music promotion model - capitol imaging group / cigmusic / alternativespin / rapvibe
i’ll have to come back to this one in some depth, but it seems the good people of 97 radio have new names to play under.
check out the previous material, and buyer beware.
Let me know so that we can sign up and fork over the money as soon as possible.
Comment by Brock — March 2, 2004 @ 9:43 pm
just send your money to me. once i figure out the least-likely approach to getting you a career in music, i’ll send them your money (with a kickback, of course).
Comment by roj — March 2, 2004 @ 9:51 pm
CIG is a whole new animal … run of course by former (or not) Talent 2K folks using aliases (this is nothing new). This new “service” promises a whole lot, using celebrity names with which they have no ties. The odd thing here is that I can verify artists that are being approached by companies such as Virgin Records and Lava.
Now the real poop is that most bands who sign up with this company generally get approached by a Chicago company called Infinity Music Group … for a hefty fee of course. While CIG CEO Corbin Grimes (a.k.a. Hooman Karamian) claims that he has no ties with IMG other than helping them get started, I’ve personally found evidence the company was actually registered in Orange County, CA. by Frederick Dominguez … who now goes by the name Ricky Donovan (also from T2K).
As far as the RapVibe thing … they are allegedly holding a summit in Chicago where the likes of Shady\Aftermath, Dreamworks and Interscope will be doing one-on-one showcases with 300 Rap artists at the Chicago Hilton. I’ve contacted all six of the Hiltons in Chicago and Shady\Aftermath and there is no knowledge of this summit.
I’ve been contacted by tens of artists looking for new answers that I currently don’t have, but I’m working on those. I have contacts in Dreamworks and Interscope (with whom Corbin/Hooman has a bad record) that I’m trying to contact … that’s the intel for now and I’m open to experiences and questons. Feel free to email me.
Thanx,
John Foxworthy
http://www.laaww.org
Comment by John Foxworthy — April 30, 2004 @ 2:21 pm
They got me too! RapVibe is a hoax. After 6 months of hearing nothing this Corbin guy, the week before my contract was to expire he calls. Out of the clear blue yonder he says ‘things are heating up’. I sent him an email to express my disappointment in him, RapVibe and to let him know that his days are numbered with selling dreams. His response was simply, “that’s funny. I’m sorry you feel this way. It’s not about the $. Sorry for wasting your time.” I told him he wasn’t wasting my time but his own and if it’s not about the $ then send me back the $ I sent him. No response back yet.
Comment by No vaseline — May 10, 2004 @ 10:42 am
that bastard corbin got my band with the whole IMG thing. however i do think that they actually send the cd’s out. i just think that if your not good ebough than they BS you.
We got wise about the whole IMG scam and refused the contract. that way they could not try to say they presented us with a contract. actaully they lost our sreet address(how professional. corbin calls me and tried to get me to send it to his e-mail but i didnt. 500 dollars isnt worth taking to court and they know that. If you really think your music is good enough for the big labels then sign with. but not for more than the $500.
Comment by greg — May 20, 2004 @ 2:55 am
Well, it looks like they got us too. We’re the Jane Crowe Band in Tucson, AZ and we’ve had nothing but the run-around from Corbin Grimes and Zac from Alternative Spin, AKA CIG Music. They haven’t done anything for us but take our money. They can’t even remember our address or phone number…gee doesn’t that say alot for their professionalism and their commitment.
Comment by Debbie Carlson — May 27, 2004 @ 10:55 am
Corbin Grimes with CIG Music called me on Thursday, May 27, 2004 and promises to pay the band back what’s do to them after he repays the bank for a music deal they’re doing within the next week. He called me again today, Friday, May 28, 2004 and said he saw my quote on this internet site and asked that I retract it. So, I will give Corbin the benefit of the doubt and retract what I said for now. Jane Crowe Band, Tucson, AZ.
Comment by Debbie Carlson — May 28, 2004 @ 9:07 pm
nah. i never said getting a record deal is “easy” - i have said several times that getting a record deal is bad for your career as a musician.
i’m very much on the record here, even though i haven’t done a lot of commentary on the business of music lately, so i’ll just leave you with this thought, mr. “cg” - you’ll have to do a lot better than “you people have no lives” if you expect to gain any credibility with me, ever.
Comment by roj — May 28, 2004 @ 10:54 pm
CIG \ Rapbvibe etc. is a complete SCAM. I did an investigation for a friend. All of their “offices” were a temp office agency (pay them $50 bucks a month and you can use their addressed too, and make it look like you are a real company.) The “contract” he offered from the “record label” was really from another of his front operations, but he acted as though they were an independent entity. The terms were a joke. Basically it was “you get a $50,000 advance, but FIRST you have to pay us $5,000″. He is a liar and a thief and hopefully will end up in jail where he belongs.
Comment by John — June 12, 2004 @ 6:52 pm
I take strong exception to the accusations that my company “ripped off” or “scammed” artists who used the services of 97 Radio and by implication Talent 2K. Our companies have strived to get artists airplay on radio stations and exposure to recording companies. The problems surrounding the Beach City Tour were caused by over zealous independent salesman and by a competitor, who through his website, sabotaged the Beach City Tour while it was still being organized. His false accusations have caused perspective participants to cancel which doomed the tour. We have refunded many participants who have paid in advance and are in the process of reviewing any claims that are sent to us. Finally, we are exploring our legal options to correct the record about our companies and to put a stop to the attempt to destroy our business and cause harm to the many bands that we have successfully promoted.
Verry Truly Yours,
Carlo K. Oddo
Talent 2K
17220 Boswell Boulevard
Sun City, AZ 85373
http://www.talent2k.com
Comment by Carlo Oddo — June 15, 2004 @ 3:06 pm
first, thanks for stopping by…
just two observations:
if you cancelled the “beach city tour,” then you should already know which “prospective participants” sent you money for the failed adventure, and you should be able to refund their money without waiting for a “claim.”
i have also yet to see any 97 radio success stories, but i have seen a large number of complaints - so if you could produce a couple of the “many bands” that you have “successfully promoted” that might go a long way toward addressing your problems with “the record.” so far the record seems pretty convincing.
Comment by roj — June 15, 2004 @ 4:57 pm
It’s odd that Oddo added this post to this particular story. For one, he has always disclaimed any affiliation with 97 Radio (other than actually starting the company) and it seems to me that CIG is a whole other entity … started by Corbin Grimes aka Hooman Karamian … or is it? Actually, Oddo’s statement is the same one he sent to Rolling Stone magazine regarding their story on the 97 Radio bogus tour scam … and YES it was a scam. If you subscribe to RS you’d have seen this same statement in the Letters section in May 27th Issue (RS 949).
The other interesting point is that we ALL know Oddo didn’t write this. He’s not the articulate type and has probably never used terms like “I take strong exception” … but more like “It’s all f*ckin’ bullsh*t!”
All I have to say to Carlo Oddo is “Your statements are completely contradictory of each other and of your actions. The more you speak out, the more you implicate yourself … I’ll loan you my dictionary if any of these words confuse you!”
Thanx,
John Foxworthy
http://www.laaww.org
Comment by John Foxworthy — June 15, 2004 @ 7:31 pm
Carlo,
Please provide names of real bands that any of your companies have actually helped. Then we, as musicians can confer with those bands ourselves. If you are a legitimate business then you would want otheres to see the success you have had. Otherwise you just look like a scam artist.
Comment by kiki — June 23, 2004 @ 1:46 pm
I want to make a full retraction of any bad comments I might have made against Alternative Spin dba: Capital Imaging Group and Corbin Grimes. Corbin has done exactly what he claimed he would do and he is honoring our contract.
Debbie Carlson
Jane Crowe Band
Tucson, Arizona
ganddcarlson@aol.com
http://www.janecrowe.com
Comment by Debbie Carlson — June 28, 2004 @ 8:56 pm
These are not accusations. I take STRONG exception to the fact that 97 Radio hasn’t hurt many bands over the course of the last couple of years. The latest scam with the tours was a blow to both the indie community and the intelligence of its artists. I’d like to take an opportunity here to challenge Oddo and his operations.
Carlo,
We see through the BS … 1200+ complaints to the BBB and thousands of posts on hundreds of sites can’t be wrong. That coupled with FBI complaints, news reels and a very interested AZ District Attorney seem to put you at the head of a very intense movement. I can prove that there was no “independent salesman” … rather a premeditated plan to rip off hungry bands.
My research, and your statements, puts YOU in the grease … so to speak. I’d like the opportunity to face off with you in a public forum where the gloves come off. I can compare my notes and hundreds of testimonials to your claims that your companies never ripped off anyone. Your publicist may be able to put an eloquent spin on things, but the fact is that the record speaks for itself.
I will be on the conference call at SpinMe.com. I’d like to make public our conversations to all the artists that depend on me for backup on this. If you truly have the balls and can give proof that all of 97 Radio’s victims were vindicated … I will post an official retraction with ALL of my sources. Otherwise, prepare for a fight. I will NOT stand by and watch this sh*t continue. T2K, Deftone and all of your other ventures are under scrutiny. With that I digress … meet me in a public forum.
John Foxworthy
Comment by John Foxworthy — July 1, 2004 @ 5:45 pm
give me my money now triple theart
Comment by lacoreywilliams — July 2, 2004 @ 2:44 pm
I have had dealing with T2K about a year ago for my Rap Hip-Hop Group, we were advised that our music was good and that they would shop our cd to major labels for a deal. They were to assign a represeitative to out group and to keep us abreast of the contacts that were made and sent out on our behalf. We did receive a few acknowledgements of who they sent our material to, but after numberous calls and emails, they sent our group a bullsh— from a label in CA, that wanted us to pay them. We never too the deal and I tried to contact T2K to get my money back for the no help record deal. Companies like that should be done away with.
Comment by Lorraine Y. Morales — July 7, 2004 @ 12:56 am
Carlo Oddo backed out of the conference call with Joe Taylor Jr. (http://www.spinme.com) stating that he was afraid the purpose of the forum was to “ambush” him. Aaaww poor Oddo. Just this one act tells me a lot and I’d like to make some observations:
Firstly, what does this say about Oddo’s claims that he did nothing wrong? I personally find it suspicious that with all the opportunities he takes to defend himself (usually by discrediting others) that he wouldn’t jump on the chance to clear the air and answer the allegations against him. What does he have to hide? Additionally, there were several big media folks on the call to ask him questions … heheh … seems like they’ll have a different story to write now.
That brings me to my second observation. The controversy surrounding Oddo and his companies notwithstanding, is this the kind of personality one can trust with one’s career? Think about it … he’s had many opportunities to use the major media to promote his company and his “clients” yet hasn’t taken advantage of this great resource. In fact he’s been ducking interviews with FOX, CBS, Rolling Stone and several other top media sources. Instead he refers everyone to his lawyer(who also isn’t answering anyone’s calls anymore). So, what is he doing to get these bands exposure?
Next I’d like to point out the fact that Carlo Oddo made an obligation to participate in this event. He subsequently pulled out at the last minute with some lame excuse. Oddo comes from the school of “ignore it and maybe it’ll go away” rather than facing up like a man. Besides the fact that this shows what a chickensh*t Oddo really is … it also proves what everyone has been saying about him all along. He’ll make promises he won’t deliver on … not can’t, but won’t.
