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Tuesday, June 15, 2004

carlo oddo visits to share his thoughts on 97 radio and talent 2k

it’s always noteworthy when we have first-hand material to share on controversial subjects - first-hand stories from the ground where bombs are falling makes war a little less abstract and video-game-like. twice, in the past few days, we’ve had important messages sitting here at the meta-roj blog addressed by the persons that they refer to. william cooper came forward with a comment on june 10th, and today, carlo oddo apparently added his two cents to a post on the sons of 97 radio. it’s taken quite a long time (150+ days), but better late than never, i suppose. maybe it’s the tail end of the honesty outbreak?

of course, it’s impossible to verify that these are actually the people they claim to be, but for the sake of argument, we can let that slide for now….

something that john foxworthy points out in a follow-up comment, is that this reads like a prepared statement - in fact, it looks like the same statement that rolling stone got when they ran with the story.

in any case, carlo oddo didn’t pick up the whole collection of 97 radio material available here - he hasn’t (at least not from that ip this week) read the original post (with it’s 70-ish collection of comments), nor did he read the bit about it breaking into the tv news over here, so it’s hard to give the guy credit for really engaging the subject in the space provided.

if you’re here looking for information on 97 radio, carlo oddo, talent 2k, cigmusic, alternativespin, rapvibe or any of the other potential faces of this operation, you can read carlo’s response in the comments here.

i think it’s important and valuable to make the platform available for rebuttal [different story]. the 97 radio story here at the meta-roj blog has turned into a huge [relative to this dark corner of the net, anyway] phenomenon. by april the story had generated over 1200 “direct hits” from people looking for information on the subject. today, that score is up to over 2800. (i’m defining “direct hits” as reading the individual-entry page - it’s impossible to get an accurate count, because the same material appears on the front page of the blog for a while, and in the music business archive, so at least this many people saw the material. i also don’t know how many of them bothered to read everything.

we broke this story at the meta-roj blog on january 11, 2004.

query april 2004 june 2004
deftone records 163 179
97radio 139 162
97 radio 105 145
97 radio scam 96 137
talent2k 26 32
97 radio spring break tour 17 20
john foxworthy 97 radio ? 15
john foxworthy 9 19
carlo oddo 9 17
97 radio phoenix 8 8
97 radio promotion 7 8
carlo k oddo 7 8
97 radio promotions phoenix az 5 5
97 radio spring break 5 5
97 radio john foxworthy 5 5
talent 2k 5 8
97 radio sun city az 5 5
jeff foxworthy 97 radio 5 15
rapvibe 68
capitol imaging group 53
cigmusic 18
alternativespin 18
deftone records scam 9
rapvibe scam 8
capitol imaging 7
cig music 7
corbin grimes 7
97 radio fraud 6
97 radio arizona 6
97 radio promotions 5
97 radio tour 5
97 radio sun city az 5
Total queries > 5 each 616 1015
Total hits (minimum) 1200 2826

[queries with less than 5 total aren't presented here]

something worth noting is that the queries a few months ago were mostly for the names and players in the story. since then the words “scam” and “fraud” have creeped into the vocabulary more and more. this suggests something to me.

it’s a good thing to bring attention to the people that would take advantage of others - and i’m happy to provide that platform - but i’m also very concerned with the positive things that people do, so i thought i’d draw your attention there while i had you here.

i should also apologize - i haven’t really followed up on the cig music/alternative spin/rapvibe post. i suppose i should try to do that someday.

posted by roj at 10:46 pm  

81 Comments »

  1. Carlo Oddo of Talent 2000 Goes “On the Record”

    At 4pm Eastern, on Thursday, July 8th, Joe Taylor is doing an interview with Carlo Oddo of Talent 2000. For more info on the situation, see Songsharks Get Busted.

    Trackback by Music Business — June 30, 2004 @ 12:56 pm

  2. T-ONE OAKLAND CA, YOU HEARD MY DEMO IN LAS VEGAS AND TOLD ME TO EMAIL YOU.

    Comment by Anthony Hudson a.k.a. T-one — January 3, 2005 @ 1:55 pm

  3. If anyone has any questions concerning CIG Music please email me matt@cigmusic.com. For the record we have nothing to do with Talent2k or any of Carlo Oddo’s business practices.

    Comment by matt — February 2, 2005 @ 12:43 pm

  4. Ijust wanted to say to those fuckers at CIG music that they can kiss my ass and they can go to hell for scamming innocent people who just want to work somthing out with their musical careers fuck you Corbin!!!

    Comment by Billy — February 9, 2005 @ 12:31 am

  5. Is Talent Unlimited, Atlanta a scam?

    Comment by Maestro — March 30, 2005 @ 11:48 am

  6. man, i heard too much about a 4 foot fake ass half white half arab, or whatever the fuck,but if you are playing me, or lying about being who you really are, all ill say is..M.O.B.. MAFIOSI exacution style, there are rules to this,i dont wanna have to come to the offices over there and punch the first person that say, welcome to CIG, whether its one of those white freaky bitches there, Fake Conners,Lameron Cohen,Bitchy Donovan which he looks gay,,fagit, you have picked the wrong one boy, im sick boy, expect anything deadly at any time now,from any of my aliences..lol lol..oops,you guys made a BIGG mistake..lol, GET IT?

    Comment by revenge — April 11, 2005 @ 9:01 am

  7. Is Talent Unlimited a Scam? I want to know.
    I am dealing with Talent Unlimited right now. My artist is SAGE http://www.musicianmp3.com/artist/streetlawentertainmentcheck us out. I will keep you posted on our progress with Talent Unlimited.

    Comment by Selwyn — April 21, 2005 @ 10:18 pm

  8. I got scammed by Talent Unlimited. Was getting calls from a guy calling himself “Herb Banks”. The called playing my music in the background and everything. I held out for a couple weeks. During that time they called at least 5 times hounding me for the money (a money order only $250) and asking me to overnight it or express it. They then hounded me for the tracking number and claimed they were going to play my music for Capitol and Virgin records in 2 days. Then one guy named Robert called claiming they needed it because they were meeting with Bad Boy. Figuring they couldn’t lawfully use Ciara, Jazze Pha and the other names they claimed to have signed, I figured if they indeed turned out to be frauds like I thought, I could use their claim against them. Might be a fat chance of that happening without concrete evidence but the $250 didn’t kill me. Their website is incomplete and their FAQs section looked suspiciously like Corbin Grime’s fake site. They even list the same record companies that they claim to work with and the FAQs were the same questions. Fraud written all over it. Once they were assured I sent them my money order, they never answered my calls again. This has been going on since February. I called once and got the guy I’d been talking to for 2 weeks, but he tried to lie and unprofessionally claimed he was someone else and that ‘Herb’ was not there. I called back 30 mins later and the exact same voice answered the phone and miraculously he is Herb Banks now and knows nothing about my call 30 mins before. Even tried to get animated like it bothered him that one of the people in his office might have been unprofessional to me. Whatever!

    I wanted as much info as I could get from them so I asked the guy for his extension number…which he gave as ext. 3271 from main number 404 419 2274. But when you call, if a live person doesn’t answer, a v/m comes on and doesn’t give you any option to hit an extension. When a live person does answer and you ask for that extension, you get forwarded to a msg saying the mailbox isn’t set up. I reached “Herb” one time after getting that message and he claimed they got the new system and his v/m wasn’t set up yet. I told him it seems unprofessional there and he thanked me for bringing the v/m problem to his attention. He swore he would get that handled immediately because he didn’t want to miss out on any calls. However more calls I made there in the following days got me forwarded to the exact same v/m saying the person was not subscribed to it or have it set up. I think they started to catch on that I was on to them. they refuse to return any of the dozen of messages I’ved left on their general v/m. I did some looking around the web and it appears they are a scam. I’m just trying to make a connection between them and these Talent 2K/RapVibe folks. I’m not sure if they are connected yet, but I am pretty sure they are scamming. As soon as I have more concrete evidence linking them with another known con company/artist (i.e. Corbin Grimes), I will be getting a lawsuit started.

