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Catchin Wreck Empire
Catchin Wreck Empire: The Kingsley Osei Story
Entertainment is a billion dollar business, I love Entertainment, it's my Business and I am good at it..
What is your business quote?
I have two, “The streets don’t lie” and “Still catchin' wreck.”
Are you in a relationship? How is your relationship and business?
Yes, I am in a relationship. It’s not a good mix, but I make the best out of it.
How long have you been running your business full-time?
I have been running my own business for twenty years now. I will be hosting my 20th year anniversary this summer.
How did you get started?
There has been three parts of my career: DJ, retailer & marketer. As a DJ, in the early 90’s, I used to record mix tapes and sell them to friends. I also DJ'd at house parties and in clubs.IN 1998 I WAS AWARDED BEST MIXTAPE DJ IN CT. BY (JUSTO MIXTAPE AWARDS). I was also spinning at WXCI & WVOF in 1991. I DJ'd until selling mix tapes on the sidewalk of the arcade mall led me to opening one of the most memorable mom & pop soundscan record stores Connecticut has ever had. One of the most memorable in-store events I hosted was given by the artist Lil' Kim. As a member of V.I.P record pool, whose members included funk flex, jazzy joice and many others, I would frequently catch the train to NY and walk from label to label for vinyl until my polo back pack was full of white labels. I attended my first music conventions during those years, including: “New Music Seminar," “Jack The Rapper,” “How Can I be Down," and Gavin CMJ.
Attending conventions allowed me to connect directly with artists and industry label reps. Because I didn’t like talking on my mix tapes, I would carry my tape recorder and get drops from artist when I met with them. I used the drops to break their new music on mix tapes and radio. That gained me recognition coming out of Connecticut and competing with S&S, Clue, Dj Craig G and many others.
When Steve Rifkin started Loud Records street team he put me down as the Connecticut representative. Through recommendations my company was hired by labels like Tommy Boy, Sony, Epic, No Limit Records, Priority, Electra ands almost every major label there was back then. My street team was one of the best in the nation, during the prime-time when street teams were relevant.
What brands and Artists have you worked with?
I did some work with Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Starter, Hugo Boss, Levis, Coors Light, HBO, and a couple of magazines out of CT just to name a few. I toured with Mack 10 and Mc Eiht in 1998, with Nas & 50cent in 2001 during the “Power of the Dollar” album with Sony music. I have also worked with BMF Entertainment, Wyclif Jean, Destiny’s Child, Akon, Damian and Stephen Marley, Snoop Dogg and others.
What do you think about the city of Bridgeport and the state of CT in general?
My city, Bridgeport, which I love dearly, is on the rise. The mayor, Bill Finch, is a friend of mine. I met him when I was on the board of BEDCO Bridgeport Economic Development while he was the president. He is currently faced with a deficit just like many other cities and states, but I believe he wants the best for the city. As far as Connecticut is concerned, there are lots of talents here. We just can’t seem to work together to achieve the common goal.
What are your future goals?
My future goals is to launch Catchin Wreck in Ghana where I'm from. I’ve done a lot for my state and I will like to do the same for the country where I was born
What advice would you provide to entrepreneurs?
Surround yourself with positive people, be respectful to others, don’t be too egotistical, always seek advice from others even when you think you know better than they do, don’t break bridges, and be willing to help others who may be beyond you because you may need them one day. Last of all, keep yourself within a network, it will save you a lot of money.
Who do you admire?
I admire Harve Piere, the president of Bad Boy. I recall him giving me Bad Boy’s first flyer during the Black Expo at Jacob Javits Center. It read, “who is bad boy." That same year, 1993, at the new music seminar at the Sheraton, New York, he and his team gave me the Big Mac sampler tape, the first official music heard from Biggy and Craig Mack. Piere stood by Diddy all the way to the top.
How do you see the current generation?
The current generation has an easy way out of everything they do. They live by the internet. The “please listen to my demo” days are over. A Dj doesn't have to spend a penny on records to build his or her music collection. An artist doesn’t have to have their video on MTV or BET to sell records. There are so many outlets. So, I think of this generation as spoiled. However, they are very innovative.
What is your personal quote?
”If it doesn’t make dollas, it doesn’t make sense” and “money is the root of all evil."