Carlo Oddo is the last person I would hire to do ANYTHING for my band outside of sweeping up the stage after the show, even then making sure he didn’t steal the broom. The fact is he can’t back up any of the hype on the Talent 2K web site … not the experience, the contacts or the testimonials … and he hides under his rock the minute there is any degree of pressure. So far he hasn’t been able to produce ONE act he’s successfully promoted (except Good Charlotte, who has disclaimed any association with Talent 2K at all … ever). I find it all irresponible and unprofessional
Thanx,
John Foxworthy
http://www.laaww.org
Comment by John Foxworthy — July 9, 2004 @ 1:59 pm
I signed a contract with 97 Radio in November 2003. I decided not to instigate contact with 97 Radio prior to my contract’s six month expiration– much to my favor, I believe. Upon expiration of my contract, I had not received an offer. I attempted to contact 97 Radio for a refund; however, their web site, email addresses, phone and fax are now defunct. Thankfully, I paid the campaign fee with an American Express Card, a company that actively pursues fraud. In the dispute, 97 Radio submitted an alleged contract from Jet Speed Records Group Limited Inc. dated February 2, 2004, as proof of their fulfillment of contract obligations. Neither I nor my attorney have any record of receiving such a document, and the comprehensive list of name and date of submissions that 97 Radio provided, as per contract, did not include Jet Speed Records Group Limited Inc. Words to the wise from my partner, a famous musician: fold, spindle and mutilate any offers from 97 Radio and its affiliates.
Comment by Jeanne Marie — July 11, 2004 @ 4:18 pm
My band also had a bad run in with Corbin, after we filed a complaint with the BBB his response was that he would refund our money by the end of the month which was june well its now then end of july and still no refund. When I email him about this all I get is Ill check into it or ill get on it. We did an interview with a local news station here in Seattle and it aired on tuesday. Now no news station is going to air a story without checking all the facts and covering there ass. heres the link http://www.komotv.com/buyerbeware/story.asp?ID=32276
Comment by shawn — July 22, 2004 @ 12:18 pm
CORBIN GRIMES IS AN ASS!
Comment by dave jackson — July 23, 2004 @ 3:00 pm
Corbin Grimes spends more time reading what people have to say about him, than handling his responsibilities. After asking me to retract my negative comments about him, still no refund. 3 weeks after he said he sent it, I emailed him to say I hadn’t received NADA. His response was “Ohh you didn’t get it? I’ll send the next one via FedEX.” Anybody knows that FedEx doesn’t ship to PO boxes. If my comments could jeopardize your “industry relationships”, too bad, so sad. Build a bridge, and get over it! He told us that our “$300 don’t mean s#!t” to him but has yet to refund it. (Maybe it’ll get you a couple of bricks for the bridge) The s#!t you’ve started, will not just end here. That is not a threat but a promise. I vow to exploit your dishonesty, unprofessionalism & negligence w/ no end. I know he will respond w/ something bogus but who cares. You made your bed, now lay in it!
Comment by The Last Laugh — July 27, 2004 @ 1:12 pm
I met this guy in person; he’s a salesman. From the building, to the floor’s decor, to his prada shoes, to his office; nice office with a view I night add. He asked us to sit as he pointed over at the pictures and gold records of No Doubt and Linkin Park saying “we helped make that possible” (I wonder if their label’s know about that misrepresenation). Nice guy, just has a bad idea about ripping off people musicians. he must think that we are primitive or illogical thinkers. What, do we look retarded. I knew I wasnt buying into a for sure deal, that’s obvious. Record deals dont happen. What pisses me off more than anything is how were strung along and pulled into these conversations on how the “project” was really moving in the right direction and that many labels were showing some definate interest.
I guess I paid half a grand to be bullshitted.
I still keep in short contact with Corbin and have collected plenty of emailed responses from him within the last year. I received such responses as: “call me on friday” “the project is rockin” “should hear something nect week” and so on.
I too was offered the IMG contract, and when I asked the status I was told “the contract is on hold until we can find another offer”. As you may have guessed the other offer never came.
There may also be another player in the CIG/IMG game. A company named “On Set Booking”. Zach with OSB sets up shows across the nation and OSB collects all of the proceeds. Sure they help with printing the tickets, however, everything else is your problem. I told Zach his deal was bullshit and we never spoke again.
From what I gather I dont believe that Cameron Cohen works for the company anymore.
I think I might place a call to good old Corbin on that cell number i have or hell maybe even go to his CA or AZ office. I have the addresses to both. Maybe stop by with a couple friends too.
Comment by Nonny Mouse — July 29, 2004 @ 2:38 am
one more thing…Im calling AMEX tomorrow to dispute the charge. That should be alot easier than going out to one of his offices.
Comment by Nonny Mouse — July 29, 2004 @ 2:59 am
Rapvibe/CIG offered me a “shopping agreement”. It stated that for $300 they would represent me for 1yr. and refund my money if I did not recieve an offer by the end of the year. What they don’t tell you is that the offer could require you to pay the record company money or to buy copies of your own cd’s! So I told them that they would have to revise the agreement so that any offer that required me to 1. buy anything 2. pay anything or 3. was not worth atleast $25,000/yr. (after all production and marketing costs) would not forfeit my $300. So they said no problem, but what they sent me was… The only revision on the shopping agreement said that any offer had to be worth $50,000. Yea right !!… what, for 10 albums, or after I buy thousands of copies of my own material, or for any of the other number of loop holes that could be used with the wording of this contract! When he called a week later to ask if I got the “revised” agreement, I started to explain that it was not worded to my satisfaction. That it could not include any offers for me to buy or pay anything, or…… That’s when he hung up on me !!! I definitely dodged a bullet on this one, had to go Matrix on his ass!!
Buyer-B-Ware!!
Comment by C 'Quence — July 30, 2004 @ 8:21 pm
c ‘quence - you can see my “offer” in the original story about 97 radio - http://www.rojisan.com/blog/2004/01/music_promotion_model_97_radio.html - just let me know when you’re ready to sign up.
Comment by roj — July 30, 2004 @ 9:35 pm
All this negative shit about T2K is shit that any independant agency will go through.If im wrong and Talent 2000 is a scam I apologize to all of the furious customers,but until I have,or anyone for that matter has solid proof that Carlo and his gang of scurvy gutter-crawlin’ pirates are up to no good, mabey they should shut-up the slander, or call the police in AZ……..
Comment by mikey — August 2, 2004 @ 10:52 am
Dear Mikey,
If T2K or CIG are ever proven to be ligitimate by any of their hundreds of clients I will gladly issue an apology. Until then I wish you good luck in all your ventures with them, your gonna need it!
Comment by C 'Quence — August 20, 2004 @ 7:44 pm
FYI: Alternative Spin’s “Orange County Headquarters” with the great view is now vacant, and has been for a few weeks, or so I was told by a helpful innocent bystander in the building on the 17th of August 2004.
Anybody ever tried dropping in on their grand “Arizona Mission Control Center”?
If so, let me know, cause if Corbin is there, I know a few people that would like to take a road trip with me to pay him a visit so he can pay me back.
Bitch…
Comment by Slooth — August 25, 2004 @ 12:12 am
Corbin is a major liar point blank,also a thief and a greasy ,slimy bastard to boot. He took me for $500.00 and when he was supposed to give back my money he started calling and bullshitting. I just told him I wanted my money back. Been sinse april and ain’t seen shit!Well I gotta say this to you corbin you fuck head! You better hope I never meet up with you cause for $500. I would shoot you between the eyes and not think twice about it. I’m with the other dudes in this forum, you better watch your ass you little fuckin dick cause I for one am really pissed and thought more than once about coming out and making you dissapear! MIKE TONN (OUTLIER)P.S FUCK YOU CORBIN YOU GOD DAMMED THIEF I WORKED HARD FOR THAT MONEY!
Comment by mike — August 26, 2004 @ 11:13 pm
If anyone is interested in joining a class action lawsuit against this individual who stole money from starving musicians, Corbin Grimes, please drop an e-mail to trev00784@hotmail.com and make the subject line say “Class Action Suit”. Just include in the e-mail a way for us to get a hold of you, like your e-mail, a phone number, or address. We will call you if we can get a lawyer to take the case, but the more people’s interest the more likely, so please feel free to contact me.
I am also a victim, so I understand how much it sucks to be BSed, and will not do so…
Lets sue this bastard!
- Da Lawyer
[host's note: buyer beware. i don't know who this is.]
Comment by Da Lawyer — September 8, 2004 @ 6:11 pm
This guy’s been on my radar for some time now. I’m starting to get emails about him again … been rather quiet in my inbox over the last few months. Da Lawyer … you will have a tough time finding an attorney to take this case. I have had the same problem with trying to sue Carlo Oddo on behalf of the 400+ bands he ripped off with 97 Radio and Talent 2K (and also Corbin/Hooman’s former employer). I realize there are a lot more lawyers in California than Arizona, so you have a bigger pot from which to choose.
The other thing I noticed a couple of weeks ago was a BIG BOLD announcement at the top of the AlternativeSpin web page stating that “AlternativeSpin was being handed over to Spin Magazine to avoid a lawsuit.” Oddly enough, there was a point in time where the same crap was posted in the RapVibe “Member Forum” regarding Vibe Magazine. Now both sites are gone … RapVibe redirects to CIG Music.
Also, I was recently told by an artist that when he asked for his money back from Grimes/Karamian, he was told to call Spin Magazine because AlternativeSpin is no longer his. Now, I find this a load of sh*t. There are bands he’s worked with that he has obviously done something for … they have even told me in interviews that, through this guy, they are in contact with REAL A&R people from Lava and Virgin. Here’s the most likely scam: Corbin Grimes a.k.a. Hooman Karamian will attach himself to a band that’s pulling in large audiences, or that he thinks may have a real shot. Then he uses the money he gets from bands he has NO INTENTION of developing to hook up these bands … some have told me that he has put them in the studio and never asked them for a dime. This I find to be WAY outside Corbin/Hooman’s nature … this scam is the only explanation.
Additionally I have learned that he has much of the old Talent 2K crew:
Corbin Grimes (CIG) = Hooman Karamian (Talent 2K)
Joe Polizzi (IMG) = Joe Polizzi
Cameron Cohen (CIG) = Cameron Karamian (Hooman’s brother)
Andy Conlin (CIG) = Andy Conlin (Talent 2K)
Ricky Donovan (CIG) = Fredrick Dominguez (Talent 2K)
Now, for those of you who have received offers from IMG, it is a fact that IMG was registered in in Orange County, CA by Frederick Dominguez. It was only re-registered later by Joe Polizzi. Oddly, that is the same situation that exists with Deftone Records and the now defunct 97 Radio.
You will also find that these offices inhabited by Grimes/Karamian are actually virtual offices run by HQ Global Workplaces: http://www.hqglobal.com. Do a search of their database and you will find Tower Center.
I am working on a whole new article revealing all my findings, but you can read the core of the scam at: http://www.garageradio.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=744
I hope that in some small way this all helps.