    If you find the same things I have about Talent Unlimited, by all means please email me and let’s network to bring them down. We work too hard to have our dreams played with like this.

    A. Bump Bumpin@gmail.com

    Comment by A. Bump — April 22, 2005 @ 9:39 pm

  9. I just recieved a call from this Talent Unlimited, and she did play a sample of some music I would sent out. I asked where she got it and she said that it I sent it to a lable and they rejected it it was sent to them.This phone call seemed odd due to the fact that I was a A&R for many years and i am now a manager for the group she played. The info she was giving was not sounding good, and did sound like a scam. the # the came up was 404-847-4798. I do know a Herb Banks, he was on the radio in Atlanta and in SC for sometime. Could be the same person, but he was always a good guy, would hate to see that he is behind this scam. Know this companies like this can do a great service, if they have a track record, so if they just tell you some crazy story that they got jazzy Pha signed, that is crazy. Get the facts first, I place music in videogames and I get paid only if the artist gets paid not before. Please do your homework.

    Comment by Jayise — May 4, 2005 @ 3:43 pm

  10. yeah man what it do? my name is DANCZILLA from EAST TEXAS and i received a call in january from them fuckin’ “SNAKE BITCHES”(404)419-2274 seems like they have different fuck nummbers,
    at so called talent unlimited, and my testimony is exactly like yalls’ some cat that said his name was Phil Jones gave me a ring and said he and his “staff”heard my demo and thaught i had what it took to get a deal. Well da muthafucka kept askin’ me to send them 350$ to get da ball rollin’ overnight with the tracking number.
    i even asked da fool man yall’ aint scammin’ boyz are ya’? he was like naw we are a legitimate A&R company i also asked him well how did u even get my demo cause i damn sure didn’t send it to yall.
    He said the same thing that a label had rejected my shit and it was sent to them.i told him that i had already got fucked by an indi label in highschool and i didn’t have time to be takin’ no losses this time around. He assured me they were legit and i went ahead and sent the money
    Well its’ been 5 months and da fool only returned my numerous calls twice, the last time at the beginning of May when i asked him man why my calls
    have went unreturned,he said he has been working with somebody he just got signed with SO SO DEF ..
    and he had a meeting with Columbia with my demo on
    May 13th but they wanted to hear 5 more songs..
    Well today is May 31st and once again the muthafuckas is giving me the runaround,To make a long story short i got scammed them bitches is playin’ with folks DREAMS….I VOTE LETS’ GET EM’

    “one”
    ‘ DANCZILLA..TAP IN WITH ME AT Whatitdew2008@yahoo.com

    Comment by DANCZILLA — May 31, 2005 @ 6:37 pm

  11. I tried do some research on Talent Unlimited and came across this site. Here’s my story:

    About a month ago I got this call from a guy name “Mike” who left me a voicemail saying that the CEO of Talent Unlimited, Robert Green, got our Demo from a Record Company. Robert was so impressed by our demo that he asked Mike personally to get in touch with us. When I heard the voicemail, I was so exicted. I called “Mike” back but he was in a ‘meeting.’ The entire week I had tried calling “Mike” back but he was never available. Every time I called “Mike” at his extension, a would get an error message that the user was not linked to a voicemail system. I called the main number and reported that to their Receptionist who said they just got a new voicemail system and he hasn’t had the chance to set it up yet. Fishy?? But then, I thought okay give them the benefit of the doubt because this business is hetic and crazy and that could be true. So the following week, I tried calling “Mike” back. However, another gentlemen answered the phone and said ‘Mike is out all week with Record Label Company meetings. But I can help you.” He explained the same whole process as everyone else here about sending them a $350 cashier check to cover for “Attorney Fees” to allow them to legally represent us. He didn’t sound to assuring to me. I didn’t send him anything…Instead I forgot about it for about a month. So yesterday, I get this call from a “Kim Brown” saying that she is the VP of Talent Unlimited calling to follow up on us. She has several companies interested in us. Sony has been calling her about our band, so forth and so on. But before she can do anything, we have to overnight her that check and a recent picture. She also sent me an email with a ‘Contract’ that stated they would represent us for 6 months and get 20% cut if they got us a deal. The contract was really vague though. I talked it over with my band and we are kind of shady about it. I emailed her back with some questions that I had and concerns. Oh, by the way she said her name was “Kim Brown” but on her email to me her user name said “Tony Brown.” I’ll keep you updated on their responses? Does this sound familar to you all?

    Comment by Libby — June 2, 2005 @ 1:42 am

  12. thanx a lot to all the people who’ve posted
    I recently took a trip from N.Y to ATL to witness the BULL first hand…Fist this lady KIM JOHNSON gave me the B.S. about how she could get me a Label deal with TVT or Koch with a signing bonus of 1.5 mil and a line of credit 15-20 mil, now i’m saying to myself here comes the B.S.why would anyone spend that kind of money on an unproven commodity. But what really set it off was when she asked was I prepared to start the process now to which i replied hell yeah then she said would that be a check or money order and i’m like for what..then she says that would be 700 to get it started now i’m saying to myself if she can get me an advance of 1.5 million that roghly works out to 300 thousand for her @ 20% why is she sweating 700 dollars….so i said i didn’t bring that kind of money with me that’s when her whole attitude changed and our meeting was over….what she doesn’t know is that i know people tha personaly know JAZZE PHA,SLEEPY BROWN, AND CIARA right now they’re checking her legitimacy…will keep you gus posted

    Comment by Clemente — June 6, 2005 @ 11:32 am

  13. I recently got the same call from Tony Brown saying Def Jam won’t take unsolicited music so they sent it to Talent Unlimited, I got the runaround for a couple weeks about the 350, but i finally decided to say fuck it and send it. wish I had seen these comments first. When I call is seems like I talk to a different person that says so and so is listening to it, check back in 3 weeks. Now all I get when I call is the voice mail. i know Jazze Pha got his deal through noonetime, but I didn’t know they were claiming it. I haven’t been messing with them more than a month or 2. If ya’ll think they are really scamming hard working young artists and want to do something about it let me know. I’ll be in the ATL beginning of August, we can go to their offices and handle it personally.

    Comment by p — June 7, 2005 @ 2:04 pm

  14. I would like to concur with the nonsense about Talent Unlimited. I saw their commercial on BET and called the number posted, then left a message. Someone called me back with the same details about $350 for legal fees and such. First of all, I don’t understand the legal fee thing, because there is nothing illegal about playing my music for someone or giving it to someone to hear. People network all the time, and artists and friends are always passing around each other’s music trying to get it into the right hands. As long as these people are not trying to duplicate the music, solicit it for sale, or publicize the music, there’s nothing illegal about it. All they are claiming to do is shop the music. Now if they want to say they have a nominal fee for shopping our music, that’s cool; however, the fee is all we should owe and not 20% of our deal, or it should be stated that it is a “service” fee not a “legal” fee, which is the same thing Taxi does. Also, if it was legitimate, why is there not some kind of screening process? Although we would all like to make it, the truth is everybody just don’t got it like that. Some are more talented than others, and some have a much better chance of getting signed or pick-up by a label. It should not be open for everyone, because everyone’s not going to make it. If they were really searching for good to exceptional talent, there would be some kind of scrutiny involved in the process before we are to pay anything to get whatever started. Also, if they are due 20% of the deal, that should be their only incentive; we should not have to pay them anything. Bottom line. Most people who have made it were flat broke when they got signed and didn’t have to pay anybody anything prior to inking their deal. Now if it was for some studio time or artist development or pictures and marketing, whatever, that would sound just a tad bit more believable. Legal fees just doesn’t sound right to me.

