When it comes to making major waves in the entertainment industry, Baltimore has quite a reputation. It doesn?t matter if it?s music, movies or television. This city has definitely made a name for itself. And, in part, it?s due to the contribution of natives that have made it big, while carrying Baltimore on their backs and in their hearts. Baltimore?s own, Tony Austin, the newly appointed co-owner and president of Russell Simmons Music Group, is a prime example.
Austin is internationally known in the entertainment industry. Particularly his former position as a major industry executive at Def Jam Records, under the supervision of his mogul mentor, Kevin Liles.
Austin founded King Shah Productions 12 years ago, after an auspicious start as a Baltimore event promoter. The company produced extremely successful comedic tours with Steve Harvey, Chris Tucker and John Witherspoon, as well as a major concert production starring multiplatinum recording artists, R. Kelly and LL Cool J. “Doing King Shah was a fun time. It was a time when I was just the young kid making money.” When asked about the difficulty of going from local parties to a national tour, Austin explains, “Someone approached me about putting the money up for one of the shows, and I asked ?What about the whole tour?? ”
Later in 2002, Austin founded the production company, Chocolate City Music. Chocolate City serves as a foundation to develop and nurture artists such as Baltimore?s own Dru Hill and Co., Along with DMX, Case, Buddafly and many others.
It?s these past endeavors mixed with a genuine passion for music that has music mogul, Russell Simmons, eager to work with the Baltimore native. “I?m … inspired by Tony Austin, my partner and the president of RSMG, in whom I believe I?ve found a musical genius,” says Simmons.
And from the sounds of it, Austin feels the same way: “This is a dream come true to partner with a man like Russell Simmons, and I am humbly honored. The energy he has is amazing, and he is an inspiration to be around. I am very excited about the road ahead, very passionate about the artists and the music we are working with and look forward to coming to work each day and making things happen.” Austin further explains, “? Working with Russell is like being with an icon, day in and day out. But working with Kevin [at Def Jam] was like being in college with a professor.” Although both experiences are incredibly different, they?ve both been hugely influential in Austin?s success.
