Steve Stoute Commissions History Daily — Helping Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake & Corporations Meet Their Matches
They call him The Commissioner for a reason. On the last day of our Blacks Making History campaign, we’re giving you Steve Stoute. The advertising executive, who was formerly Mary J. Blige‘s manager in the 90’s, is making landmark multi-million dollar campaigns for the biggest stars in entertainment. And he’s the one who’s really brokering all the deals your fave celebs are singing and rapping about.
Meet Mr. Stoute inside…
As the founder and CEO of Translation, Inc–an advertising firm who has become the leader in bringing together unlikely corporations and people to create a common profitable message for all involved–Steve Stoute is making history in his own way every day.
It’s not every day a black advertising executive is named EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR of the much respected Adage company. And The Tanning of America Best Selling author nabbed that title just a month ago.
Wondering how Jay-Z, his business partner, was welcomed with open arms to the billionaire boys club of NBA owners….you can look at Steve for that. Jay’s huge Made In America three-day concert last year with rock, indie and rap acts was the brainchild of the ad executive who paired the rapper with another big client–Budweiser. And it was all to further the idea that music is all about the message, not the races of the people who love it.
From Chris Brown getting teamed up with Spearmint–which produced a hit song to boot–to Justin Timberlake bringing "soulful pop" to McDonald’s "I’m Loving It" campaign to LeBron James starring in fun basketball ads for State Farm…these are all the products of Steve Stoute’s skills. He also worked out major deals for people like Lady Gaga.
It’s not often big corporate brands take a risk with a deep long term relationship with hip hop or pop culture. And thanks to Stoute, he’s making corporations understand what they could be missing out on. The voice of those cultures are now included in the big brands those same voices spend their money with. His newest brainchild is NBA All-Star MVP Chris Paul‘s comedic Cliff Paul/Chris Paul campaign with State Farm.
All of these business moves commissioned by Steve Stoute lead not only to MAJOR millions for all involved…but also lead to the culture and voices of those who have always been ignored in the past, now being seen & heard with a synergy that is mutually beneficial.
The Queens native, who is a former head honcho at the urban divisions of Sony Music & Geffen, told Adage about what first sparked his interest in advertising and influence: Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones’ sunglasses from Men In Black that people started buying like crazy.
"Everyone thought it was a coincidence, and I was like, ‘This isn’t a coincidence,’" said Mr. Stoute. "I just felt like there was an opportunity in the ad business, because clients’ ads were isolated from what was truly happening in culture."
And about how he creates the blueprint for this type of "meshed" advertising:
"Entertainment is so sexy that people only pay attention to that," said Mr. Stoute. "But I think our strategy department is the best in the industry. The thinking in our agency never gets the credit it deserves because we have a celebrity. We are first and foremost a strategic and creative shop. And second, we have a Rolodex in entertainment and sports that’s unique in the industry."
Adage then reports on the major growth in his company in just a couple years:
His philosophy on marketing and culture was laid out in his 2011 book, "The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy," which essentially details how urban and hip-hop culture became mainstream culture, defining how millennials view the world. To use his own words, no longer does your ethnicity predetermine your cultural values. In other words, multiple cultures are the new general market.
The book has helped him define a personal brand in the marketing world, while the strategy has helped win accounts. In 2012, the agency grew its revenue 60% and increased its head count from 70 to more than 120 employees in New York and Chicago, with work from clients like McDonald’s State Farm and A-B InBev getting general-market play. Picking up the Bud Light creative account, which was at McGarryBowen , shows that big marketers increasingly have faith in Mr. Stoute and his agency.
Steve’s making black history every day by being a leading force in giving our culture, as well as others’, a significant voice in mainstream and corporate America. And finding the perfect synergy and commonalities between the most unlikely of groups. Loves it!
Prepare to be blown away by Cleva Music/C.M’s latest hit, “Steppa Dreams.” With an astounding 4 million streams in just one week across all platforms, this track is setting the industry on fire. CM’s confident assertion, “People feel my shit,” reflects the undeniable connection he has with his audience. His distinctive sound and infectious lyrics have garnered him global attention, establishing him as a frontrunner in the music scene. With each release, CM pushes the boundaries of creativity, redefining what it means to be a true artist. His unwavering dedication and passion shine through in every note, leaving fans eager for more. As “Steppa Dreams” continues to soar, it’s clear that this rising star is destined for greatness, and the world eagerly awaits his next move.