    If anyone is looking for a male vocalist for hooks or back-up hit me up on the email pur7seven@hotmail.com

    Comment by Pur Seven — June 10, 2005 @ 12:16 pm

  15. Talent unlimited is not a scam they helped me get a deal with a label and i made money off some beats they helped me sell i was only with them for three months they really helped me i have nothing but positive things to say about them there great!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by mike real — June 13, 2005 @ 5:46 pm

  16. Talent Unlimited,Atlanta?An absolute scam.My artist:Gaerta who does dance/pop,paid them $ 350 and we never heard from them anymore.I want to see her “representative” Kimberly Brown and all those people in the court one day.
    Tom

    Comment by tom — June 14, 2005 @ 2:51 pm

  17. I have been dealing with talent unlimited for almost 6 months. I paid the $350.00 dollar fee they ask for. i didnt hear anything from them in about a month so i decided to call and find out what was going on with my project. They told me who i was submitted to and what the results were. At first i thought it was some bullshit until five months down the road they bought me a plane ticket to meet with one of the labels. I had a deal but my lawyer did not agree with the terms from the lable. They said that all they can do is get me to the table, and it is my decision to choose whether or not i want the deal, and for that i respect them. They did what they said they were going to do for me. We are looking for a better deal.

    Comment by Dundata — June 16, 2005 @ 12:34 pm

  18. I have had a four month relationship with Talent Unlimited and have visited their offices several times. I have read all of your comments and wonder how much of it is sheer bitterness. I have called and not been able reach my representative, Kim Brown. She will call me back promptly. I have had two meetings with labels and am looking forward to sealing a deal soon. I am going to continue having faith in their hard work.

    Comment by patricia lee — June 16, 2005 @ 1:03 pm

  19. I too am a member of Talent Unlimited, and I too have had some of the same problems the others have had. Such as not being able to get my rep. However, They ALWAYS call me back and answer my questions. It may take them a day to call me back, but they will call. I understand that they’re busy. I would PREFER them not be in the office, because if they were then that would mean they’re not shopping my deal!!!!!! You guys sound like you’re mad cause you don’t have a deal yet. T/U never promised to get me a deal, all they told me was that they can put it in the people’s hands and see what they say. That’s real. Ya’ll need to grow up and get a job instead of waiting on somebody ELSE to do something for you.
    Dirty Redd

    Comment by Dirty Redd — June 22, 2005 @ 3:42 pm

  20. These last few people sound like they are working FOR talent unlimited. I call every once in a while, no one ever answers and I’m not big on messages. If they don’t have a secretary that answers phones, then they aren’t the company they represented themselves to be. Straight Up, no bitterness. I was on the radio last night. I’ve got a national radio campaign running, I’m on underground TV shows, I got access to the Billboard awards for free, All On Me!. I’m not waiting on somebody else, but they are the ones who called me and said they were going to do something for me so I expect them to do that. I don’t expect any more than what they said. The original guy I talked to J Black, I doubt he exists, and none of the things he said were true. They WON’T get you on the radio. They DON’T have any showcases coming up, and when I go to Atlanta and visit them, they better have some kind of records or contact for the people they claim to have networked with. Bottom Line. If you are a legitimate business than that is the least you can do. And as far as the dumbasses talking down on the next man for feeling swindled, shut up. unless your on the payroll then it shouldn’t make you none. I understand a business trying to get money, that’s what I do, but you don’t have to lie, and regardless what anyone writes I know I was lied to on more than one level. They might get your music out, they might not, but they’ve already proved themselves untrustworthy and that’s all the proof I need.
    Chris 2 tha MotherFuckin P.

    Comment by p — June 23, 2005 @ 10:50 am

  21. Talent Unlimited is legit. To all of you who have a problem with them you have to understand that this business revolves around generating money. Are people willing to buy a ticket to come see you perform? Is your image something that the kids will want to emulate and spend money on? Keep your heads up and keep knocking on doors. I have to side with Dirty Redd. Don’t get mad. You may be ahead of your time, or you may need to go back to the lab. You never know what will hit. My artist is Sage, and we continue to deal with TU, but also try to get at any and everybody that shows us some interest. No one can will want your success more that you. Peace

    Comment by Selwyn — June 23, 2005 @ 1:08 pm

  22. I also want to know about Kim Brown and these folks … I want someone to explain to me how I can send my demo to Def Jam, and it ends up in TUs hands … doesn’t Def Jam have an extensive A&R crew?

    Comment by Shox — June 23, 2005 @ 8:55 pm

  23. I apologize for all the neglect and porblems Talent Unlimited has gave.My name is Raheem and i just signed on as an A&R for Talent u.Ive been in the game for awhile i started working at Rocafella records and def jam 4 years ago im only working for talent unlimited for the summer but i promise i will gets the company were it needs to be.Im the reason why alot of your music that was sent to major labels ends up at talent u.The reason being all the music that was sent here buy me was on its way in the trash.Talent u reached out to me and told me that they would devlop the artist and if not give it back to me send it some where else.Trust i was just trying to make good of a artist dreams that were on there way in the trash.I assure you that from now on Talent u will be the company you can turn to.And i no talent u can seem like its expensive,but like i said it was going in the trash before they called you.I’ll put my email on this site for any other questions you may have KellyRaheem@yahoo.com again i will be here for the whole summer then im going back to New york but i will continue to oversee everything thats go’s on Peace and love ya’ll

    Comment by Raheem Kelly — July 8, 2005 @ 4:25 pm

  24. anyone stupid enough to listen to this Raheem clown and believe that bullshit deserved to get scammed. the proof is all over the net that Talent unlimited is nothing but bullshit. if you really are an A&R that just signed on there Raheem, then you are likely getting scammed too. Talent Unlimited is nothing but 100% Grade A bullshit!!!!! period. Fuck them!

    Comment by D — July 21, 2005 @ 12:35 am

  25. Whoever claimed they visited Talent Unlimited at their listed office is a DAMN LIE! look their address up and you will find there so called ‘office’ is a nice business building in Atlanta that has them in a VIRTUAL OFFICE. don’t believe me. look it up. it’s just a virtual location…a front…an adress just to use to make companies look like they are really headquarted their. that building sells suites for that sole purpose. T.U. are just some lying ass con artist.

    Comment by gruff — July 21, 2005 @ 12:45 am

  26. ITS SIMPLE. USE COMMON SENSE. I WOULDNT SEND A DOLLAR OUT B4 SITTING DOWN WITH SOMEONE, THEM LISTENING TO MY MUSIC IN MY PRESENCE, AND SOME SORT OF LEGAL AGREEMENT THAT IM HAPPY WITH IS SIGNED. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOURE GETTING OFF THE TOP. THIS WAY IF THEY JERK YOU, YOURE COVERED. ANY ARTIST GETTIN JERKED AT THIS POINT IN THE GAME ALLOWED IT TO HAPPEN. DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST. EVERYONE IS TRYING TO EAT OFF THIS RAP SHIT. MY ADVICE, WATCH OUT FOR THE VULTURES CAUSE THEYRE OUT THERE.

    Comment by dk — July 26, 2005 @ 11:50 am

  27. i was about to fuck with raheem kelly till i seen this sight, he approached me on whosnextonline.com. he doesn’t want the 350 he just wants me to sign an agreement seems legit now that i talked him out the 350. holla back fellas

    Comment by Vmoney aka Young V — July 31, 2005 @ 3:52 am

  28. Like i said im getting the company back in shape
    i’ve only been here two weeks.Since i’ve been at Talent Unlimited every complaint that has came in i took care of it myself.This is not a scam,were just another outlet for the general public to come to.You now how hard it is to get a meeting nowenddays with a rep from a label.Its damn near impossible.Thats when i come in.Now alot of the stuff i hear i can’t take to the roc or def jam,this is true cause alot of the stuff people give me is bullshit.But that don’t mean sombody else wont like it thats why,they sign up
    cause nobody else will even listen to them.
    i promise you i’m about getting deals
    plan and simple
    to in enquire more holla at me
    404-522-1996
    Peace

