10 Questions with ... Chris Weeks

1) What was your first job in records, influences?

First job was as road manager for an R&B group called Intro; influence and aspirations were to be Russell Simmons.

2) What made you decide on a music business career? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

New Music Seminar, 1991, after watching a panel that included the Young Guns of the industry including Puffy.

3) If you were just starting out in records, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

ABSOLUTELY!

4) What excites you about being involved with music and records?

Having the opportunity to make a machine move and to help someone achieve their creative goals.

5) What has been the biggest change in the industry you've experienced over the last five years?

Methods of promotion. The street team ran Hip-Hop when I was coming up. Now, the presence of social networking has really allowed for taking it to the streets to expand ... it's no longer your hood, but your world.

6) Tell us about your involvement with the current Nappy Roots project.

They're a Grammy-nominated group celebrating over 12 years together. Their current album, "The Pursuit Of Happiness," is their 6th studio album. I am the project manager and assisted them in all facets of getting the album done. From A&R to budget to logistics to marketing. Skinny Deville steered the the ship and I worked in the boiler room, making it go. This album is their most MUSICAL record to datew infusing tons of instrumentation.

7) Do you feel because of callout research today's Urban and Urban AC programmers are slower in adding and playing new music?

I think so. It appears as though alot of the creativity and pioneering in breaking records has gone away.

8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I would love to learn to delegate better!

9) What new music and/or artists are coming from your label in the coming weeks, months?

We have albums coming from multiple members of Nappy Roots. Skinny and Scales have a project called 40 AKERS. Big V has a heater, too!

10) Which new artist (s) will radio still be playing in five years?

Drake ... hate to say it, but he is the new face of hip-hop. More than just buzz.

What would people who think they know Chris Weeks be surprised to know about you?

I am a HUGE METALLICA fan!

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

I would love to see deeper playlists.

What do you read? Books, Magazines, etc. What's your favorite reading material?

I read my Blackberry non-stop...to my wife's dismay.

How important is consistent marketing to a project's overall success?

Vital, this is a marathon for us, not a sprint.

Do you feel that Urban stations should support new artists?

Definitely, but new artists need to make great music.

How important are cross-promotions and involvement with current film projects to the overall success of the music of a project such as this one with Nappy Roots?

Nappy Roots fans are a demo that goes to the movies frequently, so we feel that it is crucial to be able to get those sort of looks.