Black Entrepreneurs Breaking Through

Historically, Labels and established Artists have dominated the business side of the music industry. While independent Artists make up nearly 40 percent of the global music industry, their imprint has been minimal. 

Breakr was created by four young black men well immersed in the culture. They’ve hosted many parties across the country known as “Carpe Diem.” As well as events around ad week, Super Bowl, homecoming, All-Star weekend, and so much more. Growing up in the entertainment, nightlife, and promotion scene for well over ten years, one constant question that they’ve received from independent Artists was, “how do I get my song played?” 

That simple question enlightened Breakr’s co-founders on the competitive drive and passion that independent Artists had to get their music heard by the right people at the right time.From that, they knew it was time to carve out a path that could take these ambitious Artists to the next level. 

There’s always been a gap between emerging musicians and the music industry, and Breakr came to bridge the gap by creating a platform “designed to help diamonds in the rough break through the noise.”- Anthony Brown. In short, Breakr is a two-sided marketplace that connects Artists, brands, and influencers — DJs, chefs, comedians, and dancers — in a strategic way that allows for acknowledging the skills of independent Artists and influencers.

It’s been a little over a year since the momentum of Breakr has begun to shape the Artist and influencer world. We have created a platform consisting of 50k Artists, 10k influencers, and 14+ Labels within that year. We have been able to get independent Artists on 6+ festival stages, both big and small. Additionally, we have been the intersection for Labels to get their Artists’ music to the next level through influencer marketing.  

There’s always been a gap between emerging musicians and the music industry, and Breakr came to bridge the gap by creating a platform “designed to help diamonds in the rough break through the noise.” – Anthony Brown.

In short, Breakr is a two-sided marketplace that connects Artists, brands, and influencers — DJs, chefs, comedians, and dancers — in a strategic way that allows for acknowledging the skills of independent Artists and influencers.

It’s been a little over a year since the momentum of Breakr has begun to shape the Artist and influencer world. We have created a platform consisting of 50k Artists, 10k influencers, and 14+ Labels within that year. We have been able to get independent Artists on 6+ festival stages, both big and small. Additionally, we have been the intersection for Labels to get their Artists’ music to the next level through influencer marketing.

Music drives content and content drives commerce,” and Breakr sits at the intersection of all of that.

While the headlines may not be screaming the importance of Breakr in the music industry, we are an essential tool for bridging the gap between emerging Artists, brands, and influencers.

 There is a process, and it’s challenging but, we’re perfecting it day by day, brick by brick.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Breakr co-founders and ask them a few questions, and this is what they had to say.

We know the path hasn’t been easy, so what inspires you to continue?

Seeing independent Artists and Creators achieving economic and emotional satisfaction and support from the work we do truly keeps me going.” – Anthony Brown

As serial entrepreneurs and hustlers, it’s ingrained in us to be relentless in our pursuit of success in any endeavor, so we always give it our all. At this stage, we are inspired to change Creators’ lives by somewhat leveling the playing field by giving them the ability to market their work effectively and giving them a turnkey way to monetize their platforms.- Rotimi Omosheyin

What advice do you have for upcoming Black businesses?

Group economics is the key, we go faster alone, but we go further together. When you have an idea, get with your closest friends, pull your resources, whether that’s cash, social capital or skill sets and have fun executing – Rotimi Omosheyin

Being connected to the capital markets and at the same time you have to be connected to the culture – Ameer Brown

So many times black entrepreneurs try to solve for one versus the other, and I think what makes Breakr unique is that we have the ability to understand and we’re building a business that hits the traditional standards of tech and venture capital but keeping an authentic pulse on the culture – Anthony Brown

My advice to black businesses is to strive to build something that can change somebody’s life. That way no matter how far it goes the impact will be undeniable. – Daniel Ware

How important is finding the right team? Any tips?

It’s everything” What was interesting about Breakrs core founding team is that we all had different skill sets that came together and really sparked this thing from nothing to something”-Anthony Brown

My advice to black businesses is to strive to build something that can change somebody’s life. That way no matter how far it goes the impact will be undeniable. – Daniel Ware

Keeping a healthy pulse on the technical skills that are necessary to go to the next level” – Rotimi Omosheyin

What words of encouragement would you give to up and coming Artists?

It’s all about consistency! Consistency of how you post on Instagram and TikTok. It’s the consistency of how you produce new music. It’s the consistency of how you evolve your craft” -Anthony Brown

“Keep creating, keep trying new things, and put that music out. Don’t hold on to it. Let your fans decide what they want to hear.” – Daniel Ware

It’s how much you stay in the gym, any other physical sport whether it’s a professional sport or leisure sport. Music creation is a craft, so are you in the gym ? Are you researching the greats? Do you understand what made them good? Are you studying their performances? Are you looking at the masterclasses?. Are you in the gym ?”- Anthony Brown

Are you constantly posting on Tiktok? I’ll repeat it, that is the fundamental way to build a musical career in 2022. Draw your fans in on your journey” – Ameer Brown

 

Anthony Brown @tbii_9
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Meet Anthony, the engine behind Breakr, the one that’s constantly pushing things forward and making things happen. Anthony serves as Co-founder and CEO of Breakr. He has been responsible for Breakrs strategy, success and leading work to improve Breakr daily. Prior to Breakr, Anthony has over eight years of experience at Goldman Sachs on Wall Street, with expertise in leadership, finance, operations, and partnerships. His passion for Breakr lies deep, and we’re excited to continue to see him lead.

 

Seeing the growth of our junior talent  is the most important thing to me as we continue to build and scale.

 

Ameer Brown @ninobreez
CIO
Chief Innovation Officer
Meet Ameer Brown, the inventor and the lifeline behind Breakr. Ameer’s vision unimaginably came to life, and he now serves as CIO and Head of product of his very own vision. Ameer’s passion for Breakr is evident through his strategic planning process and the actual product buildout. Prior to Breakr, Ameer has over five years of experience as an engineer at Adobe, with expertise in product development, operations, culture, and marketing. Ameer’s love for Breakr runs deep, and we’re excited to continue sharing this journey with him.

 

Our roadmap is innovative, it’s aggressive, it’s gonna change the Creator economy and we’re thrilled to have every single one of you on this journey with us

 

Rotimi Omosheyin @timitapas
CSO
Chief Sauce
Meet Rotimi, Co founder and “Sauce” Officer. Timi is the sauce, he is the culture behind Breakr.  Since day one Timi has been responsible for the many Artists opportunities, everything from live reviews to getting independent Artists on Rolling Loud stage. Prior to Breakr, Timi has over 8 plus years of expertise in sales, operations, and culture.

 

 

I love the Breakr Family! We consider our team members and every user on the platform family.