Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond recently bestowed an honor on the multitalented entertainer and author Micaiah Raheem, aka Raheem the Dream, at Atlanta City Hall on Monday, May 16, 2016.
“Raheem the Dream has been very successful in the music industry on the local, regional and national levels with the major deals that he has had with Breakaway Entertainment, Atlantic Records, and Universal Music. His honor is dedicated to his outstanding contributions and groundbreaking work that helped to lay the foundation of Atlanta hip-hop music as it is known today,” says Bond.
Councilman Bond and other council members expressed their appreciation for the music and his outstanding and tremendous contribution to the City of Atlanta music scene by awarding him a Proclamation for Raheem the Dream Day. Raheem the Dream adds, “And, I was bestowed with the Phoenix Award, the highest honor from the Mayor’s Office; the Honorable Mayor Kasim Reed presented me with this award, a complete surprise.”
Read what else Raheem the Dream has to say.
How does such an honor make you feel?
An honor of this magnitude lets me know that my work did not go un-noticed and that it effected the landscape of the music business in Atlanta and abroad.
What is the secret to success in entrepreneurship?
I am not sure if this is a secret to success in entrepreneurship but I believe that after setting up and establishing a business, maintaining regular and consistent contact is essential; follow-up is the most critical aspect to entrepreneurship. I have found that this is a major shortcoming of the average business relationship. It should always be prompt response as soon after contact as possible.
What is the secret to networking and building relationships?
The secret to networking is to get involved at various levels with those who have similar business interests and build on that by maintaining regular and consistent contact.
What are the differences between Atlanta’s music, film and TV scene when you started and now?
When I started in the music business, Atlanta was not a main player in the music/film/TV markets. For instance, the rap/hip-hop music being played on radio prior to 1986 was by artists on the East and West Coasts. Local rap was only played on radio on V-103 FM on the “Friday Night Fresh Party” for two hours from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m. My music was the first rap music played on commercial radio on rotation in Atlanta by a local rap artist. It was first played by Mitch Faulkner, PD on KISS 104 FM on August 2, 1986. That was history-making in the Atlanta Rap music scene. We did not have reality shows or major filming until the 2000s. Hip hop music has been at the forefront of generating all of the interest in Atlanta, creating the reputation as the New Music Mecca.
What current projects are you working on or supporting?
My current projects are the completion of my new book, The Record Business: The Uncut Truth, the recording of my new Single, “We Don’t Do Broke”; completion of two debut albums of recording artists on my Indie Label, Tight 2 Def Music. The Artists are; Ms. Neka and JAVAR.
Why is entrepreneurship important in the Black community?
Entrepreneurship is important in all communities but in the Black community, it provides a sense of independence and positions the Black community to control its own economic base.
Who are your mentors?
As far as the music business is concerned, my mentors have always been the late Michael Jackson and the Late Prince but my all time mentor and life coach is my mother, Dr. Zakiyyah Raheem, Ph.D.
How do you use technology and social media? Is it helpful?
I use technology, primarily, to promote music and my business interests and activities, as well as to stay in touch with my Fans. We maintain social media accounts for me, as well as encourage everyone on the Tight 2 Def music label to do the same. I use technology on a daily basis. I have regular use of my mobile phone and tablet so that I can stay in contact with my business contacts and interests. Yes, it is helpful to my business interests.