John Foxworthy
http://www.laaww.org
Comment by John Foxworthy — September 13, 2004 @ 2:59 pm
Mikey,
I would like to point out that I have a list of over 400 artists that were duped by Carlo Oddo … both with 97 Radio and Talent 2K. He claims to have nothing to do with 97 Radio … then he implicates himself in every statement following that one. A lot of his “clients” had the same attitude as you do now … only to email me 3 months later wanting to jump on the lawsuit bandwagon.
Carlo will feed you a line of crap to get your money. Then he will mass mail your music on a compilation CD with 15 other artists and no info, track listing, etc … overall a really bad production. These, as we all know, go straight to the circular file. And, just so you know, every major label contact he’s given me to contact about him is either no longer with the company or wanted nothing to do with the subject of Carlo Oddo.
As far as the AZ DA … they are the least of his problems. He’s currently being investigated for federal offenses ranging from mail fraud to internet fraud and complaints are coming from all over the world! If you are looking for proof … email me. I have over 8MB of email on the subject!
John Foxworthy
http://www.laaww.org
Comment by John Foxworthy — September 13, 2004 @ 3:16 pm
IF Any of you need a refund From this BASTARD corbin Grimes and u paid by mastercard or any other credit card you can REVERSE the charge. Simply phone mastercard (or your credit card company) and have all the sites ready to give them on what a fraud they are, and explain what happened and they will GIVE you back the money and CHARGE this bullshit company since your Contract was not fullfilled. Soon enough everyone will know this company is bullshit and no one will use them until then Lets educate the poor inncocent people that this asshole may scan.
Keith
Comment by Keith — September 13, 2004 @ 7:10 pm
damn, I’m with rapvibe and I starting really look like a scam. But I’m not completely sold on it. I went to the Rapvibe summit and there were labels there that we spoke one-on-one with including Aftermath, Universal, Star Trak etc. Unless these were 40-50 of his friends acting like execs from labels, the summit was real. Here’s my thought. I actually received numbers from about 10 of the guys at the summit and they are actually legit. One example is I am in contact with Angelo Sanders @ Aftermath which he is on the Aftermath site. I also still contact Shawn Holliday @ Hitco/Def Jam. But here’s where I think everything is shady.. I think Corbin is bringing in people that he believes can get deals, as well as the people that are straight up garbage. I actually make good commercial sounding music and corbin has kept in good contact with me and I feel as if I will be getting a deal soon. BUT hey, I dunno maybe its all an illusion.. I’ll let you know how everything pans out for me.. I thought Corbin was a good guy…
Comment by M-T Soul — September 14, 2004 @ 6:41 am
Yall need to get a fuckin life and stop hatin on my boy! Just cuz yall can’t start up companies and make shit happen does,t mean you should be knockin somebody who was tryin’ to further your careers in the first place. I know Corbin Grimes and he’s real! RV RECORDS has now arrived and all you haters are gonna feel us when shit kracks off. Plus, the summit in chicago did take place so learn what the fuck your talkin about before you run your mouth! CG, I got yo back dogg, RV’s bout to blow. we gone shut these wack ma fuckers up for good. Holla!
Comment by LUNGS aka rated — October 4, 2004 @ 11:52 am
Just an update here … I’ve spoken to Spin/Vibe magazine people and their lawyers and it seems as though the rumors that Corbin Grimes was sued to stop using the names AlternativeSPIN and RapVIBE are true. This does NOT mean; however, that Spin Ventures has taken over the AltSpin client list. According to my contacts at Spin and Vibe magazines, the publications only sued to stop CIG Music from using their names in conjunction with the respective CIG programs.
I have received a few emails regarding this from now former clients seeking refunds from Grimes for the AlternativeSpin package and they are being referred to Spin Magazine to collect. THIS IS BULLSH*T. My main question is that if SPIN and VIBE both got a judgement for CIG to quit using their trademarks, then why isn’t Corbin Grimes feeding this same story to the RapVibe clients? Come on buddy … it’s not your clients’ faults you were shut down … pay the people back, man!
Comment by John Foxworthy — October 9, 2004 @ 9:47 am
the money’s already spent, john…
Comment by roj — October 11, 2004 @ 6:54 pm
I GOT NO PROBLEMS WIT CG, HE HAS DONE EVERYTHING HE SAID HE WOULD DO FOR MY GROUP. THERE HAS BEEN NO BROKEN PROMISES. IN FACT, A MONTH AFTER THE SUMMIT HE FLEW ALL THE WAY OUT TO MASSACHUSETTES TO MEET WITH US PERSONALLY TO DISCUSS BUSINESS AND UP AND COMING PLANS. SO THE WAY I SEE IT , YALL’S MUSIC MUST BE DOO-DOO! THATS WHY YALL GOT SHITTED ON! SO STOP ALL THE HATRED AND STEP YOUR GAME UP.
ONE1!
Comment by anonymous — October 13, 2004 @ 3:52 pm
what was you guys review on talent2k are they running a scam also they want me to sign a contract with them and im curious to know
Comment by chris — November 13, 2004 @ 1:09 pm
This same company scamed by sons band also for the $500.00. I guess actually, shame on us for not checking further. But, as parents of 19-20 year old band members, we realize that they are adults and have let them run their own business. Alternative Spin got them about 2 years ago for the $500.00, and the same thing, right before the 6 month contact was up they called to offer ” A DEAL”. By this time their SCAM information was all over the internet, so we wanted to thank all of you that posted. I guess $500.00 is better than $5000.00, but it is hard enough for bands to come up with Extra Money, not to mention have these types out there scamming on it….But, good lesson learned young enough in their career.
Comment by dclifton — November 16, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
I don’t know guys, for some who is suppose 2 be a con man corbin is pulling off some major moves, there throwing another summit in MIA, and I’ve met face to face to IMG reps, my suggestion is if think CIG is not real go to the summit and interview the label reps. I’m not really buying the scam thing its HARD to get on, and its gotta be hard for CIG to balence all these acts
Comment by brent jackson — December 3, 2004 @ 12:31 pm
Corbin is not a liar or a theif. I am a rapper from indianapolis, IN but i live in gary. Any of oyu mothafuckas wanna fuck wit corbin ya’ll gone have to fuck wit me and my click and we some headbussaz. CG you know them Thoroughbred boys got your back
Comment by young tech — December 8, 2004 @ 2:29 pm
Just a quick question:
The “Img” mentioned here, is it the same as Img music promotions and Imagine records?
Here are links to their sights..
http://www.imaginerecords.com/
http://www.imgmusicpromotions.com/
or are we talking about a different group?
I sent my cd to IMG music promotions and got a very favorable response, It would be nice if the dream were true and not a potential nightmare..
emac.
Comment by emac — December 17, 2004 @ 5:18 am
I’ll address a few of these. First of all, you all arrived here for a reason … mainly because you’re searching for some kind of answers.
Chris … Talent2K IS a scam. Carlo Oddo has been called to the carpet and he went down miserably flailing.
dclifton … Your story is like that of many bands and artists I’ve spoken with. I feel for you, but be glad you weren’t into CIG for more. I’ve talked to folks that are in the 5-digit range with no recourse.
Bret … I’ve learned through my investigations (and they’re extensive) that it really doesn’t take much to set one of these up. Reserving conference rooms is as easy as promising a hotel that you’ll fill “x” amount of rooms for the event. If you don’t deliver, no prob. Also, look at the fact that he’s charging artists to attend these … even look at the fact that he owes a lot of people a lot of money. It’s like a revolving account, where he takes from one source to pay another. I’ve only talked to 3 out of 16 attendees of the RapVibe Summit that may actually have viable contacts … what’s the ratio for the other few hundred rappers that went? As far as IMG … I can show you pictures and tell me if you recognize the reps. Chances are they’re known by different names to you than to the other people I’ve interviewed.
young tech … I won’t dignify your attempt at intimidation with a response … much. How much experience do you have with CG? Have you investigated him for the last year-and-a-half? Has he hooked you up with some miraculous deal that none of the other hundred or so artists that I’ve talked to were offered? Your response is as idiotic as your blind faith … do the math brutha … where there’s smoke there’s fire, and if you research a little harder you’ll find an overwhelming response towards the negative.
Thanx,
John Foxworthy
Comment by John Foxworthy — December 21, 2004 @ 11:57 pm
hi they’s called me serveral tyms this month asking to see if i am interested in their shoopin’ deal. $400 and they’ll help shop my music for 1 year and money back if none happends. But after re serching and reading what u guys had wrote i have doubts..anybody feel me in?..
Comment by yo.. — December 28, 2004 @ 10:37 pm
T-one Oakland ca, you heard my demo in las vegas
(510)677-3390
Comment by Anthony Hudson a.k.a. T-one — January 3, 2005 @ 1:52 pm
yep, i’ve had the run-around as well. the last time i talked to corbin was may of last year, when he promised to get my $300 deposit back. corbin, man, if you read this, please, i need that money. email me at prdgmshft@aol.com or call me at 323-687-3891.
noah grant
Comment by Noah Grant — January 5, 2005 @ 9:27 pm
I feel as though I have also been scammed by Corbin. I have definelty been looking for some answers and it seems as though I have been getting the run around. When I tried to approach Corbin with some of these accusations he simply did not respond. To the folks that are standing up for Corbin I understand because I too felt the need to do so. I was at the rapsummit. I beleive Corbin put on this summit to try to cover his ass. He wants us to think that he is something that he is not. Or can deliver when he won’t.I too met a lot of the execs there. Infact I received numerous business cards. But does anyone know someone who has actually been signed from the summitt? If you were an A&R rep wouldn’t you attend an event that was paid for and also make a little change on the side. Lets face it the artist were dressed better then 90% of the reps there.They looked as though they needed the money. The other 10% were probably there to showcase their own groups and meet other folks in the business. Did you notice that? I too was sappose to be a part of RV records. Note: Corbin said that he was selecting 10 artist for his label. But did you notice that the beats that he sent were sent to all who have access the website? Also I spoke to a couple of the other artist that corbin offered to sign to RV records. Not only have we all not received a contract to sign(including up fornt money) we are still waiting on dates for studio time. (A real record deal would have the plans laid out. If you were serious about putting out an artist then you would sign them so one else could) Which i think will not be happening.How can someone ask for $200 up front if he is going to sign you and he has been given $10 million to start his label. Also I found out from other artist that were not offered to sign with RV that they received the beats too. Corbin told them that he wanted them, to summit songs as well. How can this be when he origianlly stated that he was only taking on 10 artist.If i have been had then so be it. But beleive me when I say that Corbin will not have the last laugh.
