U.K.? Your Fan Base out here is really growing (due to Myspace) And Radio are really pushing your stuff…

    All the Best

    Alex Da Kid

  18. Uncle jON:

    hey Ryan, you Are Inspiration in it’s purest form (1st off!!!!) But yea, i really like this site & the whole idea..(i feel like i just looked into joining some sort of musical cult or sum’m visiting this site! Incredible!)
    But i am a producer from cali (Bay & L.A.) and i would love to be on the NS team, Anyway i can git down. I am a team player, and I Understand my place…at first, i found myself kicking it with a whole group of Legends that i was Not aware of; Shock G., Poppin Pete.. and almost immediateley i began to try to outshine Them, (out of ignorance of course), but the thing is you get put in your place Automatically when that happens, if you’re hardheaded, that 1st lesson will keep hitting you upside the head until you learn it, (granted you ever have a second chance). So, needFUL to say, i am Constantly in my place: which is ,like you said, learning, cause once you stop learning, you stop.

  19. Steven Tapia:

    hahaha i remember some one on www.futureproducers.com posted a video you had made. After that i was hooked. Its just so funny how you can let people into his life like that i respect that. It seems like other cats is just stuck up. But of course as soon as i finish up these joints i will try and get em over to you. God bless.

  20. Little Junior:

    whatzup ryan leslie this is lj from holland! i watch many of youre production video’s, youre music is great! next year i’m moving to new york, i hope that i’m ready for the music industry at that time, i try to do my own style of music, i’m gonna send you some stuff trough this year peace keep doin it! peace lj from the netherlands

  21. Jasmine Roper:

    Hey Mr Leslie,
    I just watched this video for the first time and ive been trying to reach you on myspace but its really hard. Umm.. i just basically wanted to know what kind of artist you were looking for and if you are currently looking for new talent and how long will you? Im only 14 years of age and i really wanna know how i can start a demo and do as you asked with 8 TRACKS on a CD. I really want to learn more about the industry and the NextSelection Lifestyle. Thank you so much for your time. [:

  22. DJ Rashad Haze:

    This is a good video to show aspiring producers about the proper attitude to have. I appreciate you posting this. I am a young dj/producer out of Brooklyn and would love the opportunity to be apart of the nextselection movement. Can u get back at me at my email? Thanks. Peace & Love.

  23. Drummah Boyz Production Group:

    Hello, Mr. Ryan Leslie. I’m LaMar, 1/2 of the super producer group, Drummah Boyz. My identical twin brother produces alongside me as a team. We are “Drummah Boyz”. We’ve checked out many of your videos and blogs each day and we’ve recommended others to tune in as well. One thing that we noticed, YOU are looking for music producers for NextSelection Lifestyle Group. Before, I pour out to you our interest in this matter, I must let you know that you are truly inspiring, and you are the truth. Us, Drummah Boyz, produce, songwrite, and vocal produce. Therefore, you are offered a package. A trinity to be exact. You want NextSelection Lifestyle Group super-producers? We are here before you. Were just a contact away. We have our heads on straight and we do believe that success is THE ONLY option. You may contact us at info@drummahboyz.com

    Thanks!

  24. Direktion:

    I would just like 2 say thanks for giving us the chance to see your skills and share with us your day 2 day life.Im a producer myself I`ve been doin it for three years now,I just turned 18 and find myself learning something new everyday.I would love to be able to learn from you and grow even more. I would love to take part in an internship 4 nextselection if theres any available.You can contact me at Prcomp@verizon.net

  25. jonny wess:

    ns is the next best thing to hit the ears of our generation today. i want to know info on how i can become part of your team. i am an engineer / producer. i am willing to intern. i have interned for 2 companies interscope and universal mastering studios. i feel that my learning experiences so far has made me want to be part of the music world in all aspects. i am a person willing to learn and take anything that is thrown at me. i would like to know more about how i can become part of the next selection life style. jonny wess

  26. jonny wess:

    ns is the next best thing to hit the ears of our generation today. i want to know info on how i can become part of your team. i am an engineer / producer. i am willing to intern. i have interned for 2 companies interscope and universal mastering studios. i feel that my learning experiences so far has made me want to be part of the music world in all aspects. i am a person willing to learn and take anything that is thrown at me. i would like to know more about how i can become part of the next selection life style. jonny wess



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