    Comment by Raheem Kelly — July 31, 2005 @ 8:31 pm

  29. You guys are crazy.Talent Unlimited does have an office. My artists performed at the location at 121 Luckie Street in Atlanta. It is right near the underground. I have not gotten a deal from TU, but my artists have performed at showcasing at venues throughout Atlanta. I even got in the VIbe Festival for free thanks to Tu. I am not an employee of Talent Unlimited either, just don’t need you guys messing up the image of a company that is truly working for my artists. If you keep putting the company down, after retaining TU services, then you are messing up your own chances of getting a deal…duh…. Hailey Jordan

    Comment by Hailey — August 3, 2005 @ 3:19 pm

  30. someone call me from cig and told me they got my demo from def jam and i did not send it to def jam i send it to universal so i dont know what to do. what do you think i should do people holla back jay

    Comment by jay carter — August 26, 2005 @ 2:00 am

  31. A week ago, I get a message from this guy who supposedly goes by “Smurf” (again playing my music in the background.) Claims to be an A&R for Talented Unlimited. Supposedly, TU got my demo from some major record label. Supposedly, the major label thought it was hot. Supposedly him and his manager think its hot. He Feels like he can get my beats heard. (why would he get my demo from a label if they thought it was hot? wouldn’t they just contact me?) Just pay 350 and sign the contract and I got the hook up with Aftermath, Rocafella, etc. I almost bought into that shit and sent them the money. like most artists trying to get on, I am willing to do whatever it takes to get on. After a little research however, I found far too many negative posts on this sight regarding the company to possibly throw away 350. Also when I checked for their company on the better business bureau some modeling agency showed up in the Atlanta region, no A&R company. Maybe, some of those posts are from people who can’t cut it in the music industry. Or maybe, TU has hardly any real connections. Or maybe they might actually be trying to scam you (no way). Whatever the case may be, I ain’t tryin to get fucked. I know that the industry is driven by these snakes, and that they are somewhat of a necessary evil in terms of getting on, but this shit just seems way too shady. Maybe I am missing out on a great opportunity here, but from my experiences in life, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

    Comment by ZAC KINTER — September 4, 2005 @ 8:24 pm

  32. all these dudes are crooks…bottom line….isnt it ironic that all of these people including me are so damn hot!!! and they can get us a deal yet not one person up here has a deal yet? i emailed corbin cause the contract is soon up and he says “ok no prob but you blowing it big time”. like he had something set up. yet you never hit a nigga up on updates.so phoney. the money aint a issue with me its just the principle.as for raheem kelly, yeah you emailed me too (courtesy of whos next online.com). you said…and i quote “When rocafella broke up i thought things would be better to go with Dame cause at Dash Music Group i was doing A&R.But things just didn’t work out there so i quit .After doing so i was offered somthing at Star Trak but decided to go to atlanta to work with this company called Talent Unlimited.Not to take anything from that company but i wanna go in a diffrent direction”
    Who goes from working with dame and an opportunity with star trak to work with Talent unlimited? what exactly could they say? you can scam the rest of these losers if you want but i pass. also i have a question… if you have so much faith in a person, playin beats in the background, why not draw up paper work saying if you get them this infamous deal you get 15 or 20% or whateva. what is the upfront money for? and for dude saying they got him shows for free….big woo! its called the gift of the gab and if you did more research you be suprised to find out you could’ve booked them shows yourself for free. not every one is about paper. im in ny…and cant remember the last time i paid to perform anywhere. money involved?…i aint with it. but these are my opinions. for yall up and coming artist….do whats right for you…also to the other dude who said he sent his demo to universal…def jam is in universal…thats why they got it. there alot of snakes that work for labels as well…trying to get the real money. youd be surprised how many people use there name and position to get extra money by being judges in talent shows and all that bullshit,. trust they get that money for just showing up.

    Comment by hersh — September 7, 2005 @ 1:00 pm

  33. You know, at first I was hurt. I’ve been with talent unlimited since May. I send Ms. Brown some new material like every other month and every time i send her new material she calls me and give me props on the songs she likes. I like Ms. Brown, she’s been nothing but cool with me (plus I heard she got an onion booty).

    At first I felt sour about the service i’m getting for the money I paid. But now, i’m not trippin. I feel like any exposure is good exposure. And they did say in the contract that they do not guarantee me a deal, I think they even put it bold. I’m content with knowing that somebody out there actually appreciate what I’m trying to do and tried to help me achieve my dream, and Ms. Brown was sincere enough to give me the real on how she felt about my shit. But, I’m not the type of nigga to expect someone to hand something to me. I’m a go-getta type of nigga and really I scout my own deal on the dolo. I plan to sit down with some label’s myself here in the next few months.

    Nevertheless, there is one thing I can say about TU that I think is shady as hell to the people that’s paying their money. THEY DON’T GIVE ANY UPDATES. I sit around every day wonder, “What labels got my Demo”, “What labels feeling my shit and who’s not”, “Are there any other opportunity’s that TU can set me up with to promote myself”. But a nigga don’t get none of that. The only time I can get Kim to call me is when I send her some new shit, but I don’t think that’s the only time she should holla at me.

    Plus I went to there website and did a little research on the artist that they chose to promote by posting there pictures in the photo gallery. All I can say is WOW…..Throwback boyz is so garbage, they got a song called “Stacks on Decks” that sounds like they recorded it on a Karoake Machine. And I’m like “Damn, I can’t get no promotion”?

    But, I thank them for the work they put in for me. All I can do is keep rolling, I’m not going to keep stressing over it. The 350 is gone, my shit is copyrighted (so i’m not worried about Throwback Boyz spittin’ my shit over them wack beats)…it’s in the past….fuck it.

    Comment by A. Bellz — September 16, 2005 @ 2:52 pm

  34. Alright. If it is so much of a scam, why do you guys go for it? I feel that Talent Unlimited is another WAY of HELPING people to get a deal. Just like going to a modeling agency or any other talent agency. They ALL do the same thing.
    People have nothing else better to do than to sit on a blog, and discredit these companies names. Taxi, CIG, Talent Unlimited, get over it. I understand doing the research on companies, but to do the research, and then go with their services only to try and give them a bad name? What does that make you look like? I looked up a person’s name only to see how she did business. I get all of this crap. Half of ya’ll might not be any good, which would explain why they are not getting you any deals! Continue to do what you do on your own. Try to get heard on your own. It’s hard. Like I said in the begining. If you think it’s such a scam, move on to the next venture. I’ve seen all I need to see.
    SUNNI

    Comment by Sunni Storms — September 19, 2005 @ 2:08 pm

  35. i received a call from doug, from TU,claiming everything everyone else has posted on this site the $350 and 6 months of representation, he wants us to send him new material that were about to put out, i havent paid the $350 but im trying to find out if this is a scam, any information let me know

    Comment by zel — September 20, 2005 @ 12:43 pm

  36. I recieved an email by Kimberly Brown stating that she works for rocafella and her email address is rocafellacastings@yahoo.com and I am like what am I supposed to believe ..they should have a way of finding if people really are who they claim to be..

    Comment by Kinel — September 22, 2005 @ 2:24 am

  37. I just got a call from them, will return it soon. As soon as I got a message from somebody I never sent my demo to, a red light went on so I googled them. I’ve been around the industry long enough to know about these scams and assumed as soon as I got the phone call that it was a pay up front thing. A&R folks and managers DO NOT take money upfront, they work FOR YOU and the 20% they can get, period
    Never pay money upfront for this type of situation.

    Comment by Jase — September 26, 2005 @ 6:32 pm

  38. I am another one scammed and paid $350 to these guys at TU. They used the same tricks calling me million times a day playing my demo in the background and that they already have a deal for me and all I need to do is to send the money and give them the tracking number and so. They even sent me a contract to sign. Then it started or better saying everything stopped. Whoever I was in contact was not available no more and I got to talk to another person Then that one was no longer with the company then another person. Shortly after that one was no longer with the company and so on. They once told me that I got an offer but the offer is too low for TU’s reputation and that is why they are still trying.
    Anyhow, its been 8 months and they do not even bother calling me back no more. Sad that I called the number I had today and guess what! The number was not assigned no more. It is sad how some people take advantage of the youth’s dream and pure spirit.