The Genesis of a Brand: A Personal Story Through Music
The brand an artist creates is often a tapestry woven from their personal stories. For Deja Destinée, her name carries a legacy and an inspiration that fuels her artistic presence. “Deja Destiny is destiny… My first name was by my sister… Named after Tyra Banks’ character in Higher Learning… Destiny was named by my grandmother before I was born,” she recounts. This personal lineage adds depth to her music and offers her audience a piece of her narrative, creating a genuine connection that transcends the rhythms and lyrics.
In the music industry, the background behind a name often holds a significant weight, and Deja’s is intertwined deeply with her familial ties. Her music doesn’t just offer sound; it provides listeners with resonance, a shared experience that taps into the emotional fabric of the listener. This personal touch has become a beacon for her brand and her music, positioning her as an artist with a story to tell, a history to honor, and a future to shape.
Commanding the Stage: Performance as a Reflection of the Artist
A major theme from the discussion centered around Deja’s approach to performance. Stating that music comes as “first nature,” it’s evident that her on-stage persona is where she truly shines. Describing her performances, Deja says, “I give a lot of cocky energy. When I get on the stage, I usually bring my dancers, I have, you know, the flashy custom outfits… it makes them feel good, and for it to make them feel like they really that b\*\*\*h.”
This attitude exemplifies the confidence and showmanship that Deja brings to her craft, setting her apart in a crowded industry. The energy of a live performance, where the artist and audience feed off each other’s enthusiasm, is particularly crucial for Deja. Each show becomes an intimate conversation between them, a shared moment of empowerment and celebration of talent. It’s in these details that Deja’s commitment to her artistry, and her desire to elevate the music experience, shines brightest.
A Nexus of Creativity: Beyond Music
During the conversation, it became apparent that Deja is not content with being pigeonholed as just a musician. With interests in acting and entrepreneurship, such as her unique skincare line *Co-Skin*, she relays, “I do hair, I do makeup, I have my own like, skincare line doing shea butter… It’s so many things that I feel like I can tap into.”
Her tenacity to take on multiple creative endeavors showcases not only her talent but her understanding of the importance of diversification in a modern artist’s career. Deja leverages her platform in music to venture into other areas of interest, broadening her reach and solidifying her presence both in and out of the music world. This blend of artistry and enterprise spotlights a new generation of artists who are as business-minded as they are creative, indicative of the changing tides within the industry.
The Future Sounds of Success: Deja’s Continual Growth
As the conversation turned towards future prospects, Deja Destinée laid out her vision of evolving within the industry and her plans to be a game-changer. With new music on the horizon, including the engagingly titled single “ATE”, and a role in the upcoming film premiere set for June 6th at Newark Cinema, Deja’s grind is relentless.
Echoing her earlier sentiments on the significance of grinding, she reiterates, “To work and put in the work… when you don’t want to do it, put in the work then, too, because in the end, it’s gonna pay off.” It’s with this unwavering dedication and drive that Deja Destinée forges ahead, paving her path with an unshakeable belief in her art and her ability to influence the industry.
Deja’s narrative is one that is building upon the foundations of authenticity, perseverance, and an uncompromising vision for what she wants to achieve. With a solid grounding in the values instilled in her name and approach to music, the future beckons with infinite possibilities, each one an opportunity to further the imprint of Deja Destinée on the world.
*
-
Videos3 weeks agoWest Denver native ATAK drops new visuals to “How Do I Love” featuring Ha$h
-
Indie2 weeks agoWynn Trip 2 Daygo ft. B-Rell (Official Video)
-
Audio3 weeks agoEmanuelDaProphet Understands The “Vicious Cycle Feat. Rylo Rodriguez, Debut Album “Fab 5” Out Now!!
-
Videos2 weeks ago@itsLebraJolie Will Make You Say “Yeah” Feat. @BiaBia (Prod. @PierreBourne)
-
Music3 weeks ago(EP) 38 Hauncho – “First 38”
-
Music2 weeks agoJosvani Releases New Single “Low Lights” Ahead Of Tour
-
Artist3 weeks agoInterview: International Hip Hop Threat Rhyme Assassin Returns With M.O.P & Ruste Juxx For “Run Em Up (Told Ya)”
-
Music3 weeks ago(Video) HoodTrophy Bino ft. Kalan.FRFR – “I Want Her”