When it comes to positioning clients and creating spectacular promotional events, very few can rival The Red Carpet Hero, Chanel Rae Pettaway. Founding The Legion Media Group with her partner Ian Freeman, she has broken several artists including Grammy Award-winning music sensation Cardi B. Her roster currently includes Shaggy, Jim Jones, Dipset, Cipha Sounds, Peter Rosenberg, Salaam Remi, Joell Ortiz, Chinx, Chrisette Michele, and more.
You have represented everyone from A-list artists to powerful taste-makers. What inspired you to start a career in the entertainment industry?
I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I just didn’t know in what capacity. I interned in radio, television, record labels, magazines and more. Public relations ended up choosing me. It encompasses all my passions and talents between people connection, technology, writing and more.
What would you say is the biggest misconception that people have regarding public relations?
I always say it is my job to publicize the news, not make the news. People only see the end result of your work on social media, not all the effort it took to get the placement or put together the event.
While marketing is a part of public relations, a lot of people confuse the two fields. Give us your insight on the difference.
The difference between marketing and public relations comes down to a paid effort. Public relations is based around authentic editorial placements while marketing is a fixed budget around impressions.
Tell us some of the services that the Legion Media Group offers clients.
We offer traditional public relations, event services, social media management, branding and marketing.
Who are some of your favorite current performers?
I’m extremely biased so I will say my emerging artists GiF and YOung W.I.T. and Iman.
Share your biggest contribution to the culture.
Hmmm, I don’t think it has come yet honestly, but trust I’m working on many great projects this year. But, if I must pick something, it would be the podcast I host with my best friend LaToya. It gives young mothers an outlet to talk about things society says we shouldn’t.
What advice would you offer an aspiring artist?
First, make sure people can find you. You can’t be YoungFlip2 on twitter, FlippyYoung1 on IG, and The Real Fliperino Young on Facebook. Your name is everything. Second, find a manager you can trust. You should be concentrating on being an artist. Lastly, don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn to take criticism.