    Comment by mam — September 27, 2005 @ 11:48 pm

  39. Listen up all artist and producers.
    I am here to make you a star,fancy cars,big houses,sexy ladies.All this can be yours first ill need a $645.00 MONEY order.this is for my attorney fees (and my other thangs you dont need to know about).After this youll be on your way to being a star (ill b on the way to the bank)i cant guarantee a deal but i have been sucessful in the past.Ive gotten deals for bobby brown,michael jackson,prince and kanye west just to name a few.hurry hurry hurry dont let someone else get your fame and fortune.Im gonna get 75% if you secure a deal.ooh i am not a scam like those other agencys.check me out with the bbb under the name shystey wolf unlimited.throw your demos in the nearest dumpster around.(i dont need to hear you i just want your money dummy)Dont listen to anybody telling you not to do it their just jealous cause im interested in your dreams,(and their too smart to be fooled) but not you dummy.Please hurry and send money (christmas is close and i want an xbox 360).

    Comment by MR PROMISE — September 28, 2005 @ 8:40 pm

  40. this guy name chino hit me up said he was from talent unlimited.he claimed to be the ceo.i think these dudes are scam artist i havent seen anyone mention his name on this site.well at least he didnt get shit outta me.i produce and rap he claimed he was gonna get big bucks for me since i was the total package.made me laugh when he started name droppin 50cent,cierra,8ball,also said he was in the club with ti the night before.ha ha hell that stupid mf must take me for a groupie.well fuck him and talent unlimited.be carefull its a lotta snakes out there and talent unlimited looking like they spittin some deadly venom.

    Comment by mr promise — October 3, 2005 @ 7:08 pm

  41. a lot of u guys are posting negative information about talent unlimited they do shop material and try to secure u a deal they cant force a record label or anyone with the power to sign a artist to sign that artist just becuase your hot deosent mean u can get a deal just like american idol everyone that auditioned will not recieve a deal only one person at a time. when nelly,jayz and other artist that are big now it was hard for them to get signed. tlent unlimited is allowing your music to be heard no gaurantees on getting a deal understand the music business when do get signed you gotta pay lawyers ,managers,accountants and so on what how can they shop somthing and not have a fee ,you cant go to the store and shop for freeor burking wont give away a free burger get real!!!!!!!!!!!!! are any gas stations giving away gas dont be stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by young money — October 7, 2005 @ 1:51 am

  42. talent unlimited is a scam.please dont send them money for a lie.jazzy phae is my homie i grew up with him.i was reading that this company had relations with him so i called him and asked.the nigga said he dont know them or that anyone he know dont know anything about them.i dont know what they told a lot of yall but this is not the best way to get a deal.im not here to hate on them but they sound kinda like a fraud throwin certified producers and artist name out there like that.just be patient and keep working hard itll pay off with or without agencies.

    Comment by the 411 — October 8, 2005 @ 2:27 pm

  43. Tough call..i am not sure what to say to you all..some sound disgruntled..some sound legit..some sound like they are in on it..anywho..keep your heads up..the bottom line seems to be some of us have to pay the price for the overall success of TU. They need to rethink their strategies..maybe instead of taking peoples money, use the currency to put these artists out..for promotional use only type deal..I don’t know..it just saddens me to see our own people fuck us over..we do it evertime..they killed jesus..what do you expect from this crazy ass business we call the record industry..promote your self..sell your own music.sure enough the majors will come knocking once you start to make money…one

    Comment by Selwyn — November 4, 2005 @ 4:35 pm

  44. I am responding to these negative comments on TU this first & foremost is an independent A&R company we actually have meetings with execs. If this company has taken money from you it was because we wanted to help you (artist)s to get through doors most people dream to enter. we are a legit company with a physical address. we do the jobs that most A$R’s are supposed to do we actually listen we never guarantee a record deal we do guarantee someone with signing power will hear your art. The $350 is a service fee that we charge. In this world it costs to keep a business running. I apologize for the clients that haven’t been signed or had heard any follow up calls. We are working very hard for you! We always encourage our clients to send in updated material so that we can reshop upon a blank response from labels. TU is a machine we will continue to do what we do helping voices get heard in an industry that has closed its doors to the tanented & hungry. We work for you,
    If this has not convinced you then feel free to call us or schedule an appointment to pay us a visit.

    Thank you & good luck!!!
    Da Don !!!
    COO & Owner of TU

    Comment by Don Chino — November 22, 2005 @ 2:16 pm

  45. Talent Unlimited in Atlanta is the BEST!!!

    No Scam!!

    They helped me produce my first single, music video, and now finishing my first album

    Comment by Rock The Fox — December 2, 2005 @ 1:13 pm

  46. First of all, talent unlimited is an independent a&R company, second of all not a talent agency they really do have connects I witnessed that first hand, and for the female up top that says nothing is illegal about playing her music yes it is because someone can steal ur stuff and when they do u will be quick to sue someone, they are just protecting their asses!!! Why even go through all the motions and still send ur money, if u aint hot u aint hot!! Don’t hate on TU cause ur stuff was rejected or u aint got sighned, they hear from the labels when they get back to them, and if u put ur career totally in someones hands and not try to push it urself then all of yall are stupid!!! ROCK ON TU!!!!

    Comment by Tawny_Sky — December 6, 2005 @ 6:58 pm

  47. At for the TU and cig scams its a tough call, robert green at TU claimed that he got 50 cent his deal with shady (that’s a cold lie) once you lie to me that’s it we can’t do biz. As for cigmusic they gave 30 some original beats for a lp they were putting together which made me feel good about working with them, also I met with some people in LA from IMG (who suppose to be linked with cig) if they are I scam which I’m starting to believe, these fuckers are heavily connected. All I gotta say to everyone fuck the industry lets controll our own shit when there are snakes in the grass its time to cut the lawn

    Comment by brent jackson — December 7, 2005 @ 12:29 pm

  48. I wonder if Kim Brown and Kim Jackson are the same people. She called me yesterday and was amp about a mixtape I did. Then she hit me with the We need a fee etc. I asked what she liked about the music and she just said “its different”. I wished these cats were legit but Im starting 2 feel otherwise after having read all of this. I live in downtown so trust fellas,I will get to the bottom of this and provide some definitive responses to the many questions regarding TU.

    Comment by Q. Scott — December 9, 2005 @ 11:49 am

  49. Yo I am suppose to be workin with raheem pretty soon to get a production deal for my beats, but after reading this site I dont know what to do. It sounds good and bad at the same time. I havent sent the money or anything, which is only $300, but now I dont even know if I should consider doing business with these people. But I would never do business with someone that I cannot sit down and have a meeting with anywayz. What do you guys think.

    Comment by Aice — December 14, 2005 @ 3:52 am

  50. Yeah i also got a call from Talent Unlimted some dude name doug hit me with this bullshit about he can get me a deal if i send him 350 blah blah blah,this nigga must really think im dumb or some shit.But on the up and up i email’d this Raheem kelly to see what he was talkin about and when he heard my music he was in love with my shit i told him the whole talent unlimited story and he apologized on behalf of them it turns out that this nigga is forreal i met up with this dude and he now is a scout for talent for rocafella defjam
    he introduced me to shalik who is a A&R and Ramses who is also And A&r they both passed on my music but at least he took the the time out to really try to help a brotha out.Im not sure if he’s going to go back with talent unlimited anytime soon i dought he will but he’s really trying to make things happend for unsigned artist.
    Ps he didn’t charge me a thing,i just signed a contract with him stating that if i got a deal threw him he would recive a 10% finders fee of what the label gave me as an advance.He’s still working with me till this day so i would recomend him to anybody,really trying to make somthing happend with there music.