Comment by uknown — January 14, 2005 @ 6:39 pm
i realize this may be a bit off topic but not too far from home. about a month ago i received a message on “myspace.com” where i recreationally posted snippits and experimental demos i work on. anyways, it was from an Erica who said she was from a group called ‘A&R Xposure’ (www.arxposure.com). i immediately got excited, but i have a habit of checking up on things being offered through the internet and reading this article has got me further paranoid. her myspace account claims she has worked with big names such as The Pixies, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. and her message to me stated their company was only interested in “quality” artists and that, because she checked out my music and liked it, that she would like me to submit my music to her talent staff board for review. i believed this would be free but in re-reading the message at the bottom the fee is $250. i realize that this isn’t an uncommon or unfair request among these types of groups but that makes me want to watch where i spend my money because it doesn’t come easy these days, especially when you’re putting it on your hopes and dreams. i’m not saying this group isn’t legitimate or untrustworthy yet i’m not sure since i’ve never done any of this before so i have a couple of questions. is there any real way to verify that these people are legitimate and in addition not backing out of promises made to bands they sign? also, has anyone worked with or heard anything about A&R Xposure, it’s staff, or affiliates if any? thanks for your help - Shin aka instiller
Comment by instill3r — January 26, 2005 @ 3:14 am
Yo… first off, let me just say that Corbin has scammed me like a mothafucka ! I hooked up w/ his bullshit scam last June. He got the $300 and has hit me with a few addresses to send my demo to, but I havne’t heard anything from a single label yet ! I’ve gotten a few bogus calls from cats in the Chicago area (pay attention ya’ll), which was where his summitt was and where his studio w/ Def Jam is suppose to be. Fuck the phone calls from the Chi area, cuz it’s shady and i let them know that i was on to their little deal. A few months back, they also approached me w/ signin to RV Records and he had purchased $50,000 beats w/ dudes from Def Jam and was gonna send them to me to do a track for the RV Records colabo album. So yo, i hit him off with the $200 he asked for to hold down my studio time. HAHA, now this motherfucka hits us all off w/ beats we can only get online (like the dude posted up before me)… and the best part of it is… THE BEATS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE $50,000 DEF JAM BEATS WERE ALL DONE BY THIS CAT NAMED ADAM CHERRINGTON aka The Wyshmaster, WHO IS ALSO FROM THE CHICAGO AREA AND IS AN UNSIGNED PRODUCER WHO LEASES OUT HIS BEATS FOR $10-$25 AND SELLS THEM JOINTS FOR ABOUT $250 FOR EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS. Then out of those 20 or so beats that were posted up, I already had 3 OF THEM JOINTS I GOT FROM THE WYSHMASTER HIMSELF ABOUT A YEAR AGO. And just for shits and giggles, I told Mr. Corbin “I’m a cock sucker” Grimes aka This aint my real name, that i needed him to mail me the beats on a cd so i could write to them and do my thing in the studio (pre production” like he wanted… months later and I STILL AINT GOT NO BEATS, BUT HE SUPPOSEDLY STARTED RECORDING JOINTS FOR THE ALBUM LAST WEEKEND.
So yo… Corbin, if your readin this you fake ass Pakistanian mutha fucker, fuck you and kiss my ass. If you need to jack UNSIGNED artist for $300 (in my case $500) to survive, then i guess you need the loot more than i do and that’s straight. Karma mutha fucka, KARMA. What you deserve WILL DEFINITLY come around to you, and you’ll get yours… that’s bet !
To all my peeps in the sruggle, keep your money and keep doin the damn thing on your own… and to the MASHEDY fans worldwide, I’m still here, and I will get mine, believe that ! I’m out this biotch !
P to the fuckin S - Corbin ( Karmanian ) whatever the fuck your name is … keep your ears to the street playboy, cuz there’s a banger of a track comin your way… and it’s kinda funny cuz it’s produced by the same cat who produced your $50,000 beats… peace ! I’m bout to have the whole NET screamin F-U-C-K / C-I-G !
Comment by Mashedy — January 28, 2005 @ 3:39 pm
Man the more I check this site out- the more vexed I get with the entire thing. Same song same story for me. I was approached by these cats from CIG stating that my demo landed on their desk by way of some unknown source. I started out getting calls every other day until I sent the fallus (money)-$600.00. I questions Corbin about the validity of this service because I’ve been at this thing for morethan 15 years. Of course you know that starving artist who are serious about their work usually submit to these acts not because we don’t think they are scam artist, but mostly because we looking and depending on hope for the best.
Corbin’s whole demeanor was that of shadiness and a week or two before heading out to the Rapvibe Summit, I somehow came across this site that I questioned and called Corbin’s attention to concerning his involvement with the previously mentioned cats all of you have spoken of. Corbin denied the entire ordeal of course. He stated to me, “Blue, I don’t like this person I’m hearing”, meaning because I was speaking with a serious tone and straight forward. I told Corbin that I’m real (Real Man) and I keep my word when it’s given, but I also give a man a chance when people bear so-called false witness against him as he stated.
I was given an address to send my demo to Scarface at Def Jam South by Corbin and I asked do I need to put his information on the package and he said no. I asked how would he know Carolina Blue then. Corbin claimed that this was his (Scarface’s) personal box and he would be expecting it. Come on man! That’s unprofessional and straight foul to think I’m ignorant like that. So many pleasing comments and swelling your head compliments were thrown at me on every call from Corbin and his crew. Understand real is real and real men speak truth with honesty.
The contract is bougeois because legally binding contracts have your legal name spelled correctly and not your stage name trying to legally bind you to a contract whether it be exclusive or nonexclusive. Anytime somebody tells you that you don’t have to give them fallus (money) from your deal if you get signed sounds strange from the start. The flowery talk in the contract is merely a finder’s fee for exposing you.
The Rapvibe Summit was alright but understand that all the cats were not really A&R’s from the legit labels. One or two cats are aquaintances of the real label cats. Truth be told, so of the cats were ignorant and didn’t really know how to assess the music. These were merely startup labels trying to sound big. Take it for what it’s worth, I used this summit to network with other cats. I met some real people there (artist).
Corbin told me outside the Entourage that the artist didn’t understand the business and that I was going to make it. I’m writing like this because I want you to feel how you get scammed calmly. So many cats thought this was an event to get signed.(Right!!!) No deals, no thrills!
After the summit Corbin told me he got a call about my musice from a cat with Timbaland who was really interested in my music. That’s good right? Wrong and I didn’t tell Corbin that I didn’t even get a chance to holla at that cat. Also, I didn’t even leave nothing on his table. This was burning inside of me but I just been playing the game like he and his crew has been doing. I’ve been talking to cats every since I been back from the summit and all of them been stating the same thing about promises of RV Records and contracts, flying them out to studio sessions, $200.00 deposits for holding studio spots, even copping beats from me. Check it out! I sent tracks like Corbin wanted and then he writes back and says he wants darker tracks I send them back now the excuse is that he been getting death threats. Next he really wants me as one of the main producers on the label. He wants me to produce some of the compilation album. Whoa! It’s been killing me when my people been calling me telling me how Corbin doing this and that for them. I been having to hold back discouraging them, because I don’t want them to feel that I’m hating on them because they still following the false dream. You see unlike probably most of you guys, I saved the emails sent back and forth from Corbin for the fact if anyone tries to attest my comments from CIG, I can post the remarks for all to see. Learn documentation brothers and sisters.
It ain’t that serious for death threats on the cat’s life. Three months have gone by and when I finish telling Corbin he didn’t hold up to his end of the deal by supplying a username and password for me to check the daily activity of my project. I went back to some original questions concerning him Talent 2K and he flipped telling me not to compare him to them and he would refund my money. Bet I told him to send my money since he felt he couldn’t fulfill the obligation. Like the rest of you guys- no money yet!
Peep this! Now I started getting calls from Robert Greene with Talent Unlimited and radio wave promotions all connected with Corbin right after I asked for my money back. They all got the same story about your music. They contacted some contacts I got out in California and pitched them the same way they pitched me. I was bugged and so were they when I told them to let me tell you how your conversations went with these guys so you will know that i was lying and they told me I was correct word for word. Robert Greene called Corbin a F—ing clown, but Robert Greene says he himself that he is responsible for 50 Cent getting his One million dollar deal with Shady and responsible for Ciara getting her $250,000.00 deal. That’s to crazy to even go into because all of you know the deal on that.
Bottom line brothers and sisters is this. Some of my contacts and my self have spoken to real executives at real Major labels and they have no knowledge of any of these cats. They also stated that Corbin got bad reps with alot of them. Scary ain’t it when this man is suppose to have your career in his hands. The real label cats stated, “If anybody calls you and asked you for money to get you a deal-you should hang up on the fake f–ks.” That’s there language and not mine.
Believe in yourself and don’t send no more money to any of these cats that claim you got what it takes to make it. If they feel that strongly about it, then they should be flying you out setting you up in the hotels and taking care of all expenses and that can be recouped from a real deal when they show and prove. To all of you that believe in this system that they propagate, that’s your choice, but just reread my comments and analyze your situation.
Corbin when you read this I’m open for conversation and my box is still open for my refund. You know that I been speaking real to you like this from day one. I could continue but I’ll check back later and I might get into it some more and tell you some other moments. I personally know people in the federal government that would love to bust people like this for fraud but i’m just lying low.
“All Corbin has to do now is just fulfill his speeches and I’ll gladly come on this network and make a public apology to him and his staff”!
Don’t be scared to use your real stage name when you post your remarks, because then Corbin will know who he is dealing with and may be he’ll call you with some realness. This is how you professionally handle business. “Call names but don’t name call!”
May Allah’s blessings be upon everyone seeking this dunya because we need to realize this isn’t it. Those of you who know me got my numbers -hit me up and we can talk. Excuse any of the typing errors in these comments because i didin’t feel like going back. Let’s move forward, inshallah. (Allah willing!)
Carolina Blue (North Carolina)
Comment by Carolina Blue — January 28, 2005 @ 9:39 pm
anyone and everyone who signed on to CIG or what ever company, took a risk no matter if he came threw or not. but what you should understand is that all this Bull sh– is a part of the grind
you are not grindin’ if you put all of your eggs in one basket, you are not guaranteed to get a deal from no one no matter how good you are!!!
and you are not guaranteed to have a perfect music career whitout someone tring to mess you over. your own family and friends will try to jurk you. for those of you who corbin didn’t pay back if you are up to age and you know about life and it’s situations once you have sent out that money you should know that you may not get that money back as agreed. you can send a 20 dollar rebate to a multi billion dollar company and still don’t see that money back
so stop b–ching and keep grindin’ all this sh– is small your grinding get’s you paid not your crying
Comment by Bigb — January 30, 2005 @ 3:17 am
I will post Corbins Adress and home phone number tomorrow. I’m even working on his social security number. So someone can screw him over. Lets see how he likes it
Comment by anthony — January 31, 2005 @ 11:33 pm
don’t bother, anthony, they will be deleted if you do.
i’m not interested in retribution or screwing him over - just keeping anyone else from falling into the scam.
