Talvern (Teejae) Highsmith has built Cash Up Records into a rising force in the Midwest Hip-hop scene and sold over 300,000 records. (Photo provided by Talvern ?Teejae? Highsmith)
By: Jacob Elyachar
One of the most up-and-coming record companies that have impressed me is Cash Up Records.
Since the label?s inception back in 2004, Cash Up Records? has sold 360,000 records and continues to gather talent to dominate the Hip-Hop/Rap scene in the Midwest, Nevada and California.
Recently, I had the pleasure to correspond with Cash Up Records? C.E.O. Talvern Highsmith and we talked about how he got into the music industry, what is he looking for in an artist and what other music genres he hopes his label can tackle in 2013.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested into music?
Talvern Highsmith: I have always written and participated in the art of poetry, for as long as I can remember.? However, I really started to format my poems into song structure when the late great Tupac Shakur was assassinated. ?Tupac?s musical compositions influenced me in every aspect of life. Tupac inspired me to dream for a better tomorrow! Not only for myself but also for the welfare of others around me. I grew up in the notorious west side of Toledo, Ohio.?? You had to make the decision quickly and that decision was were either you going to be a part of the problem or the solution!
So initially, I gathered some guys from my neighborhood and surrounding areas that society gave up on, paid a couple of local producers for beats and the use of a studio and those events lead to the birth of the first music group I created, Westbound.? Music gave us a voice and a sense of expression! Besides at the time, they were cutting so many programs for us kids in the inner-city If we didn?t create an outlet immediately I feel I wouldn?t be here today with you to conduct in this interview Jacob. So the motivation was poverty and disparity.
JE: How long did it take you to build your company?
TH: To be honest Jacob, the whole process has been years in the making. But ever since I decided to record my first song, I knew personally that I not only wanted to focus on the artist side but also the business side of entertainment. So I formatted my marketing plan behind successful independent labels like the No Limits and Cash Money Records of the late 1990s!
But it was not until 2004, after I was found not guilty of the two assault charges that were placed on me by Toledo Police Department that I took my cash and invested into an EP entitled ?My Life, Your Entertainment.?? Next, I had?a graphic designer create two logos.? One for 3rd Wind Entertainment and Cash Up Records for the film company and record label respectfully and the rest is history. ?
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Cash Up Records? artists are very loyal to their label and have assisted their fellow colleagues on multiple projects. (Album cover property of Cash Up Records)
JE: What are some of the most important things that you are looking for in an artist?
TH: Being that Cash Up Records started as a family orientated business model, the most significant aspect I look for in an artist is loyalty! I studied the downfall of the most prestigious record companies and unloyalty is the main factor that creates the death of a dynasty. We are also one of the few companies that till this day, still has an active artist development department in which we take pride in.? Cash Up Records is not just a situation where you submit your projects by electric mail; everyone aids and assists in every project! True indeed, it is a competitive environment but at the end of the day, everyone benefits from the hard work and criticism. ?At our record label, we understand the patients and communication it takes to break a new artist, but you have to understand, this job requires long hours, hard work and dedication, so a strong work ethic is mandatory!
JE: What do each of these artists bring to the table?
TH: Most of the artists have been working with 3rd Wind Entertainment/Cash Up Records for five years or more so they are all groomed for the industry and media friendly, plus the talent speaks for itself, that?s why people are gravitating to our movement.
If I could make an honest confession, Cash Up Records would not have taken off like it did in the marketplaces because it would not have successful without the effort of my younger sibling, Young B, a.k.a. Beezy 3D.?? When I got locked up for a year in 2007, Young B and Stoney Vasco held down the fort and did everything in their power to keep the label alive and I salute them! ?They are responsible for finding super group ?Live Ammunition? which consists of Domo Trump, Solo G, Young Trainer, Tew Cupz and Big Kash, who are responsible for that new wave of attracting to our label. ?To date, the respect factor is 100-percent and every studio session is very exuberating!
JE: Besides having a nitch in Smooth, Rap, Crunk or hip-hop, what other musical genres would you like to tackle??
TH: The label is very creative. Young B and I adamantly had a conversation about how he would?like to tackle pop & Dubstep.? Plus, miscellaneous international superstars are asking for assistance in ghostwriting, so we are sure to shine in 2013! Cash Up Records has diligently carved out a future for our upcoming artists.
Please understand that I?m a fan of music overall. I like all types of music. Hopefully this movement would open up avenues for all types of genres because we like to continue taking chances at the label.? ?Cash Up Or Die Broke? is our motto and for some of us, this has transcended into a way of life!
You can connect with Cash Up Records on several social media sites including Facebook and Twitter or to listen to some of Cash Up Records? tracks, you can go to their SoundCloud page.
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