    Comment by Paul jackson — December 14, 2005 @ 6:56 pm

  51. Hey guys i am so sorry that Talent Unlimited Fucked yall over!!!Anyway I used to work for these guys, and they ended up screwin me in the end, it is not worth it I feel like yall should take things into yall own hands and just sue them or ask for a refund, because these guys ask for the $350 then the rep who gets the $350 from ou gets $100 dollars from that and they claim the rest goes to some legal department and I have never seen a legal dept. and I used to work there! I just couldn’t stand the fact of takin’ peoples money everyday and not shop their material, and the CEO his name isn’t even Robert Green it is Robert Whitaker, and the other CEO name is Anthony Davis, so if u guys want to do some investigations or whateva go ahead but I will keep everyone posted on this scam of a company!! Acompany that pays their employees cash every week with no paper checks, and does not file taxes!!! So yall tell me what yall think. Stay posted for phone numbers coming soon!!!

    Comment by Dee Dee — February 11, 2006 @ 2:06 pm

  52. NON-TALENT LIMITED IS THEIR REAL NAME.. THIS KID NAME MIKE CALLED ME AND SAID HE GOT MY DEMO FROM THE LABELS RIGHT.. NOW MIND YOU I DID WORK FOR 50, I’M SIGNED TO ONE OF THE BIGGEST PUBLISHERS IN THE GAME, AND I’VE BEEN PRODUCING F/T PROFESSIONALLY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR A MINUTE. SO I’M LISTENING TO THIS NONSENSE ABOUT HOW HE GOT CIARA SIGNED TO JAZZE PHA, I’M LIKE THIS DUDE IS GAMIN’. SO I TELL HIM MY TRACK RECORD AND HE’S SHUT DOWN. SO THE KID NEVER GOT TO THE $ SCAM PART.. BUT I KNEW WHERE IT WAS GOIN’, I’M FROM NY LIVE IN ATL NOW AND CAN SMELL A RAT A MILE AWAY… DEATH & DESTRUCTION TO ALL SNAKES..!!!

    Comment by Industry Producer — February 15, 2006 @ 9:52 am

  53. Okay is TU for real or not? I met with this guy name Shawn Stevens bka DJ Effects and this guy name Doug who said he was the president of the company. The meeting went great but after reading the posts I’m a little apprehensive now. My friend has signed on with them and they’ve been doing shows here in Atlanta. I don’t know but something doesn’t sound right at all.
    What’s up with the $350 fee? Sounds like a lot when you then have to give up to 20% percent of your bonus…and who is this Robert? I was told that he was a Pastor so they call him Pastor Rob??????????

    Comment by ms. jan — March 2, 2006 @ 2:37 pm

  54. I’ll tell you more bullshit…The Music Insider…fukin scum..and TU….sum nigga name Mike the deal catcher calls me..tells me he got my demo from one of the majors..and he’ll get me signed if I pay 350….lol I LAUGHED AT DIS CAT!!!!

    Comment by Chasa — March 2, 2006 @ 10:35 pm

  55. Im so glad i seen this website.This guy name doug told me he got my demo from the majors funny i never sent my music to any majors,kind of fishy but i played along.He told me he could get me a record deal if i overnighted him 350 dollars.I mean im real hungry and the shit what he was talking sound like everything i wanted but reading all of this just woke my ass right up.
    Know im thinking that these people have done nothing for anybody,wheres the proof that anyone has gotten a record deal with these guys.I email’d Raheem kelly cause he seems like he’s down for helping people out but he just brushed me off he said he gets 50 enail’s a week about talent unlimted shit and that he just dosen’t want to here it anymore,he said im only one man
    im not god he said So i say fuck him and talent unlimited don’t give them shit i’ll get on no matter what
    Lataven

    Comment by lataven — March 6, 2006 @ 5:44 pm

  56. This message is for lataven
    Yo don’t shit on me i told you i had to much on my plate right and honestly if i thought you shit was hot i would have helped you out but your shit was wack so thats that as for everybody else on this sight i wish you all the best.Word is that Talent Unlimited is bringing in people from def jam to work with them thats just what i heard peace and love ya’ll

    Comment by Raheem Kelly — March 8, 2006 @ 7:30 pm

  57. Hello everyone!!! My name is Shavala and if u can scroll up a little I said that mt name was DEE DEE, and that was a lie!!!I will expose this company shit like I said before I used to work there, and for Raheem to say that people from DEJ Jam will be working there so he heard, that is also a lie!!! I worked there for five months and I never met anybody. Now I’m gonna say this once, Ms. Jan I saw u wrote is this company fake, yes…do not send your money u will regret it big time, just read what I wrote…

    Comment by Shavala — March 10, 2006 @ 4:13 pm

  58. Whats good Shavala this is Raheem and in sick of people from talent unlimted shitting on me.I said i heard that people from def jam were going to work for them its up in the air right now.Im at def jam right now and being that i worked there for a little bit they wanted to no more about what talent unlimited does.And thats not a lie.

    Comment by Raheem Kelly — March 10, 2006 @ 5:15 pm

  59. Hi everyone,

    This is the CEO from Angel Eye Productions, now a word to the wise and some to the ignorant people, record companies listen to about 50 cd’s and more a day in A&R departments, and yes if they don’t like it they will either shelf it or sell it. Now not in dollars per-say, but to these little companies like TU and others. Now Talent Unlimited called me today, and explained to me that they heard my demo and it sounded lovely and they could get me signed to capitol or universal since they had the “hook up” with some folks from there. So I was intrested in knowing more details of how she found me, why my demo was somewhere I didn’t send it and why would anyone out the blue just want to help some one out, what out of the kindness of thier heart? Please people get enough common sense to know that standard procedures, since I employ A&R scouts and have known hundreds of them myself. They won’t call you out the blue first of all, they’ll either email you if you have one or have someone else call you notifying you about your material being selected for review, if they want to sign you to a label it takes way longer than 6 months to officially make all that happen; TO MUCH LEGAL and CONTRACT CRAP! Secoundly the only way some A&R person would like to help you is if they have something that’s gone help them out the deal anyways. This business is run by the mafia, serveral but just about 2 large ones. Do you really believe that someone wants to really help some one out these days to make them millions of dollars why they still have a 9-5 job. A&R is fun but risky, do it yourself if you want help, get a team and produce for yourself, record for yourself, and publish, write, and distribute for yourself. If they got a 9-5 you get one to get you off the clock and living in your dream. I’m not falling for the lines she’s saying over there, I’ve just recently produced for Jeezy, and a young man from alabama named “Country Boi Tweet” aka Tabias Tate, last year 2005 I co-produced for outkast, trap boiz, and T.I. and bad boy is in the negotiation stage with Country Boi for a record deal. and I have done most of his exposure and made sure his material was shopped around and taken seriously. If you want to find out how to get in, get there, get where they(who you looking to be with) are, managers or people who work for the labels or know people there. Get a legit manager and research everyone. Cause it’s all a game, everyone just wants to get rich and it’s not even about the music anymore, it’s been about drugs, money. and getting what people want for the longest now. So in all that don’t let these people throw your dream off, look for legit companies and look at thier backgrounds, make them wait for your response to get with them if they want to represent you, make sure you think about all the options before you jump into it and then if it’s ok then get some one maybe a lawyer or manager or agent to come in and work things out before signing ANYTHING! visit my website, i’m looking for a new singing talent, not to sign but to produce for and if any one needs tracks holla at me my prices are listed on the web and I do work fairly so get at me and we can maybe help you get somewhere towards where your going or trying to go. Sorry to the people who got screwed though, but this happens everyday WELCOME TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY!!! :-)

    Comment by Angel Eye Productions — March 15, 2006 @ 2:34 am

  60. Yes hello Raheem!!! You may not remember me but I spoke to u one day when u were in the office with Rob and I told u about my artist TAZE, now u said that u were Dame Dash’s assitant, and that u would take the CD to Dame, and then I said in return that my artist really wanted to work with someone that was also from Harlem, to get that New York feel.I never heard anything from u, I then moved to Atlanta and started working for Talent Unlimited, I left the company in Januaryt but worked there for about 6months. Now I never even heard anything, and I am more than positive now since spending so much time around the people at TU that you probably didn’t even hear the demo! Now that is not your fault at all, but I would love to work with you and a legit company such as Def Jam!! My artsit was the hottest in Tu and in order to make sure that his work was reaching folks, I had to step away from those people and concentrate on gettin money!! i am far to good of an A&R rep to waste my talent there, and take peoples money!! Rob and the rest of the people there are just playin’ games, now if you are talking about doing business with me, my address is on here, thanks Raheem and God Bless!!