Comment by roj — February 1, 2005 @ 5:45 pm
My name is Randall Rutledge and I had a bout with those cons Corbin Grimes and his partner in crime Joe Polizzi of Infinity Music Group. I have a bait and garden supply center of which I just relocated it from California to Oklahoma. However I spent several years from 1982 pursuing all avenues of the entertainment industry from acting, screenwriting, producing, songwriting, and music. I am a voting member of the Academy of Country Music , the Country Music Association, as well as the Grammies. I recorded my album in 2000 and released it myself on Orchard in 2001 and they weren’t much help either. Any way I signed a contract with Alternative spin Capaitol Imagaing group May, 2003 and recieved the same bogus contract a lot of you recieved I should have known better than to pay anything upfront but I didn’t and I gave Alternative Spin $500.00 and gave Infinity Music Group $5,000.00 and to date I have gotten $2,500.00 back but I don’t believe that I will ever see the remaining $3,000.00 that the scumbag Corbin Grimes owes me, he promised to pay and now says that he bought Infinity Music Group to make that company have more integrity, but how can he do that when he himself has no honor or intregrity. I told him since he is now over a month late with my final payments and he now says that he is not going to reimburse me the rest of it, I will now file against him with every State Attorney Generaerals office in every state that he does business in. as well as the Better Business Buearu, and the department of Consumer Affairs. as well as take him to court for $700,000.00 whcih is the amount stated in the bogus Infinity Music Group contract. Every one that has been ripped off by him should do the same against this lowlife. I will also monitor and see when this scum is going to be in Vegas or where ever with his bogus seminars and I will crash it and tell everyone publically what a con and thief that he is and trust me I’m from the mountains of Georgia and if I ever get in arms reach of that little parasite I will take his head off. I do not fear him and I will not retract this statement as anything that is true is not slander or defimation and I noticed on here before he scared a couple of people into a retraction well I will not retract anything especially since it is true. And if he wants to face me which I wish he would, I will make sure that this blood sucking insect never screws anyone over again.And I wish he would file a lawsuit against me then all I have to do is show up with all my proof and no out of pocket expence and I assure him he will lose against me in a court of law. As I financed my album and recorded it in Nashville and since Infinity Music Group had no investment and financed nothing and did nothing I was entitled to a full refund. Which like I said I have gotten $2,500.00 back but they still owe me $3,000.00 and Corbin is now refusing to answer my e-mails, I guess it is time for this ole country hillbilly to saddle up and go on a hunting trip. It is now open season on scumbags and there is no limit, anyone want to go hunting with me? I will be like a bulldog on a bone with this useless piece of crap corbin, I will destroy him and everyone like him that I come in contact with. I now will do music as a hobby and if any one claiming that they want to represent me ever contacts me again they better put money in me upfront as if they ask me for one dime they will have to have my cowboy boot surgically removed from their backside. So I hope you read this Corbin as you know I do not fear you one bit, did I fail to mention that I am also a two time international Tae Kwon Do Champion. well I am which is very bad for you, if I ever get close enough to kick you upside your thieving worthless head Corbin.I think that everyone who has been ripped off by this worthless piece of crap should join together and file a multimillion dollar class action law suit against him and everyone associated with this worthless scumbag.
Comment by Randall Rutledge — February 1, 2005 @ 6:20 pm
Hey for the real clients please email me if you have a problem. Matt@cigmusic.com
I mainly deal with the refunds and unlike other companies we do refund our clients, its only the ones that don’t get their money back due to contract issues that are having problems. As for the Summit all the labels who attended were the real deal and we don’t control whether or not they call artists back.
For those of you that actually support Corbin we really want to take the time out to thank you, because he is a rare person to find. Also the more the haters fire at him it creates more fuel to drive him. He is a busy man so if you are a real client and not someone looking to start false accusations please email me and I can address any concern.
Also Randall just so you know Corbin speaks very highly of you and if anyone is losing money on your deal its him.
Sincerely Matt
Comment by matt — February 2, 2005 @ 1:25 pm
i just want to welcome matt into this forum - I realize it’s not fun coming into the lions’ den with this sort of conversation evolving.
i never did get around to my own “full analysis” of the connections between all these organizations, but the personal experiences shared here do raise some unfortunate questions.
so, mett… thanks for stepping up, and assuming you are actually with cig music and/or corbin grimes, i hope you can resolve the issues brought up here.
Comment by roj — February 2, 2005 @ 4:07 pm
[removed by request of author]
Comment by noah grant — February 2, 2005 @ 10:14 pm
It seems like every time somebody talks to Corbin “all is being worked out”!, but be sure and let us know when “everything actually has been worked out”.
Comment by C 'Quence — February 3, 2005 @ 9:35 am
I spoke with Corbin yesterday and we refunded 3 people gladly. Roj I am only here to help and I will resolve the real issues. I wish they can come to me first before they post false statements. Matt@cigmusic.com
Comment by matt — February 3, 2005 @ 2:59 pm
Scam is a muthafucka. I have the right crew to recognize reallness and fakness. Things are on the other end now. What you do to us is what comes back around to you worser Corbin. The Summit show was unreal. Fake contracts and bullshit ass lies. Crazy Yo! Peep game hommie. Sleezy is consider a slut trying to hustle. My crew dont respect that and dont play by that rule. I learn from this scam and no one no’s what the future holds.
Comment by Jim — February 3, 2005 @ 3:46 pm
I didn’t catch your name, but I’ve been reading the entries posted on this website. Someone asked the question about anyone visiting Corbin’s office in Phnx. I have. I received a call from him and an associate of his. Good thing for me is that for one, I don’t trust…pretty much anyone, second…I’ve done my research over the years and the number one rule seems to be…if a company really wants you and sees the potential, they don’t ask you to pay a dime…they know the stereotype of the starving artist/musician, third…I got burned early on in my career so back to being hesitate. I live in Tucson, about 100 miles from Phnx but I commute for my job. When I received the call I told them…hey, I work in Phnx too so it wouldn’t be a problem to come see you. So after I got off the phone with him, I drove over there, I had to be in the area anyways. Well the office at the Biltmore Plaza is very nice…1st problem, CIG is not listed amongst the companies that are occupied in the building, 2nd…once I got the 7th floor the receptionist there told me she’d connect me to him via the lobby phone. I sell business telephone systems so I know how all of that works…he could’ve been anywhere in the world and still received that call, 3rd…they don’t want to meet until we have the money, even when at first he said we could meet anytime to go over the finer parts of the contract emailed to me. The contract was not that complicated to get a 3rd party explanation of it. It doesn’t seem to written by a lawyer…which all in all doesn’t mean much in court, but I’ve personally written contracts that would require explanations to the average joe. I guess since I haven’t had the “Corbin” experience I cannot honestly give one view or the other. Maybe this can be of some advice to anyone reading. Be hesitate to give your hard earned money away with hopes of a dream. Do your home work and investigate these types of situations as much as possible. Even their website is very good compared to other scam-type sites, but if you’re on the web enough…emailing, going to real sites, personal sites, paying bills on-line, you start to get a good sense of real and bogus sites. But on the CIG site, there’s too much quotes from articles that famous people have said, pictures of Corbin with famous people…but not specifically at his offices or any of his events, shit I’ve met a lot of famous people in Phoenix, Vegas & LA too…so it wouldn’t be the hardest thing to attend these types of functions hoping to get a few pics to put on your site since there’s nothing legally wrong with that since they are his personal photos. Personally, I had a hip hop group for 4 years…my partner and I did all the production, writing and performed with Snoop, Master P, DJ Quik, Too Short, Pharcyde, Slick Rick and others, not counting the tons of local shows in Tucson & Phoenix — been to summits and seminars and I have local music from all over the U.S. and I believe that we rank higher than alot of what I’ve heard…but this is a rough business despite that. What I’m getting at is this…as much as I want it to work, and as much as I know our stuff is a lot better than others (not just my opinion)…I’m truly not interested in having someone take my money. If CIG is legit I’d like to see some real proof as well.
Comment by Blaque Madjik — February 9, 2005 @ 5:09 pm
I have not got one email from anyone on this board! Who is for real?
Comment by matt — February 9, 2005 @ 5:37 pm
and now the plot thickens. apparently corbin’s made good on a few commitments and resolved a few outstanding issues. despite my encouraging people to share their positive stories, i’ve been asked to remove material from this page, and i’m fine with that. i’d prefer to leave the record intact, with updates on positive stories - for obvious reasons. if the business is legit, or if the practices have changed for the better, i’d prefer to have that information available for people who find their way into this space.
but, at noah’s request, apparently at corbin’s request, i’ve removed two posts. noah’s apparently reached a successful resolution, and i’m glad it worked out.
that said, i just got the following message, apparently from corbin himself:
“Roj you picked the wrong person to mess with.. good luck my friend..”
which reads an awful lot like a threat to me. i do not respond well to threats.
Comment by roj — February 9, 2005 @ 8:45 pm
i guess there’s really no point in waiting, so i’m going public now. getting back to my original statement:
“i’ll have to come back to this one in some depth, but it seems the good people of 97 radio have new names to play under.
check out the previous material, and buyer beware.”
now, just in case anyone would like to take issue with my associating corbin grimes and/or cigmusic with 97 radio and talent2k, i’m going to direct your attention to this page: http://www.cigmusic.com/rates/southbeachmusicconference.html
where you will find this image: http://www.talent2k.com/html/label%20logos.gif
that’s enough for me to make a connection between cigmusic (as cigmusic.com) and talent2k (as talent2k.com).
the rest of the material here are stories and opinions from people around the internet that generally came to my space looking for information on corbin, cig music or one of the affiliates.
i’ve invited and welcomed positive experiences with cigmusic - to the point that i even encouraged noah to add to his story rather than have me remove it. i also want to direct your attention to my feb 1 and 2 comments.
corbin crossed the line by making a threat directed at me. that means i’m no longer neutral on the corbin grimes / cig music issue. my advice is no longer “buyer beware.” my warning to anyone coming to this space is, “do business with corbin grimes and/or cig music and/or rapvibe and/or alternativespin and/or any other affiliated entity at significant peril.”
corbin apparently wanted noah to get me to remove the comments he made about cig music in this space.
well, i tried to provide a fair and resonable opportunity for cig music to respond to and address the concerns and comments here (i refer you again to my feb 2 “welcome” comment). but corbin came after me with a vague threat, and encouraged noah to withdraw his negative comments about cig music, so i’m removing all of the comments from cig music as well. for the record, “matt@cigmusic.com” has left three comments in this space and presented himself as a resonable individual who was genuinely interested in resolving some of the issues brought up here. i tried to play this right, but corbin just wouldn’t let me. sorry, matt. your boss screwed you. cig music, its employees and affiliates are no longer welcome in this space.
corbin’s behavior toward me is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.
update: i’ve also removed three comments from corbin posting as “cg.”
Comment by roj — February 9, 2005 @ 9:59 pm
See this don’t even make any sense! All of these guys coming on here telling Corbin” Ize gotz ya back dog” WHY? WHO ARE YOU? I’ll tell you who you are! Your nobody! Corbin (IS) a thief and a Liar POINT BLANK! He stated in our contracts that we would get our MONEY BACK and we DID NOT! It’s not open for debate! It’s a FACT! That in itself says that he is a thief and a liar! As for you guys saying that we are just complaining because we suck and should tuck our tails and walk away. Well I say” who are you? You must suck too cause I have not heard you on the radio yet and most likely never will!Why because most likey you suck worse than us guys that are giving the heads up! I did not use any stage name nor am I hiding from any one! I simply wanted that prick corbin to know that he is pissing alot of people off. It’s no wonder he’s getting death threats! You can’t go around being a crooked thief for very long in the wide open or someone is going to pay you a visit! If i were you I would always be looking over my shoulder! What do you expect you slimy crook? A pat on the back and a hand shake while we limp around and try to walk after you no lube screw job all of us! Get a life and a real job you Dick!I hope you go to prison as well! But I would like to see you get the shit beat out of you first!
