About Me
Julian Wright is a music industry entrepreneur whose professional career began while attending Morehouse College in 1993. At the age of 19, he was hired full time as the Production Coordinator and Account Manager for Dallas Austin’s DARP Inc. He worked on such notable projects as Monica, TLC, Boyz II Men, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Paula Abdul, Deborah Cox, Space Jams and the Nutty Professor. As Production Coordinator his duties included: creating and negotiating production budgets, hiring vendors, publishing administration, negotiating union contracts, administering production contracts, sample clearing, studio scheduling and corresponding with major labels regarding projects.
In 1997, at the age of 23, Mr. Wright left DARP Inc. to establish Wright Artist Management. In 1998, he partnered with Mathew Knowles’ Music World Management to manage R&B Quartet Jagged Edge. Mr. Wright was also involved in the management of pop super group Destiny's Child, securing their first appearance on a soundtrack with 1998’s “Get on the Bus†written and produced by Missy Elliot and Timbaland for Elektra Record’s “Why Do Fools Fall In Love†Soundtrack.
Mr. Wright later separated from Music World Management and flew solo as the exclusive manager for Jagged Edge. During his time as Jagged Edge’s manager, he successfully guided their debut record “A Jagged Era†to RIAA Gold Status (sales in excess of 500,000 units). He also began laying the groundwork leading to the success of Jagged Edge’s double platinum sophomore album “JE Heartbreakâ€.
In 1999, at the age of 26 and at the request of Dallas Austin, Mr. Wright returned to DARP Inc. to manage Dallas Austin and his stable of producers and songwriters. He negotiated projects that featured Dallas Austin working with talents such as Stevie Nicks, Pink, Blu Cantrelle, Christina Aguilera, TLC, Tamia, Texas and even secured a deal that netted Dallas Austin 1 million dollars to produce Japanese pop superstar Namie Amuro. Mr. Wright has worked on recording projects that have sold in excess of 50 million copies.
In 2001 Mr. Wright exited DARP Inc. to establish KONG and secured a half million dollar production deal with Universal Records.
In 2003 Mr. Wright consulted Three Keys Music, which is owned by BET Founder Bob Johnson and Jazz Artist Marcus Johnson. As a consultant, he hand picked a management team comprised of colleagues from DARP Inc. and LaFace Records. Their focus was to guide the recording and marketing of R&B acts signed to the Three Keys label, which is primarily known for Jazz releases. Additionally, Mr. Wright continues to consult Japanese major label AVEX Inc.
Today, Mr. Wright is focused on the operations and creative aspects of his management and consulting company KONG. Mr. Wright has recently signed new R&B Pop sensation KENTRELL to Jive Records. KONG is focused on the management of KENTRELL's career as an artist, songwriter and producer. Kentrell's first single Encore is at radio and is slated to do BIG things.Prior activities have included initiation and brokering of deals for actress Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy from the Cosby Show), producers Rich Harrison and Dallas Austin, and rap artists The Game and T.I. He consults public entities such as WorldSpace Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio. He continues to lend his expertise to high profile individuals such as Birdman, Usher, DJ AM, LeToya Luckett and high profile companies such as Miskeen Originals and Mixcast.tv. His network comprised of senior record label management, veteran artist managers and fellow prominent insiders allows him the access and information needed to conduct business at the pinnacle of the fast paced entertainment world.
