In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Marquis Johnson (Derrick4Real), the visionary entrepreneur and mastermind behind the SUPA Unit booking agency. Derrick breaks down his pivotal role as the business engine for legendary Louisiana artists like Webbie and Boosie Badass, sharing how he navigated the industry from the MySpace era to founding the first national black-owned distribution company. He provides a masterclass on the importance of building a corporate structure, managing family dynamics in music, and choosing an asset-driven mindset over ego.

Derrick also opens up about his upcoming bucket-list album project, his new business ventures including Crown Marquis Vodka and Chronic Lifestyle Magazine, and the reality of life on the road managing superstar health and safety. From his take on the Glorilla situation to the need for more entertainment lawyers in the South, this conversation is packed with gems for any aspiring artist or entrepreneur.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:02:15 - Building an Independent Music Empire with Webbie

00:07:26 - The Machine Behind the Music

00:11:44 - Leading by Example

00:13:25 - Protecting Your Wealth

00:15:27 - Webbie’s Brother Reveals the Secret to Boosie Badazz & Savage Life’s Success

00:21:25 - Why Paperwork is Everything in the Music Industry

00:23:07 - Why Artists Need a Business Plan

00:27:01 - How Derrick Built a Liquor Empire with Boosie & Webby

00:35:54 - How Hurricane Katrina Transformed Baton Rouge

00:39:30 - Baton Rouge Street Style Secrets

00:42:33 - Managing Health and Stress in the Music Industry

00:45:54 - Business vs. The Streets

00:53:30 - How Rappers Should Handle Family Business

01:01:36 - Living Without Regret

01:08:01 - How to Master Networking

01:13:26 - Why Artists Should Book Their Own Shows

01:16:49 - Why I Want to Produce for 8Ball & MJG

01:20:41 - Authentic Louisiana Soul Food Secrets

01:26:48 - Inside the Baton Rouge Rap Scene

01:31:00 - 50 Cent’s Marketing Tactics

01:36:52 - From the Streets to Success

01:44:33 - Robbed At Gunpoint

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