Comment by mike — February 10, 2005 @ 3:27 pm
Corbin you are about one of the stupidest criminals ever! You had the nerve to put up pictures on your site of yourself. Now everyone knows who to look for. You’re gonna need all that $ you’ve stolen, for plastic surgery and/or hospital bills. Keep watching your back and sleeping with one eye open. No need to send me threatening emails either because I stay strapped and down for whatever.
BEWARE of the new monster: ‘Talent Unlimited’ out of Atlanta,GA. Obviously, Corbin has passed on some of your cd’s to them. They call playing your music in the background. Give you the story about how they helped 50 & Ciara get there deals. NEGATIVE!! Then go on to ask for $350 for attorney fees.
Comment by no vaseline — February 10, 2005 @ 6:17 pm
Hey,
This is in response to instill3r’s post about A&R Xposure. I was approached back in October on MySpace by the group, only “my” person’s name was Brandon. The total cost of business ends up being around $3,000 when everything’s said and done, and it sounds an AWFUL lot like these other two groups here.
I’ve been searching all over Google for this guy Brandon or the company and this was the closest I’ve come to anything on them.
What I’m planning on doing is asking for:
-5 or more references, then calling and asking what the company did for them, how did they help?
-Success rate…if they’re good there should be a % percentage
-Credit check
If everything’s legit I don’t think I should have much of a problem getting the info. If the tone of voice changes or he gets defensive, I’ll know that their company isn’t reputable enough for me to work with.
Also, since the overall cost is gonna be $3,000, I’d seriously consider hiring a private investigator to check it all out. That only costs $100 and could save me thousands of dollars and frustration.
Anyone else heard of this company? Same promises as the other ones.
Comment by platinumpuma — February 10, 2005 @ 7:38 pm
i’ll go ahead and save people the trouble, since the traffic here is pretty high, and presumably they’re looking for information, here’s some of the public record.
better business bureau report cig music:
http://www.data.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=phoenix/phoenix/showrpt.html?zid=29000109
better business bureau report talent2k:
http://www.data.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=phoenix/phoenix/showrpt.html?zid=9001272
komo news report on cig music:
http://www.komotv.com/buyerbeware/story.asp?ID=32276
i’m just going to reiterate, for the record, that komo’s independent investigation of this matter included this statement: “Our check found Alternative Spin has done business under at least three different names, including Capitol Imaging Group and Talent 2000.”
i’m going to treat that as independent confirmation of the facts presented in my original statement.
Comment by roj — February 11, 2005 @ 1:34 am
corbin is apparently pressuring people to demand removal of material from this thread as part of his “terms” for refunds:
“I just recieved final payment from Corbin, so I am demanding that my post be taken off your website as I told him I would have it removed from your site once I recieved full payment so he has now kept his word to me on full reimbursement so now please take the blog off your site so as I can keep my word to him”
i’ve got a few things to say about that.
first, i’m not party to any agreement between corbin grimes and anyone that’s posted material here, so neither of you should be making promises on my behalf.
second, if corbin owes you a refund based on the cigmusic guarantee, that doesn’t make it my business.
third, i will only consider requests that are made in a polite and respectful manner.
fourth, until i see a formal apology from corbin grimes and a retraction of his threat (vague though it may be), the only basis upon which i will honor requests to remove material from this thread is demonstrated factual error. i (and only i) get to decide if you’ve successfully demonstrated a factual error. sorry, but otherwise everything here is important to keep on the record for my own protection.
fifth, for anyone considering doing business with cig music, corbin grimes or any affiliate or new names they operate under, consider this behavior very carefully when you decide to do business.
that’s about all the time i feel like wasting on corbin for now. i return the platform to the rest of you.
buyer beware.
Comment by roj — February 11, 2005 @ 2:00 am
Actually Roj, KOMO’s info is flawed. CIG never did business under the name Talent 2K. Corbin Grimes used to be Carlo Oddo’s “VP Of A&R” and was obviously the brains behind the entire operation. At that time he was using his real name, Hooman Karamian.
I’ve found that most of Corbin’s new crew is/was employed by T2K and many are using aliases, which is not a new tactic for these guys. I’d also like to address a few of the other things that have been brought up here.
First, regarding the downtown Phoenix office. You won’t find CIG listed in the building directory because they only have a “virtual” office space. The 7th floor of that complex is actually leased by a company called HQ Global Workplaces. They provide a mail drop, phone services and conference rooms for companies that want to front a larger corporate appearance. In fact, all CIG entities are addressed at this company’s offices … including IMG in Chicago.
Next, I’m hearing a lot of new names coming out of CIG, but given their tactics in the past, I have to assume that these are all the same people using new names. Here is the alias info I had originally:
Corbin Grimes (CIG) = Hooman Karamian (Talent 2K)
Thomas McManus + James Bennett (97 Radio) = Mark Kingston (97 Radio) + (Corbin/Hooman?)
Keegan James (97 Radio) = Keegan Lowe (Deftone Records)
Joe Polizzi (IMG) = Joe Polizzi (IMG)
Cameron Cohen (CIG) = Cameron Karamian (Hooman’s brother)
Andy Conlin (CIG) = Andy Conlin (Talent 2K)
Ricky Donovan (CIG) = Fredrick Dominguez (Talent 2K)
Interestingly enough, I had asked Joe Polizzi if he knew Carlo Oddo about a year ago. His answer was “no.” The truth is that they grew up together in the same neighborhood in Chicago. He also told me he’d never heard of CIG at that time, but I have gotten info from three different sources that Grimes’ girlfriend (or ex-girlfriend) was actually Polizzi’s daughter … I haven’t been able to verify that.
To take the CIG/IMG connection even further, the IMG was actually registered in Orange County by Fredrick Dominguez … coincidence? I think not. As far as the other labels CIG supposedly works with, I’m waiting for confirmation on a few calls I put in yesterday, but I do know that Dreamworks no longer has a Record Division … according to them. It’s amazing that a company with no Record Division will have A&R reps attending a music conference.
So, what about the RapVibe Summit? In my search for facts surrounding that I found out some interesting info:
Pulling it off wasn’t that difficult. Hotels and resorts will hook you up with a conference hall for free if you guarantee its attendees will occupy so many rooms. If you don’t fill the rooms, the hotel bills you … but you can stiff them.
Corbin’s A&R “executives” (if they were really from these labels at all) were actually nothing more than interns. A&R execs don’t normally attend these things personally … especially if they’re thrown by an unknown, unproven entity like CIG. Grimes claimed that he was footing the bill for airfare and lodging for these guys, which may be true. But, looking at the number of people that have been bilked by CIG, I’m going to assume that’s where the money went.
Furthermore, an artist who attended the Summit recently contacted me. He says he hung around until after everyone was leaving and, according to him, the stacks of CDs submitted to these guys stayed behind … your music most likely never made it past the listening tables.
Another artist who claims to have been burnt by CIG recently contacted me. Unfortunately, he also forwarded our correspondence to CG and this action brought about a very un-cooperative Grimes. I wanted to interview him for my next article in the hopes that he’d answer to all these accusations. He copped out under the pretense that all of my interviews are one-sided.
“All” of my interviews? Most of the interviews I’ve conducted during my career were with bands and industry people, save for my “Song Shark” series where I confronted T2K and 97 Radio “execs” with the allegations against them … then printed their responses in their most unadulterated form; fair and unbiased. After this he commented that I should “step up and be a man.” Hmmm … I usually follow my own advice, so how ‘bout you Corbin?
Lastly, let’s address the issue of CIG and T2K as the same entity. At this point I’m still undecided as to the validity of this theory. While it’s true that Grimes/Karamian used to be the brains behind T2K and The AltSpin/RapVibe programs DID follow the same exact model, every conversation I’ve ever had with Grimes and Oddo ended in the censure of each other. This could be a smoke screen to deflect suspicions and CIG DID start operating heavily after 97 Radio shut down in Feb. 2004. There are also many other incredible coincidences surrounding this anomaly:
CIG and T2K have the exact same list of labels on their sites.
An Alternative Punk band from L.A. claim to have been introduced to Carlo Oddo as the CEO of CIG during a benefit show they were doing.
When 97 Radio was still in operation, they used the same “virtual” office companies to house their offices … in fact, Deftone Records (Oddo’s vanity label) still does.
CIG consistently uses graphics located on T2K’s server. It also appears that they use (or used) the same hosting company, which may or may not prove anything.
Corbin Grimes seems to be VERY up-to-date on Carlo Oddo’s activities … to much so for someone who claims to loath the man and is also supposedly in mortal fear of him.
The Joe Polizzi connection is a gimme … so it’s a safe bet that the T2K staff working for CIG is too.
The one that really baffles me is the fact that Grimes is operating out of Phoenix and Chicago … Oddo’s playgrounds.
You can draw your own conclusions here, but I’m not convinced either way as of yet. There are a lot of undeniable facts pointing to “YES,” but I still can’t get past the hate between these two guys … maybe a great con, but I also have to ask why they’re always passing info about each other on to me. I’m talking about incriminating stuff too. I’ll stay middle-of-the-road for now.
In my opinion, everything Grimes does is a scam. So far I can’t find anyone whose career he’s helped. There has been a recent explosion of artists contacting me because they want their money back. Grimes has said, on several occasions, that all they have to do is call him and he’ll refund their money; however, he still owes a lot of cash to a lot of folks.
Regarding AltSpin and RapVibe: in the summer of 2004 SPIN/VIBE filed a legal action to get Corbin/Hooman to cease and desist use of their trademarked names in his operations. My contact inside of Vibe told me it was because they had become aware of illegitimate activity associated with these ventures; however, their legal team’s official stance was copyright infringement on a trademarked name. After Grimes complied, he began referring artists to SPIN/VIBE for refunds under the façade that these were no longer his businesses.
All in all, this is turning out to be exactly like the T2K/97 Radio scenario all over again. We can do what we can do to put them out of business, but if it’s true that all these companies ARE the same entity, they’ll just pop up later as some other company and start all over again.
Thanx,
John Foxworthy
http://www.garageradio.com
Comment by John Foxworthy — February 11, 2005 @ 11:29 am
Dam it would be nice if Corbin sent my money back to me as well! Gee it’s only been a year! Whats the point Corbin Slime? Everyone knows your momma raised a crooked thief , liar! If you were on the up then you would take care of business in timely fashions! Your a Bullshit artists man! I think that you have been lieing for so long that you actually believe your own Bullshit now! You’ve been exposed and your petty threats to retract statements on this site are so childish. I don’t care if you would double my money back, I still would not retract my opinion of you on this site or anywhere else. Your a fuckin thief and most likely a discrace to your family name which is most likely why you changed it! At this point I would pay another $500.00 to watch you get the shit kicked out of you! Some one, some day is gonna fuck you good! Enjoy the money you took from all of the hard working musicians cause one day your time will come and you will end up like Tu pac!
