Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Generation Guide to Success

by Kevin Liles, Samantha Marshall (Contributor)

An inspirational career guide based on the author's successes in the music industry outlines ten rules for aspiring managers that include finding work that will be loved, forming a strategic plan, and working with people from all walks of life. 75,000 first printing.

Genres: Biography, Music, Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2005

Reviews

[Arion Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Came recommended around the time I was offered a CEO position with a Tier 2 company. It wasn't until the final chapters that I began to nod my head in agreement with Luke's' stake. "If you choose this path, if you do decide to make CEO or president your ultimate goal, either through running your own business or rising within a corporation, make sure you understand the sacrifice involved. When you take that step, it's no less serious than becoming the head of a family. A very big and time consuming family,"

I needed to hear these words coming from someone that has walked in the shoes I'm about to step in that doesn't have the Ivy League pedigree but ambitions of a hustler. So glad he shared the fact that his first marriage failed due to the commitment of running DEF Jam. Most folks fall in love with the financial blessings of being the top dog, but fail to evaluate all that comes with that territory. For this insight alone, it was worth the read.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got to be honest about this one... I bought it in the bargain area. Kevin Liles tells his story in an easy to read manner and is very successful at both motivating and teaching others ways to succeed. Liles rose from an unpaid intern at Def Jam to the eventual president of that company and later the VP of Warner Music. He's a hard working and incredibly intelligent guy, but at the same time both very cool and seemingly very kind. It's about the music industry, but this one's as much about building any business or career as any book out there.

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the book just before I got to meet the man in Mobile at our local junior college two years ago right after Katrina. He was quite inspirational, but there were more folks there who wanted to get into the business than folks who was just interested in reading the book and taking his advice. I found it to be hip, cool, informative and quite empowering.

[Josh McConnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it is more of a biography, Kevin Liles' Make It Happen is a very interesting read. It goes through the tale of him being successful in a cut throat industry and doing it an unconventional way. Definitely some takeaways can be found, but more or less it is just interesting seeing the path he took to make it to the top. I enjoy it from start to finish.

[Marc Abraham · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the times, "Make it happen - the Hip Hop generation guide to success" felt a bit like everything in Kevin Liles' was a combination of planning and hard work. I can imagine that part of Kevin's professional success was down to random events and making the most of those events.

However, I did enjoy reading Kevin's stories and stories from coming through the ranks at Def Jam.

[Kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for those who take the unconventional route to a successful career. Kevin is able to use "real talk" to get his point across that you own a larger part of your destiny then you think. Great message and it did a great job motivating me.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin liles was the president of defjam records. this is his story of how he got to the top, and how you can be successful in the corporate world. Brought up very good points.

[Kameka]

I haven't read this yet although I got the book for free 3 years ago when the company I was working for was co-host of the book release party. Maybe I'll get around to it one of these days.

[Hector · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kevin Liles is a successful man in his own right, but I couldn't really relate to his tips for success. Some of his stories made up for my lack of connection.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book, it speaks so much wisdom.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read and related Kevin's start to my youth. I picked up several tips that I will use for my business. Light and fun read.

[Diane Haines]

ok, stop laughing at me...i work with guy...had to check it out

[Maxo Marc]

I loved this guys personal story: inspirational.