Meet Cortez Currie | Entertainment CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cortez Currie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cortez, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I would love to dive into this hard topic first, being in a commanding and demanding industry while working hard for those you love. Oftentimes you can loose site of the importance of time and attention you have to give to those you love. Work/Life balance is important, while maintaining income also making memories and moments that matter. As a ceo I’ve created as well as partnered with youth initiatives that give me opportunities to spend time with my children. So, there are ways to create this balance. As you spend time away from family, you find creative ways to find that time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?

Nah, it wasn’t easy. I come from South Memphis — Orange Mound — a place with history, hustle, and heartbreak all in the same breath. Everything I built came from the ground up. I started with a pen, a mic, and a vision. No handouts, just grind. I had to wear a lot of hats — rapper, writer, A&R, marketer, even worked in IT while pushing my music and brand. I studied the industry like a business, not just an art. That’s how I built the Godfellow brand and the Southern Coalition Movement — turning street smarts and industry knowledge into something bigger than just music.

If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

I kept my faith strong and my focus stronger. Every “no” was fuel. I learned to pivot. When doors didn’t open, I built my own. Whether that meant dropping a book (The Lick & The Score), launching a toy line (The Godfellow Collection), or making moves with Empire Distribution — I always found a way. I leaned on my network, mentors like Mama Wes (Pimp C’s mom), and never let my past define my future.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Ownership is everything. Know your worth, know your rights, and don’t just sign—understand. Relationships matter, but so does strategy. Stay creative but stay calculated. Also, stay true to your roots. I’m a Memphis Gangster Nerd, and I never switched up. That authenticity made my brand relatable but unique.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I’m not just a rapper — I’m a movement. Godfellow stands for evolution, power, and purpose. Whether it’s music, toys, books, or business, everything I touch tells a story of survival, growth, and elevation. I came from the same streets as 8Ball & MJG, Dolph, DJ Squeeky — but I brought a different angle. My brand ain’t just entertainment — it’s education, legacy, and hustle. I want the world to know: I’m building an empire the smart way — brick by brick, soul by soul.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Stax Museum
Beale Street
Rendezvous
Tops BBQ
A & R BBQ
DOLPHLAND
Fed Ex Forum
Memphis Redbirds
Peabody Rooftop Parties

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve worked with several entities and entrepreneurs to build up clients and influence
Core Competencies
Artist Development: Identifying, nurturing, and promoting emerging talent. Music Production: Overseeing recording, mixing, and mastering processes.

Marketing & Promotion: Crafting innovative campaigns to amplify artist visibility. Digital & Physical Distribution: Managing music distribution across streaming
platforms and physical formats.
Copyright & Royalty Management: Securing copyrights, negotiating licenses, and ensuring royalty collection.
A&R Expertise: Scouting talent, negotiating contracts, and guiding creative direction. Professional Experience
Digital Alliance Platform & Empire Distribution (Remote)
Record Label Executive & Consultant:
Spearheaded the coordination and execution of national digital launches for music and video projects, ensuring seamless releases and maximizing market reach.
Leveraged AI-powered distribution systems to automate content delivery, optimize workflows, and resolve technical challenges for on-time project rollouts.
Led cross-departmental integration efforts between AI Marketing, Radio, and Administrative divisions, driving alignment and operational efficiency.
Artist Development: Identified and signed promising talent, providing studio time, songwriting support, and marketing guidance to elevate their careers.
Music Production: Oversaw recording sessions, mixing, and mastering to deliver high-quality music.
Marketing & Promotion: Designed and executed campaigns across social media, radio, and music videos to boost artist visibility and engagement.
Digital & Physical Distribution: Managed the availability of music on streaming platforms, download stores, and physical formats like CDs and vinyl records.
2

32 God Mob Publishing
Music Publisher & Administrator:
Copyright Management: Secured and managed copyrights for songwriters and composers, ensuring legal protection and ownership.
Licensing: Negotiated licensing deals with record labels and artists, maximizing revenue streams for creators.
Royalty Collection: Implemented systems to collect and distribute royalties accurately and efficiently.
Songwriter Management: Collaborated with songwriters to ensure they received rightful compensation and recognition.
Industry Expertise: Applied deep knowledge of copyright law, contracts, and music licensing to protect and advance client interests.
A&R Support: Assisted in scouting new talent, attending live shows, and evaluating potential signings.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Godfellow

Twitter: https://www.x.com/GodfellowBBE

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/GodfellowEnt

Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/@onlygodfellow

Image Credits
Selfie – Cortez “Godfellow” Currie