    Comment by Shavala — March 24, 2006 @ 5:01 pm

  61. Talent Unlimited is a JOKE! They played me the same way they tryed to play yall. They were hounding me to pay 300 dollars and were lying just like they did to you guys. They are a telemarketing company, and nothing more!! Don’t let them scam you!!!!

    Comment by terri darden — March 25, 2006 @ 8:33 pm

  62. [edited to remove gratuitous SHOUTING and more exclamation points than should be used in a lifetime. jim - chill.]

    I know you people out there are hungry for a deal and this shit sounds tempting. It’s not easy, but if you do get a deal or sell some beats, after a while you will see how stupid this sounds. But the bottom line is…

    Anybody who is really about their business, if they fuck with your music they will do it without up front money and get their percentage.

    What the hell does $300 have to do with giving people demo’s?

    They just called me today. I’ll be calling them back tomorrow to see what their answer to that is…

    Comment by Jim Bond — April 4, 2006 @ 1:19 am

  63. I live in the same building as “Talent Unlimited”. I’ve watched them with great suspicion for 12 months and here is my observations:

    1. It looks like (but I can’t prove yet) to be a front for an organized crime ring. Something like the Funeral Parlor in the HBO show “The Wire”. Nothing but studio thugs (what the street people call the wanna be thugs) hanging out there. I can hear them in their back patio. Rarely do they talk about music, unless they have a ‘mark’ there. Sometimes I have heard shouting from the conference room during meetings and it does NOT sound like they are discussing music, only about protecting ‘territories’. Now, they post a sentry outside the conference room window to discourage concerned citizens.

    2. Some weeks no one is home. Sometimes it is all month. Once, last year, I saw Shug Knight and his Family there, but that is about the extent of the star power. And we all know what a great business man Shug is. Almost all the foot traffic is the same 5-6 guys in a H-2.

    3. They used to litter the neighborhood with dozens of dumped PR packets, CD demos and photos of artists, sometimes by the trash can full. Some of them were never opened. I paid a homeless guy to bring me more, but they stopped discarding it in the trash out on Luckie Street (I told the homeless guy to tell them I was doing it, and it magically stopped). This activity aroused my suspicions.

    4. This week, they have several ‘police’ standing guard outside. I have no idea why, other than Eminem’s homie getting shot and they are afraid of a drive-by (or, just playing Studio Thug again).

    I decided to do a google on them and found this blog. Now it makes sense. They make our neighborhood a less safe place, and frankly I wish they would move their activity somewhere else. These blogs pretty much confirm my suspicions. Yall should report them to the http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan/criminal.html

    Comment by Rick D. — April 15, 2006 @ 12:15 pm

  64. It sounds like a lot of people are unhappy with Talent Unlimited. I just recieved a call from a Ms. Rae Jackson telling me she heard of me from the SoundClick.com website. I was really excited when I heard what she had to say. But then it got to the $$ issue. I don’t want to fork out $350 if this thing is a scam. However, I believe in the philosophy “It takes money to make money”. I don’t know about the whole mobster thing. But if they’re really getting my music out there then I guess it’s worth it. I have faith in my music and that it has the potential to get me a deal. On the otherhand, my music isn’t rap or hip hop, it’s rock. Their website looks a little shady, and they don’t have any rock artists on there, so I’m not entirely convinced. I would like to sit in on all teleconferences this company has with the major record label exects. Just so that I feel like I’m a part of the process and so that I know they’re really doing their job. If any of you TU reps are reading this, please email me and let me know if this would be possible. I still need to be convinced.

    Comment by Joel Byrum — May 12, 2006 @ 9:13 pm

  65. I’m a soundclick artist as well, who definitely does not record hip hop or rap, and I also just received a phone message from Rae Jackson of TU. If they want to help me and enter into some publishing or marketing deal, maybe, but if they ask me for money up front, no way. That would be crazy to give $350 to strangers. If they’re asking you to overnight it, that would be really screwed up. The conventional wisdom, that you will find in any book on the music industry, is that if someone asks you to pay them up front to publish, you should run. If someone believes in your music, he or she should be willing to market it without asking for anything up front, in return for a percentage of future profits.

    Comment by Peter M — May 14, 2006 @ 12:07 pm

  66. I too was scammed by Talent Unlimited. It was Chino, Robert Green, and Kim Brown that got me! AND I DID VISIT THEIR OFFICE! It was on Lenox two years ago. We went in the conference room they all told me how great I was and that I was going to be the new “Go To” producer for club hits..blah blah blah..So then they were like, let’s go over to Kim’s office..they pull out my folder with my cd in it and their contract..I had gotten this contract a month before i visited the office, so I had read over it a million times..and it was all legit..except the $350 “legal fees”. Those legal fees must be to pay for their defense when everbody class actions their ass! But when it got time to seal up the deal..I told them I didn’t bring the money…YOU SHOULD’VE SEEN ALL THREE OF THEIR FACES!!! It was like I told them all they had Cancer! I knew it was a scam from day one, I had that feeling in my gut and you know what they say about that…but I ended up sending them money a week later! $350 wasn’t such a huge deal..and who knows, they might do something with it…So the minute I sent it I told myself that I just lost $350…Expecting the worst and hoping for the best….but my story goes just like everybody else..I was talking to Chino 2 or 3 times a day for 3 months and as soon as they got my money ..not one call and he’s never in the office. This was 2 years ago and I haven’t heard from them sense..I may send some discs out to the same A&Rs with a different artist name..I bet I get a call from TU! You can hit me up @ djknux@djknux.com

    Comment by DJ Knux — May 23, 2006 @ 5:51 pm

  67. I’ve received a call from a Heather Lindsey, a Sean Stevens, and a Marcus Johnson. Heather Lindsey call me out of the blue and said that someone left a note on her desk saying that I was a phenomenal producer, really really hot!!! She tried to get me to overnight the money. I went along with just to get her off of the phone. But i never sent the money. I believe in hard work, not somethin being handed to me. I don’t think they’ll ever stop calling me. Its someone different everytime.

    Comment by jj112787 — May 25, 2006 @ 7:15 pm

  68. FUCK TALENT UNLIMITE & FUCK CIGMUSIC both of them bastards work hand and hand. Its too good to be true. Ask yourself this, if you met Dr Dre for example do you think he would ask you for a sorry ass $350 hell no. Because he’ll make money off of your record sells. If these cats were legit they would just take the 15% finders fee which is way more tham $350, thats if they were really connected. I know thats them making them dumbass post saying, we just mad cuz we didnt get signed and tu is doing it big for them. Thatz bullshit thats just them making post for their own selves. All I have to say is this nobody is gonna do shit for you, you gotta get it down yourself. I ve been scammed before but I wont let it happen again. But when I do make it big. I will expose Talent Unlimited and Cigmusic for the con artist that they are so the whole world can know.

