Jamie Adler has become a powerful force in the Hip-Hop world, but it wasn’t always that way. Born into a rock n’ roll family as the younger brother of Guns n’ Roses co-founder and original drummer Steven Adler, Jamie initially utilized his family connections to secure a position as a rock agent. Jamie went onto work with rockers Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Motorhead, and Danzig, and eventually R&B and Hip-Hop artists Tyrese, Bobby Brown, Ol Dirty Bastard, and Guru from Gangstarr. Adler is perhaps best known for his long running position as agent/manager for the legendary Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and DJ Quik, and agent for Dennis Quaid & The Sharks.
In this episode, Jamie balances unbelievable stories with the expert advice of an agent who has been around the music business since he can remember. We discuss everything from working with stars to career advancement to drug addiction to taking risks to being the person your friends can rely on. Jamie has a great heart and it really shines through in this episode. He’s helped me tremendously in my career, and he offers advice that is invaluable to anyone searching for happiness, success, and life balance. I HIGHLY recommend this one!
Show Notes:
2:09 The time Jamie was kidnapped by a man he thought was the manager of The Rolling Stones
16:09 Adler always told his friends growing up that he was going to manager Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (which he ended up doing)
23:33 Motorhead’s manager concocted a brilliant plan to get Jamie a job at the Agency Group
29:33 How to find that perfect balance between being persistent and not annoying
37:49 If you’re the smartest person in the room, run!
38:38 How Jamie recovered from a rock bottom moment
44:53 The moment Jamie stopped relying on friends and became the person his friends could rely on
47:36 How soliciting Bone Thugs-n-Harmony without permission led to our great working relationship
50:43 Agents should be working together instead of being selfish
Health is wealth
56:53 Jamie prides himself on telling people what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear
59:18 The importance of taking risks
1:00:28 Some of the richest people are the most miserable
1:01:47 Build your own identity and find your own success
1:02:01 Don’t judge yourself against others