Comment by mike — February 11, 2005 @ 2:14 pm
All my name is Alberta my stage name is Lil’A. I am the one who posted the comments on January 14, that begin (I feel as though I have also been scammed by Corbin). I also know Carolina Blue who made a recent post here. Everything that Carolina Blue and I have posted on this website is actual facts. If you look at the CIG website( http://www.cigmusic.com) in the press section you will see a picture of me at the rap summit (if it doesn’t get removed before you read this)so i know what I am tlaking about. I met a lot of artist there and all l of our stories are consistent. Matt at CIG i will be contacting you about my refund..however I feel as though it is a waste of time since you have yet to contaat Carolina Blue about his refund (by the way I was copied on the email he sent you). I got a call from talent unlimited shooting me bullshit as well. I approached Corbin about this and he basically stated he had nothing to do with it. (how many lies must one endure) Anyhow anyone that wants to get in contact with me can email me at swanntanette@yahoo.com. Corbin and Matt I want my money back!!!!!
Comment by lil' a. (alberta) — February 11, 2005 @ 2:20 pm
Corbins the truth were flying out to record in chicago…..everything he says if ligit……i went to the summit in Chigago as well and from that is talking to sony/urban……..stayed in a executive sweet on the 23rd floor at a hilton for 70$ a night(im sure it cost a lot more, much more)cab driver said about 800$…….Now thats not all haters.we went to a club(dennis rodmans old club) and there was an open bar….and a open henny bar…….met with many reps….WHAT, ALL YOU PEOPLE THINK THAT JUST CAUSE YOU SIGN UP WITH A TALENT AGENCY YOUR GOING TO GO RIGHT TO THE TOP….nonono they just are going to put you in the right direction….im tired of looking at these stupid blogs and hate hate hate….you understand what record labels saY….WE ACCEPT NO UNSOLICTED MATERIAL.that means you need these guysor your own lawyer, just for them to even look at it..the only company that still take demos from the public is TVT record so try your luck……but you understand the way the game works now right…if not figure it out…..
Corbin Grimes is the truth ive never been mislead by him and i did pay….and i have seen results not signed yet but is talking with a major that worth the measly money i put up….
get a life haters and buy the new Rv records album we’ll be on it(and Buy some stock if you were smart)…i got your back CG
Oh yea fuck you Foxworthy(Dude’s a fake Journalist trying to get hits on his corny garageradio web site)
Comment by Rv Artist — February 17, 2005 @ 5:04 pm
EA sports sux corbin sux they ripped off our local cd and gave ideas to ea sports and snoop. for that new need for speed no copy rights huh? I got you snoop ea, corbin im working on my new album. grimes wit a name like that I shouldve known …………email me for that new alubm AS GHETTO AS IT GETS all the facts r there MA. is gonna know the truth stormridaz598@yahoo.com
Comment by MORTAY — February 18, 2005 @ 8:16 pm
Hi
I just have a few questions.
Is this http://www.IMGMUSICPROMOTIONS.com
I have just had a review by these guys they say Im ready for promtion and Im good enough etc etc.I’m not parting with any cash because Im quite poor and cant throw away $300 dollars or whatever that equates to in british stirling (Im from england)without knowing that IMGMUSIC PROMTIONS is genuine.
The adress I have is
IMG music promtions inc
Box 24035, 2202 Broad street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 4J8
Canada
anyone heard of Tyra Danielle
Thanks
Comment by simpson — March 3, 2005 @ 6:52 pm
Simpson, Never send money to anyone for the sake of furthering your musical career! So many people told me I would get ripped but I jumped in anyway headfirst because I believe in my music! Money up front will get you no where fast and make the the person recieving the money richer than shit while they sit at home and watch the telly and check the post each day for more incoming cash!Your better off to take your coin and make CD’s and hand them out at Gigs!Learn from our mistakes trust me!
Comment by mike — March 7, 2005 @ 6:22 pm
What Mike said about Talent Unlimited aint no joke. I got the EXACT same game ran. Got a call from a guy name HERB BANKS. I was leary of the scam so i asked a lot of questions about the industry because i had read a lot of books. On the real, they did not come off as the most professional company, but I figured they were a smaller company trying to do their thing. I wasn’t gonna hate on that too much. Coming originally from Detroit, I understand that. The only reason why I gave them the benefit of the doubt at all is because I sent my demo to only 8 labels (Bad Boy, Aftermath, Shady, KOCH, Def Jam, Roc-a-Fella, and, Doggy Style and Star Trac). I paid to join an online company to get REAL contacts (HitQuarters.com). I did everything i’ve read in books. I called the contacts to get permission to submit my demo. All but KOCH had automated v/m recordings that gave info for submitting demos. I got a live person at KOCH who forwarded me to the contact’s office…but had to leave a voice mail. I mailed off my packages professionally and according to each label’s specific instructions. That was in November 2004. Then in January, I get the call from TALENT UNLIMITED. I told the guy to let me think it over and get back to him in about a week. He encouraged that and was fine with it. I did a bunch of searches for TALENT UNLIMITED and the only thing i came up with was some high school with that name. So I went to the company’s site to look around(Their site looked like it was still under construction, but i let that slide a bit too). I called Herb back about 1 week later to see if he’d remember me. He didn’t recognize my government name, but when I gave him my professional name (A. Bump), he remembered. So I wanted to try a little test. I asked him what made my demo stand out to him…which songs did he like and why. He scrambled around about 5 seconds and next thing i hear is my music booming in the background. He was telling me the songs he liked and why right there on the phone with me. I figured it was a better chance of him being legit since i knew i’d only sent my demo off to legit labels and contacts and he actually had my CD. So I asked how he got it. He said they get so much music by so many different places, that by the time it ends up on his desk, he’s not sure where it came from. He said labels give them CDs for them to find deals for. He claimed his ‘team’ listens to music all day and look for a “diamond in the rough”. They play it for the rest of the ‘team’ and if they all like it, they pass it along to HERB BANK to make that special phone call. OK, still sounds a bit shiesty, but I could not deny HE HAD MY CD IN HIS POSSESSION…so obviously he had to have gotten it legitamately from one of the legit labels i sent it too. He said his ‘team’ meets with 2 different labels a week (Tues and Thurs) for the span of the contract (6 months). The contract is simple and asks for 20% of your signing bonus when a deal is negotiated. He said he needed the $350 (by money order) and the contract signed and returned because he wanted to get my package ready for “Tuesday’s meeting with Capitol Records”. I purposely did not send it right away because I wanted to see how he’d act in the next phone call. I called the next week to gauge interest and he was still interested. Requested I send a few more songs, a head shot, and a bio. I figured if he’s just in it for the con, then he wouldn’t really care about the other stuff he requested. So I finally gave in and sent the money and stuff he asked for. To protect myself a bit, on the contract, by the part they ask for your signature saying you won’t try to sue them, i wrote in (As long as Talent Unlimited conducts thier business as agreed upon). Herb said after they recieved it they send a copy back with the (adjusted) actual date of the start of the contract to make up for the 2 or 3 days mailing time. A week goes by…no word from HERB BANKS. I call and all i get is the ‘company’s’ v/m that has no option for you to hit a persons extension. Basically, if no one answers to pass you, then you will NEVER speak to a person there EVER again. It’s like as soon as they got my money, they locked my number on “don’t answer if he calls”. After 4 more days of them refusing to answer the phone, I get a call from a guy named Robert at TALENT UNLIMITED (obviously after seeing my number on caller ID and having a need to pacify me temporarily). i missed the call but he left a message saying they were planning to meet with and play my music for Bad Boy and Virgin…was just giving me a heads up. I called him RIGHT BACK at the number he called me from (a different one than their main number main- 404 419 2274…good luck) after recieving that v/m and the number he called from gave a recording saying the number was disconnected. WTF??? I called 3 times…same message. must be an outbound call only type number. Anyway, it’s been over 1 months since i send my money or heard from them again. I’ve left several message and have recieved no call back. So now i find this site and Mike called it exactly how it went down. Since this is the only other site that came up when i did a search for “TALENT UNLIMITED”, I figured I’d call those fake muthafuckas out here in case the next artist trying to do research on them before getting jerked will hopefully read this ahead of time and save him/herself some dignity and loot. Their lame ass website is TalentUnlimitedUSA.com
If HERB BANK, ROBERT or even the sexy voiced v/m lady read this, all of yall can kiss my ass. Watch who you scam. That aint a threat…that’s just good advice.
A. Bump (bumpin@Gmail.com) -Inland Empire, CA
Comment by A. Bump — April 5, 2005 @ 5:46 pm
this should clear up any questions about Corbin and his business. check out the Better Business Bureau report. Nuff said
http://www.data.bbb.org/phoenix2.asp
[editor's addition: a more direct link is here http://www.data.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=phoenix/phoenix/showrpt.html?zid=29000109 ]
Comment by A. Bump — April 5, 2005 @ 8:19 pm
well on talent unlimited I always get through
but I also went through the same process but they do return my calls and I speak to a guy named jay blackmen Im suppose to be metting him In Atl.. to do a tv show well lets see
Comment by c a — April 8, 2005 @ 5:06 pm
I got contacted by CIG “Jake Conners” today. I knew right away it was a scam. The BBB website shows their poor ratings. I e-mailed him this and he sent back an insulting “you guys suck anyways” e-mail. Funny since they e-mailed us first.
Comment by Bennet — May 3, 2005 @ 9:58 pm
I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ROBERT GREENE AND TALENT UNLIMITED PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Comment by Essentials — May 9, 2005 @ 5:03 pm
yeaaa your boy mortay been making moves witout that grimey mut@#$?% the hood got my cd and they lovin it did all on my own thats whats up. got on the radio a few times im now working wit flatline records. to all who r trying to get on do it on your own!!!!!!!! I dont need the MAN to tell me im hot when they dont know hiphop.yo CArolina Blue r you male or female im looking for a singer for this new cd stormridaz 3. holla if you wanna do this for real. stormridaz598@yahoo.com 1foedablock!!!
Comment by Mortay — May 21, 2005 @ 3:16 pm
Today jake phoned me to say that he was in the process of putting together a showcase in nyc in the next few weeks. He also went on to say that he received my demo and that it was good. I have no doubt in my talent but after reading all the E-MAILS from the many people he scammed I”ll pass on the offer. Besides who have $350 to give away. I’ll Have to just keep on shopping my own materials.
Thanks to everyone for the 411………………
Comment by kali — June 1, 2005 @ 9:08 pm
I REPRESENT AN ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN APPROACHED BY TALENT UNLIMITED USA IN ATLANTA. I NEED TO KNOW IF CG IS AFILIATED WITH THEM. THESE PEOPLE HAVE CONTACTED US ATER THE INITIAL MEETING. WE HAVEN’T HAD TO CHASE THEM AT ALL. HOWEVER, WE HAVEN’T GIVEN THEM ANY MONEY YET. THE YOUNG LADY I SPOKE WITH IS KIM BROWN. SHE SEEMS SINCERE. I NEED SOME FEEDBACK. SOMEONE SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON THESE FOLKS AND LET ME KNOW THE REAL. DROP ME A LINE AT LETZVIBE2004@YAHOO.COM. LET ME KNOW SOMETHING YA’LL !!!!
