Recently, Keith Sweat was recognized for his musical talent and business savvy.
On April 4, the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association honored Sweat with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s mid-year conference in Atlanta. Many fans may not know, but Sweat once worked on Wall Street in New York and has played a significant part in negotiating many of his artist, songwriting, and producing deals throughout his career.
After receiving the award, rolling out spoke to Sweat about the honor.
What does it mean to you as a musician to be recognized for business?
Being in music is a business.
Once you handle that, then you’re able to nail something together. So, for me to be recognized as a businessman, that makes me feel proud.
Fredro Starr with a message for rappers who are struggling to get money pic.twitter.com/9sPTfaIdlY
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) April 1, 2024
Fredro Starr recently went on a podcast and advised artists to get jobs outside of making music. He said he was a barber, and that’s how he made money. As someone who came from Wall Street, do you also co-sign the advice for artists to get jobs?
It’s always good to be grounded, and having a job grounds you. Me having a job and being in this business helped keep me grounded and level-headed.
A lot of artists don’t know what I had to do to get here. Sometimes, it’s good not just getting things thrown at you when you just have that status, celebrity or that success. Sometimes, when you get that instant success, it can really hurt you.
You mentioned some of your newer music when you accepted your award tonight. What is it?
The new song is “Lay You Down.”
If you ain’t heard it, you’ve got to stream it. “Lay You Down” by Keith Sweat.
What are three pieces of advice you can give to aspiring artists?
Stay focused. Keep your feet on the floor; stay ten toes down. Do the ; don’t let the music do you.
