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About The Book

Kevin Liles rose from intern to president of Def Jam Records in only nine years. Today, at age thirty-seven, he is executive vice president of the Warner Music Group and has helped discover and direct the careers of stars such as Jay-Z and Ludacris.
Liles' meteoric climb from urban street kid with hip-hop aspirations to one of the most successful and influential executives in the music industry is far more than a rags-to-riches story. It is a tribute to Liles' incredible work ethic, wisdom and confidence in doing his thing his way -- the hip-hop way.
"Every real success story in hip hop comes down to the same thing: someone who finds the will, focus and drive to achieve," Liles writes in Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Generation Guide to Success. "It doesn't matter if you are male or female. It doesn't matter what race or religion you are. It doesn't matter what hustle you choose." What does matter, Liles says, is that you fight against the odds to realize a dream and be the best that you can be. You empower yourself and make it happen.
Kevin Liles presents ten rules of business success, which range from "Find Your Will" and "The Blueprint" to "Don't Let Cash Rule" and "Play Your Position." As he outlines his philosophy, Liles shares how he put his principles to work, chronicling his journey to the top and the stories of others -- executives, artists, mentors and friends -- he has worked with along the way.
Make It Happen is both an American success story and a guidebook for the road to having a career and a life you love.

About The Author

Photo Credit:

Kevin Liles is the executive vice president of the Warner Music Group. He works in New York City.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atria Books (September 27, 2005)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416510482

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Raves and Reviews

"As an African-American business leader, a man like Kevin represents to me everything that is right in the African-American entrepreneurship -- visionary, hard working, entrepreneurial and smart. . . . I encourage everyone to read his book and follow his advice." -- Bob Johnson, founder, Black Entertainment Television

"[Liles'] words teem with confidence, faith, conviction and wisdom." -- The Dallas Morning News

"Liles [is] hard at work spreading the message...[of] the importance of illuminating new routes out of urban American poverty...[by] drawing heavily from the world of hip hop for examples of triumph and success." -- The New York Times

"Inspirational, touching and powerful." -- Gayle King, O: The Oprah Magazine

"Kevin is the face of struggle.... This book is a glimpse into his vision, humility and toughness." - Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records

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