Greg ‘Olskool Ice-Gre’ Lewis, Bio | Executive Management Team (Founder & CEO) | Honest Management
Greg “Olskool Ice-Gre” Lewis – President & Founder - Former g.o.o.d music A&R, Chi-town representative, Hip Hop artist-turned-businessman – stands out for his ability to identify, nurture and elevate true talent. As a college student, Greg’s entertainment industry journey began when he launched the first Hip Hop club in Jackson, Mississippi and established a well-respected entertainment newspaper titled “The 411.” A leader of the then emerging Hip Hop scene, Greg also spent his college years leading music label street teams and co-founding the legendary Midwest/Southern musical collective known as the “Stewpot Stowaways.”
Remaining focused on his passion for music and what makes the industry tick, Greg graduated from Jackson State University and was offered a publicity job with Steve Rifkin’s Loud Records in Los Angeles, CA. As a recent graduate in a highly-coveted position, Greg strengthened his business acumen and contributed to the success of several Hip Hop classics including: Mobb Deep’s “The Infamous,” Raekwon’s “Only Built for Cuban Linx,” Tha Alkaholiks “Coast to Coast” and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.” Although label budget cuts abbreviated Greg’s stint at Loud Records forcing an unexpected return to his hometown, the experience gained in this position precipitated his success on both the creative and business sides of the industry.
Greg’s Chicago homecoming was embraced by local producers and artists alike who were determined to put their city on the music industry map. Along with platinum producer Andy C., Greg catapulted the careers of the female Hip Hop duo, Syndicate (later renamed Infamous Syndicate). His marketing campaign fueled the popularity of the group’s hit single, “Jenny Jones,” demanded the industry’s attention, and resulted in a record deal with Relativity Records.
While grooming emerging talent proved to be Greg’s strong suit, he was still an artist at heart. The following year, Greg shifted gears to focus on his own group, Abstract Mindstate. With unparalleled talent and impressive marketing know-how, Abstract Mindstate quickly became one of the most buzzed about groups in the Midwest. As first place winners of the Salem Orb-e National Talent Search, the duo rocked the stage of New York City’s historic Hammerstein Ballroom competing with some of the country’s most talented rising stars. Determined to rise to the top, Abstract Mindstate went on to be crowned “Home Jam Artist of the Year” by Chicago’s leading urban radio station, WGCI and later, scored a well-deserved record deal.
Realizing the hard way that “all that glitters isn’t gold,” Abstract Mindstate’s label deal didn’t pan out. Refusing to quit, Greg went on an extended visit to the Big Apple to pursue label deals for the group and in the process, reconnected with friend, Grammy Award-winning artist and super producer, Kanye West. After months of marathon studio sessions Greg transitioned into Kanye’s personal assistant and head of business affairs for the now defunct Konman Entertainment. Greg is proud to say that on a business and personal level, he was very instrumental in Kanye’s evolution from behind-the-scenes music producer to internationally recognized Hip Hop icon.
Serving as a catalyst for the success of other artist’s careers was gratifying and Greg realized it was time to make this aspect of his career official. He then co-founded 4 The Soul-Reciprocity Inc. and molded the careers of several Chicago artists including the soulful songbird, Trizonna McClendon.
Although the music industry is undergoing drastic changes, the new millennium has served this game-changer well. Greg’s star continues to rise via past roles as A&R for Kanye West’s g.o.o.d. music label and ongoing developments with his L.A.-based company, Honest Management LLC. With focus on a broader spectrum of talent, Honest Management is committed to delivering just that – “honest management.” The firm represents an exclusive roster of talented individuals across multiple industries that eat, breathe and live (not sleep) for their craft.
In addition to managing his growing client base, Greg published his first book, appropriately titled, “I Refuse to Quit! The Autobiography of a Dreamer” which is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. He has toured the country promoting the book and inspiring women and men to follow their dreams, no matter how challenging the journey may be.
As a visionary and eternal optimist, Greg shares priceless jewels via his YouTube series, “An Honest Minute.” Covering everything from the importance of face-to-face communication to the art of controlling your temper, “An Honest Minute” is a social media tool developed to enlighten both emerging and seasoned professionals.
Throughout his burgeoning career, Greg has capitalized on his ability to anticipate and guide industry trends, realizing that music and culture are the source of his inspiration and success. As a dream-chaser with talent, drive and resilience for days, the sky is not Greg’s limit!
Greg resides in Los Angeles and is a graduate of Jackson State University. To book Greg for motivational speaking engagements or panel discussions visit www.irefusetoquit.com.
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