Shanti Das, also known as the “Hip-hop Professional” has influenced Hip-hop heavily from 1996 until now.
In 1996, Das was a few years deep influencing Hip-hop music at LaFace Records. Originally working as the National Director of Promotions alongside Babyface and L.A. Reid, Das spent her time working on campaigns for the label’s biggest stars. She worked on and off tour in promotions for Outkast, Goodie Mob and more.
But in 1996, Das’s influence soared to new heights. The Hip-hop Professional was promoted to the marketing department at LaFace Records where she continued to work on campaigns alongside Outkast, Usher, Toni Braxton and more. With her new position she was able to work creatively with L.A. Reid and to work closely in artist development.
Soon Das began soaring to new heights with different record companies and higher positions. She served as Senior Director of Marketing, then moved onto other ventures like VP of Marketing at Columbia, Executive VP of Marketing at Motown Records. Her client list included Akon, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder and one of her favorites was Prince.
With all the success in her career, Das decided to start giving back all the knowledge she’d gained throughout her time in music industry. She began speaking at panels at different colleges around the country. She also wrote and released a book called Hip-hop Professional 2.0 A Woman’s Guide to Climbing the Ladder of Success in the Entertainment Business. Ms. Das strived inspire future Hip-hop professionals with the advice and strength that got her through.
After leaving Motown Records and the music industry for a brief period of time, Das came back with a new approach to the business. She came back and pursued entrepreneurship in music by building her own business. Das created her own entertainment concierge business, Press Reset Entertainment. The company aims to serve as an outlet for music acts, marketing, promotions, events and other various services.
Das continued as a music curator by creating the concert series, ATL in the Park. This concert series takes place every month from April to November and highlights performances by emerging R&B artists in the city.
Along with her many entrepreneurial initiatives, Das also participates in a lot of charity work. She has created a platform for other Hip-hop professionals to get involved in her charity work in Atlanta and in Detroit.
At A3C this year, Das will sit on the Women at Work Panel: Entrepreneurship in Hip-hop and speak on how she has pursued entrepreneurship in her career. Her initiatives, career success, mentorship and charity work makes her the perfect candidate to speak at this year’s conference. She has influenced Hip-hop music and the game heavily from 1996 until now, and she will continue to have influence for years to come.
Women at Work: Entrepreneurship in Hip-hop
Wednesday October 5th @ 6:30 p.m.
Room Two: Loudermilk Center