    Comment by Tre — May 31, 2006 @ 12:38 am

  69. yo is this blog still going? Having read all this shit the negativity certainly outweighs the good. So basically some dude just wastes his ime going thru music on soundclick searching for possible talent, or is he infact hunting people at whom can be scammed? Trust is a fucked up thing yall, I get a call from a Nicole Smith.. I hear everything I dreamed of. But if she was really running with a goto business she would of gave me alot more information.. like WHAT track did the scouts listen to that interested them. She took some time to search for my my file, then called me back and said “#2″ World general. Thats a category on the soundclick.com charts. But she didnt tell me the name of the song. Thing is there’s alot of people who are just tired of getting ripped off, but an opportunity of this calibre doesnt happen to everyone.. so the question is, is it really worth the invesment? I do not know peace

    Comment by SchizoFlux — June 4, 2006 @ 6:50 pm

  70. i can’t say anymore about this company that hasn’t been said i’ve read every post and now i no for sure that this company ain’t shit but i talked to a girl that use to work for them named shavala and she told me she would listen to my joint and i also contacted a raheem and he acually has label experince when i email him he was at def jam and i told him my story he had nothing but good things to say about talent unlimited but he said he wasn’t working in there office anymore he just said that the ceo’s just send him shit to listen to he said that he would take a listen to my tracks if i sent them to him
    he hasn’t got back to me as of yet i have a freind that works at defjam south and she knows who he is she said that thats jay-z’s boy so i suggest that ya’ll contact him his email is posted on this site,as for shavala nothing has popped off with her yet but im still waiting

    Comment by dj to tuff — June 5, 2006 @ 7:17 am

  71. I know shavala she corny she worked for talent unlimited she was a manager and she got caught stealing yaw money thats why yall complain people like her aint no good she got caught stealing from walmart and target her boy friend a rapper but he cant rap she think he can his name frank he do do wack ask raheem he will tell u that shavala his a phony she even said she she lied about being dee sha a lair and a thief i would not trust anything she say shavala stop frontin you are the scam shavala jenkins from ny and u ugly like like a monster stop frontin u are bogus

    Comment by jasmine — June 10, 2006 @ 12:08 am

  72. As for Jasmine…or whoever this is, I never stole from Talent Unlimited theyy steal from people, and if you know so much about me then you would know that my boyfriend, that can’t rap just sighned a deal!!!Yes I was a manager but the Con Artists at Talent Unlimited were so threatened by me, that they made some bogus story about me stealing, and when I brought proof the next day,Robert Whitaker the main front man, backed down!! And as far as Wal-Mart sweetie I never have to steal, why steal if I am living Lavish, shit they used to pay us by the money that folks sent in, no Legal Dept, or nothin. So speak what the Fuck u know, and I know this aint Jazz the stripper bitch!!! Hoe I am makin’ moves in NY, you and TU need to catch up!!! P.S. Rob and Bub will be gettin’ their papers soon from my Lawyer for slander.and damn why u up at 12 in the morning writing about me? TU stop taking people’s money!!!!

    Comment by Shavala — June 29, 2006 @ 7:38 pm

  73. i just received a call from a man named roy claiming he is works for def jam and he likes my music so he said he wants to do it the right way and gave me a number 404-522-1996 and told me to ask for a phil jones. so i did and he called me back like 2 days later saing he just got sent the demo and he loves and i would really be a good marketing artist since its im with a rap trio in oklahoma. he asked for the 350 and i wanted to do the research before i sent it and i got this page. now i read just about all of them and i came up with two hypothesis. 1 nobody got a call back because maybe they(artist) just didnt have what the other labels were lookin for so TU just droped you or 2 it really is a scam and TU is just takin niggas money…using people.
    but there are somethings you have to look at they never promised a deal, 350 was for attorneys not to meet with other labels. i dont even think that they contract said they had to show proof of them even shopping you so basically your sending money and hopefully they actually market you. so if really want to send them money you cant get mad if nothin happens cause you the one sending it takin a chance. so in my case i can continue makin my music so only my home town can bump my shit or whoever i give it to or i can say fuck it and send the money and HOPE somthing good happends with it. cause to me i really dont car about the money i just do it for fun plus i can get that money($350) from selling my CD in my town to send off to TU so ireally wouldnt be losing shit. but thats what i figured up
    any one wanna holla at me my email is akdagreat1@yahoo.com

    Comment by AK da great — July 10, 2006 @ 1:35 pm

  74. hi guyz! question. i’m a filipino singer right. kinda rnb at par with ne-yo of def jam records. I was just wonderin on how I could start getting that recording deal with def jam records and who can help me. Im based here in Manila ,Philippines. Please send me information about this my email is:pacute84@yahoo.com
    home phone number:(02)-839-83-48
    my address is Blk 15 Lot 20 P3 Upper Bicutan,Taguig City Philippines 1633

    Holla at me guyz!!

    Comment by Pau — August 1, 2006 @ 9:14 pm

  75. Our label was contacted by someone from Talent Unlimited named Jewel and the number was 404-522-1996. Thier address is listed in Yahoo as 121 Luckie Street in Atlanta. If all of these claims are true please forward any information to the email address listed on this comment. (vroberson@bellsouth.net). I am sure the Attorney General’s office would be more than interested to prosecute these scam artists..I happen to work in the same building as the AG office so I would be more than willing to file an investigative claim. Maybe with a little bad news press we could shut them down for good. And considering some of there scams crossed GA state lines this could be very serious. Hit me back if anyone is interest in restitution.

    Comment by vroberson — September 15, 2006 @ 10:24 am

  76. yall some complainin broke muthafuc#as man….wah wah wah….yall cryin like some broads joe. aint no one gonna give u a million dollar deal on some easy $hit so figure out how ta put food on ya plate or KILL YA SELF. IT DOES TAKE MONEY TO MAKE MONEY you bummy ass hippies so get a grip and go sell a sack or somethin so you wont be cryin on websites waitin for Jesus ta give you a deal! talk to me:myspace.com/godblessbeatz

    Comment by GODBLESSBEATZ — September 15, 2006 @ 4:40 pm

  77. I just recieved a email from kimberly brown representing rocafellacastings@yahoo.com. Here is the email:
    ROCAFELLA IS LOOKING FOR VERY SEXY FEMALES THAT WOULD BE INTERESTED IN STARTING A NEW CAREER IN MODELING,DANCING, ADULT FILMS. Swim wear, Singing, Glamour, Implied,
    Music Videos, Print work, Calendar, Nude, Dance,
    Film/Commercial acting
    THERE OFFERING RELOCATION, HOUSING, CHILD CARE,
    CONTRACT, AND SECURITY. IF INTERESTED SEND
    AGE/LOCATION/PHOTOS TO
    ROCAFELLACASTINGS@YAHOO.COM
    Roc-a-fella Records.com
    Kimberly Brown

    So I sent them my webpage and i recieved another email stating that I should send pictures showing off my body. That I had me like what. So I decided to google her and the email address and this is what i came to. So is Kimberly Brown a scam??

    Comment by Candice — October 13, 2006 @ 7:51 pm

  78. First of all i think that it is a sin and a shame that talent unlimited is allowed to continue to cheat people out of their hard earned money. They called me as well claiming that they wanted to get me signed to a deal. I was reluctant at first but, a year had passed and still the calls kept coming so, I finally agreed tosend the 350 and just as I had suspected they had scammed me. I am very sorry to hear all of your stories but, I strongly believe that we all get what we deserve. Talent u is no exception. Just hold on to your dreams because through them all things are possible.

    Comment by Cee Heron — October 15, 2006 @ 4:30 pm

  79. whats up my name is tim my rapping name is supastar i’am from atlanta ga and i have paid talent unlimited to help me out i gave kimberly brown $350 to put me in the streetz of atlanta she have dread locks,she is dark,and adout 5′7 the last time i talk to her she was in atlanta ga up the street from lenox mall if you can contact some one with talent unlimited or a company that she do things with we can stop this bitch my spaces/supastar

    Comment by timothy — May 6, 2007 @ 1:12 pm

  80. LOL 3 years later and I see many people googled TU and found this page. I’m glad I got the ball rollin’ (comment #8) exposing them. Since I knew I’d probably never see my money again, I turned to the power of the internet to handicap them. Now I’m getting my own little satisfaction reading all these posts since then (April 22, 2005) knowing they lost out on a lot of other artist’s hard earned money they were trying to scam. I was just looking out and it’s good to see others join in with their own experiences with TU. Fuck them phonies!!!

    Comment by Bump — April 6, 2008 @ 2:14 am

  81. Hooman Karamian (real name) - AKA “Corbin Grimes” - AKA “Nik Richie”. His new website is thedirty.com

    Comment by Nikki M. — August 3, 2008 @ 12:48 am

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