![]() At the time, I didn’t know what a private prison was but I wasn't the only one. ![]() I remember many of us in the group immediately looking at each other in confusion. He explained that the companies we work for had invested millions into the building of privately owned prisons and that our positions of influence in the music industry would actually impact the profitability of these investments. The subject quickly changed as the speaker went on to tell us that the respective companies we represented had invested in a very profitable industry which could become even more rewarding with our active involvement. At this point I begin to feel slightly uncomfortable at the strangeness of this gathering. He briefly praised all of us for the success we had achieved in our industry and congratulated us for being selected as part of this small group of “decision makers”. I think he was the owner of the residence but it was never confirmed. He then gave the floor to a man who only introduced himself by first name and gave no further details about his personal background. Quickly after the meeting began, one of my industry colleagues (who shall remain nameless like everyone else) thanked us for attending. A man who was part of the “unfamiliar” group collected the agreements from us. I was tempted to follow but curiosity got the best of me. A few people refused to sign and walked out. We asked several people what this meeting was about and the reason for such secrecy but couldn't find anyone who had answers for us. The agreement was only a page long but very clear on the matter and consequences which stated that violating the terms would result in job termination. Needless to say, this intrigued and in some cases disturbed many of us. Our casual chatter was interrupted when we were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement preventing us from publicly discussing the information presented during the meeting. Based on their behavior and formal appearances, they didn't seem to be in our industry. Among the attendees was a small group of unfamiliar faces who stayed to themselves and made no attempt to socialize beyond their circle. Speaking to those I knew, we joked about the theme of the meeting as many of us did not care for rap music and failed to see the purpose of being invited to a private gathering to discuss its future. I remember about 25 to 30 people being there, most of them familiar faces. The meeting was held at a private residence on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Little did I know that we would be asked to participate in one of the most unethical and destructive business practice I’ve ever seen. This may explain why in early 1991, I was invited to attend a closed door meeting with a small group of music business insiders to discuss rap music’s new direction. Since technology and media weren’t accessible to people like they are today, the industry had more control over the public and had the means to influence them anyway it wanted. I came from Europe in the early 80’s and quickly established myself in the business. So I've simply decided to leave out names and all the details that may risk my personal well being and that of those who were, like me, dragged into something they weren't ready for.īetween the late 80's and early 90’s, I was what you may call a “decision maker” with one of the more established company in the music industry. ![]() I have struggled for a long time weighing the pros and cons of making this story public as I was reluctant to implicate the individuals who were present that day. This anonymous letter landed in my inbox about a minute ago:Īfter more than 20 years, I've finally decided to tell the world what I witnessed in 1991, which I believe was one of the biggest turning point in popular music, and ultimately American society.
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