Mark Keene A "No Bullshit" kind of man. Q & A by C.J. Porter Mark Keene is a man of many talents. From reporting in top radio stations, to working with big name artist such as Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Gill, Diana Ross, Boyz II Men, just to name a few. Some say he is arrogant, but most love his confidence and truthfulness. I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Keene at a video shoot and right from the start I could feel the energy of his presence. He is vibrant and energetic and always leaves you with a smile on your face. His confidence is strong but not threatening, for he tells you the truth at all times, if you want to hear it or not.I finally got a chance to ask Mark Keene a few question and as expected his answers are smart and witty and full of confidence, just as we know Mark Keene can be.Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Mark Keene1. Who is Mark Keene?Just a good ol' boy with a crazy side, and a big mouth, who's getting paid for it!2. What are you up to today?Well, what I do almost every day. I take you from the sheets to the streets and then from the boardroom back to the bedroom with traffic and a little more on the radio.3.You have worked for a number of top radio stations like KBLX, KJLH, the Beat, and record companies like Motown & Hidden Beach, what was some of the best times and worst times working within these companies?Well the good times were so good I was on the floor drunk and the bad times were when I got fired. But honestly the good times were when the companies won and we had hits. Being a part of a great team and then a winning team is always joyful. And you know me, happy, happy, joy, joy. :)4. Who was your most favorite artist to work with? Why?Hard question. I've worked with Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill, and Jill Scott just to do a little name dropping. But I can honestly say, to be a part of the Les Nubians 1st CD was a joy, because I was an indie doing some consulting for higher octave music. They sent me a few copies of a French band doing hip hop and it sounded good. Then they sent me these real low budget videos, and they were nice. Then the whole project worked and we sold over 1 million records. It was a fun little project.5. Was there ever any time that you just wanted to say F@%* it?When I wake up each day at 4:30 am, those are the words out of my mouth. But really when you deal with a bunch of cut - throat ass holes who don't give a fuck but just do it for the money and not the love of the music or the artist, it can piss you off.6. Some say you are arrogant. Are you arrogant or are you just misunderstood?It's not arrogance, its confidence -and I wear it on my sleeve, and I walk in the door with it. If you take it as arrogance then you've already lost in my book.7. I hear your hometown is Brooklyn NY, when did you come to Cali and why?NYC was doing nothing for me. I was a virgin and I figured what the hell. Come to Cali for the weed and the women and get a good education too!8. 6'2, exotically handsome and is known as "BIG SEXY!" For all the ladies that want to know, is there someone special in you life or are you still available?For the right price I could be your bitch $$$$$$$$$$$$$9. Have you met all your goals in life or is there still a little something more you would like to do?I am not even close to reaching my goals. Once you do that, life is over. Each day, my 1st goal is not to break my alarm clock. Then after that it's to wake this city up with a smile on my face and a swift kick in your ass. I would like to have my own show, radio/tv, and run my own label. I've learned and worked with some great people, Jheryl Busby, Norm Pattiz, Steve Mckeever just to name a few, and hopefully their wisdom has rubbed off on me, Because I sure kiss a whole lotta ass :)10. Out of all the jobs you have taken on which do you like best?All of them, otherwise I wouldn't do them.11. Are you promoting these days? Who?ME12. You have worked with Steve Harvey, Kindred, Mint Condition, and more. What would you say is the best part in working with celebrities?Their leftovers. They can't take it all home, and the eatin's are good!13. Is there anyone that you just won't work with ever again?Folks who owe me money, folks who lie, cheat and are full of shit. I may not be the nicest guy in the world but at least I'm honest and do business, not bullshit.14. Who would you like to work with in the future?Young, creative folks with talent (old folks with talent too). Too be back in the morning's on the air with Cliff and Adai @ KJLH, and just good people who are creative.15. What's next for Mark Keene?More, more, more. All door's are open. I just wonder which one I should walk in.Thanks you Mark Keene for giving us some of your time. If you want to know more about Mark Keene ask him at
[email protected].
