Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor
Homecoming is here, which means the campus will be flooded with alumni all week. There are plenty of successful people that have graduated from Jackson State University. Cortez Bryant, an alumnus of JSU and music industry mogul, has exemplified the true meaning of receiving a quality education and gaining life-changing experiences from his dear ol’ college home.
Bryant, who grew up as a disadvantaged youth in the streets of New Orleans, La., started his journey to JSU after receiving a scholarship for the Sonic Boom of the South band program under the leadership of Band Director Lewis Liddell.
“I didn’t want to go the Southern University route like everybody else that were friends of mine, so I decided to go to Jackson State and become a part of the Boom. It was probably the best decision I made in my life,” said Bryant.
He believes his experiences in the Sonic Boom molded him into the person he is today.
“I didn’t have any family while out in Jackson, Miss., so the band became my extended family. It is like a big family environment and it’s a big organization. I learned all my leadership skills there. Being a part of the percussion section, WT. I was the section leader, so I was able to be instilled with values that I even use with my employees today,” said Bryant.
After graduating from JSU in 2004 with a degree in mass communications, Bryant decided to go into the music business. He was introduced to the industry by his friend Dwayne “Lil’ Wayne” Carter, Jr. Bryant faced some difficulties when starting his career.
“The most challenging part was the first four years and not getting discouraged, even though I didn’t know anything about the music business. I had to keep learning and not be afraid to ask questions,” he said.
Ten years later and with a fearless attitude, Bryant is one of the youngest power players in the music industry. He is the Co-CEO of The Blueprint Group, which manages the careers of Lil’ Wayne, Nicki Minaj, T.I, and many more artists. He is also the Chief Operating Officer of Young Money Entertainment where he conducts all the business side of Young Money.
Bryant said the most significant accomplishment in his career was when Lil’ Wayne’s album, “The Carter III”, sold one million albums in one week.
“It definitely changed my role in the music business. I’m a young executive. I’m probably the youngest executive doing what I do at such a big scale. People really started taking me serious after that. Numbers don’t lie,” said Bryant.
The road to success was not easy for Bryant. He shared some advice for students when it comes to reaching their goals.
“If your heart is in it and you feel like it’s your calling, do it. It can be flipping burgers, the music business, being an artist, or a journalist. Just go for it and pray on it. I’m spiritual, that’s one thing that’s a testament to my success. You have to stay grounded, prayed up, and always work hard. Don’t be afraid of failure, in life there will be ups and downs. It’s not going to be easy but don’t give up,” he said.
Bryant pays homage to JSU for being a stepping stone for his success. He has donated funds to the university in the past and said it is very important that alumni give back.
“Dr. Liddell believed in me by giving me that scholarship. I was a poor kid from New Orleans, so that was my outlet. I’m pretty sure that money came from budgets that had to be put in place to give me a scholarship. The first chance I got, I gave back. It doesn’t have to be a lot. A little bit can add up to something and that means an opportunity to grant somebody else the college experience that I had at Jackson State,” said Bryant.
Bryant plans to participate in ‘The Blueprint: One Tiger One Roar’ JSU Homecoming 2014 festivities. He said his favorite homecoming event is the Yard Fest.
“Everybody is out there and you see people that you haven’t seen in years. That’s the best part of homecoming to me because you are connected to all of your genuine friends. Being in the music business, I get caught up in this lifestyle and it is kind of crazy. To come back to Jackson and come to people that I knew before the music business, it’s very rewarding,” said Bryant.
To keep up with Bryant, follow him on twitter @CortezBryant.