Comment by CLASSIQ — June 19, 2005 @ 3:58 pm
Let me tell Yall this. I have dealt with CIG and Talent unlimited. From my experience I have learnd that CIG is some bullshit And i dont advise anyone to use there so called services. CIG is located in the desert in Arizona, now tell me how many artist have got signed out of the desert? I tried to go out there to see who i was dealing with, and i could never make an appointment, so what does that tell you. And for Talent Unlimited i had a better experience with them just for the simple fact that i was able to meet my rep. I wasnt going to get played again and send money to a stranger so i went down there. At this point everything is going good but i will keep yall posted on the results. We need to learn how to seperate the real from the fake B carefull
Comment by Killa Hills — June 20, 2005 @ 11:53 am
I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM TALENT UNLIMITED USA// THEY GAVE ME THEIR WEBSITE http://WWW.TALENTUNLIMITEDUSA.COM// I SPOKE TO SHAWN// HE TOLD ME HE HEARD MY CD AND LIKED IT// SO HE TOLD ME TO GET SIGNED WITH THEM// I AINT STUPID SO I TOLD HIM TO SEND THE CONTRACT THRU EMAIL, SO HE DID. BUT I STILL DONT FULLY TRUST IT// I KEEP GETTIN PHONE CALLS FROM HIM// FINALLY I TOLD THAT NICCA IF I CAN GO TO THE OFFICE AND BRING THE CONTRACT BACK TO MY LAWYER// HE SAID THATS COOL// SO THAT MEANS ALL THIS SHYT MUST BE REAL ???? BUT IF HE FUCK UP ON ME// LOL MY LAWYER GONNA FUCK HIM UP// HOLLA!!!!!!!!
Comment by JAY — June 22, 2005 @ 7:44 pm
My Hip-Hop group was just approached by Talent Unlimited. A guy named Sean Morrell contacted me and said he recived our demo and loved it. I have read a few of the comments on this site and now I don’t no which way to go. He asked us for a $350.00 service fee and sent us a contract asking for 20% of the sighning bounus if we get a deal. WE have know idea on how to go on this one we have heard a lot of mis signals here some one give us the real http://www.nightlife@ill-flo.com holla back please!!!
Comment by AK — July 9, 2005 @ 8:31 pm
this is funny. i get contracted to do all those websites : cigmusic.com , alternativespin.com , rapvibe.com. infinitymusicgroup.com. I’ve met Hooman aka corban Grimes several times. The guy is the biggest con ive ever met. So full of shit his eyes turned brown. the “alternatvie spin.com” got sued by spin magazine , that’s why its no longer online. rapvibe.com got sued by vibe magazine , and thats why that is not online. Those three companys , from what i understand , are all ran by the same people , just under different alias. I’ve had several problems collecting money from these guys for doing the freelance work too. These are the fucking shadiestpeople around. I’d highly recommend that if your a starving artist trying to get your foot in the industry , you do it with someone else………..
Comment by jon doe — July 14, 2005 @ 1:42 pm
all most sent the money,thanks for the heads up.any rappers wanna get together holla at me playalaid@yahoo.com
Comment by playalaid — August 2, 2005 @ 1:02 am
talent unlimited called me 7 or 8 times saying they wanna do biz.i had a hard time making a decision but a friend of mine who understand biz said he think they legit.i also caled dtp records aka def jam south and they said they have heard of them.still dont know if i should send money? anybody got the 411 on em?
Comment by dachamp — August 10, 2005 @ 7:26 am
I checked out talent unlimited with the bbb and they had 2 complaints but both had been resolved.a guy name chino is the one who im dealin with he claim 2 b the ceo of talent unlimited.they say i need 2 send $350 for lawyer fees also sign a 6 month contract 4 them 2 do biz with me.anybody out there can help me decide what 2 do? if they legit i need 2 know they say they helped ciara,50cent,also 8ball.smebody holla at me if u know of any stories about them.
Comment by dachamp — August 10, 2005 @ 11:07 pm
Dear Peeps,
Just wanted to know the adress of Def Jam Records.
Can somebody help me with this??
I am a singer and write my own songs and produce it myself.
Music is a mixture of: R&B/Funk/Jazz/soft rock.
My pictures I added to the url link.
I am living at the momentum in the netherlands, Amsterdam…But at 1 september i will move to South America.
If you have any advice feel free to contact me via email.
Best Regards,
Duncan
Comment by Duncan — August 11, 2005 @ 9:44 am
I am Brandons ex from Arxposure and although I don’t like the man, he isn’t really a con. He’s all about getting the music out there. He was in a band called Kundilini and when they broke up a year ago he had this idea and started the company. Now for him as a person, I think he is untrustworthy, and a lier. He has lied to me and I have seen him lie to others in buisness and personal affairs. But he would not stiff you or just take your money, he’s not a thef. I would say go for it if they approch you, he is a pretty smart bastard. We hate eachother and don’t talk at all now, if you mention Aubrie he will have nasty things to say, but I don’t care because I feel the same and I am desprately in love with my new husband and two itallian greyhounds. I just thought this was intresting coming acoss it. See because I am a singer as well, and a songwriter. I write jazzy downtempo, with a experimental edge. Don’t we all need a little change in the music on the radio? Don’t we all need to get back to the oceans ebb and flow? This is something I know and I will show you to do. Something, new…
Comment by exgirl — September 2, 2005 @ 3:27 am
Man I wish I would have ran up on this a long time ago CIG and Corbin got me with the same damn thing and when I asked for my money back I got the run around. Contacted the BBB they contacted CIG and they still ain’t send a dime. CIG is gangsta, Corbin, well lets just say I hope I never meet the bastard face to face.
One.
KINGAMUN.Re`
Comment by KINGAMUN.Re` — September 13, 2005 @ 6:30 pm
I was duped by CIG / Corbin Grimes. ‘Hell of a nice guy who spins off some pretty polished emails, but doesn’t appear to have any legit connections. $300 got me a list of labels, a half-dozen royalty checks for 2 or $3, a lame contract from IMG, and a few calls from Corbin / Cameron / Any / Joe. It’s fake guys. The music biz is tough. I wish you all all the luck and prosperity I’m sure you deserve, but assholes like this have killed it for me. The wind is out of my sails… (lucky for you guys!
Hey, at least it was fun THINKING I was finally “on my way!”
Comment by Rico — September 14, 2005 @ 9:59 pm
I flew all the way out to orange county California to perform for Cameron Cohen who was supposed to be involved with artist devolpement for IMG and I gave them $600 and never heard anything after the trip to cali. Joe Pilozzi of IMG gave me a bogus contract promising 50,000 but first I had to give him 5,000. CIG Chicago address is the same as IMG address although IMG does not exist anymore. COrbin, Cameron, and Joe I want my money back. It is wrong to scam young people because they are hungry and passionate.
Comment by katoria — September 19, 2005 @ 4:54 pm
Damn i wish i found this before hand. I just sent out the contract and the half of the 500. Only thing is in the contract it says we dont have to pay for nothin like duplication and they cover legal fee’s and provide entertainment layers. Now after reading this it looks like i mite have to call the bank and stop the payment on the check. Some bullshit huh, this music bizness ain’t easy for real. Holla back people http://www.projectpeezy.com
http://www.soundclick.com/projectp
http://www.myspace.com/projectpmusic
Comment by Sal Pugliares — October 16, 2005 @ 1:12 pm
damn been reading the boreds and man this dude is doing alot…i my self have fell to catch this earlier i paid hcorbin a while cack and all i get is oh they passed on you … and now when i try to have a one on one he is out of town and cant even call cause too busy all i get is wideass emails answering questions that i didnt ask …. yeah it was fun getting my dream sold to me but now it no longer a game .. i do not recommend any of these companies but we will see if he calls me back.. ill hit yall up again with more harder info if things dont go my way
kieng
Comment by kieng — October 20, 2005 @ 7:43 pm
Say it ain’t so, I’ve recorded to four of the tracks already at my own expense. Anybody got a number on Adam Cherrington aka The Wyshmasterg. I need to speak directly to him regarding clearing the use of his tracks, as I see that all of the rest of the bullshit ain’t gonna happen dealing with CIG.
Karma says, you get it how you live… believe that!…
Comment by Niq — December 8, 2005 @ 9:55 am
Cigmusic.com is gone! Those fucken losers ran away. Whose knows what they will come under next! Everyone should never go to those types of venues. Just make your own magic happen instead of everyone else. 9/10 its a scam! Fuck RAPVIBE CORBIN, and CIG as a hole!
Comment by JeyB — December 13, 2005 @ 10:48 am
they gone it’s a scam u right dog
make your dream happen if u good holla at me no money………….no fees
Comment by c a — December 16, 2005 @ 7:15 pm
To sum it up cigmusic is full of shit they shut off their site, changed email addresses and phone numbers. Those son of a bitches owe me a refund and I cant get a hold of them now. Talent unlimited is full of more shit they have changed their number aka cell numbers a few times different aliases such as Jay Black, and yes they are affiliated with cigmusic. Thats how they are able to get your demo. And they didnt have shit to do with ciara it was jazzy pha and her manager. So dont waste your money like I did, I was told by someone in the music business if you have to pay money up front to get a deal its bullshit. Do you think Dr Dre or Jermaine Dupri or any other famous person would ask you for money up front. Money upfront equals scam. Im not disgruntled over this shit I just felt like everybody should know that it was a costly mistake that I learned. So my advice save your money and do it your self leave these bullshit companies aka cigmusic, talent unlimited or anyone like them alone. Get at me at http://www.myspace.com/jrtre
Comment by Tre — December 23, 2005 @ 12:23 pm
Talent unlimited is not real.i’m from chicago they call so many people with the same lines.Toni M.,mike da deal catcher and the rest of those clowns are going to jail. thats why they moved.
Comment by b.c. — December 23, 2005 @ 3:32 pm
Corbin faggot fuck Grimes got me for 500 dollars as well. I say we all get together and file a class action lawsuit against Cig and Rap Vibe as a whole. If you are interested in litigation contact me at my Email.(ybv805@mail.com)Lets get our money back. And I am using all their weak ass beats on my own mixtape, So Fuck Corbin. Karma will catch up!And for anybody who is serious with this rap shit get at me at my email and lets make this happen.
YBV
Comment by john — December 24, 2005 @ 11:41 pm
Yep corbins a bitch i got know words for the slime when i see him im gettin paid.
Comment by KDOGG — January 1, 2006 @ 5:57 pm
If you’re interested in what Corbin/Hooman is doing right now, I received an email from a real estate investor not too long ago stating that he’d given Grimes/Karamian $5000 to invest in a property … and then never heard from him again.
As far as Talent Unlimited, they will not return any of my calls, but their M.O. is the same as T2K, 97 Radio, CIG, Etc. It wouldn’t shock me to find out it’s all the same people operating out of Canada.
I also have another tip for y’all. There’s another company operating under the name IMG Music Promotions out of Canada. They’re offering a free demo review to the first 50/250 artists that reply to their ads (depending on which ad you read).
I emailed them to find out what they were all about and to get some direct contact info to talk to someone real. They replied with an email telling me they didn’t accept unsolicited calls and gave me an address to send $29.95 and my demo. These guys operate from a free web site and they use Yahoo email addresses … DO NOT SEND THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY!
Anyone who&