#BadBizness: @RomeoAllStars

The music industry is already a tough business to break into but it’s complicated even more by all the snakes, crooks and outright thieves robbing independent artists blind. We often reserve judgement on the business practices of businesses and services providers because the blame can usually be distributed to both parties. Often artists get ripped off purely from trying to get over on someone else. As I always say, “Don’t be mad at someone for selling you a dream, be mad at yourself for buying one.”

With that being said there are some individuals and companies that do nothing more than prey on innocent and unsuspecting artists. Individuals that have no goal other than separating you from your hard earned money. They have no intentions, nor desire, to do good business. It is for this reason that I have decided to start a new column spotlighting these individuals and organizations to serve as a warning to others so that they may avoid falling victims to their cons and schemes. Read on and be sure to RETWEET and LIKE to spread the word.

Our first inductee into the Music Industry #BadBizness Hall of Shame is Rome AKA Romeo owner of Allstar-Promotions. Over a year ago I received an email from this character about booking artist to perform on an HBCU tour. I was familiar with the tour and its promoters as it had been going on for several years. One of the primary organizers and my direct point of contact for the tour, Mr. Ali Shabazz, had recently passed so I reached out to Rome about the tour. He represented himself as if he was taking over for Mr Shabazz and handling all of the booking for the tour. I negotiated a discount for performance slots to pass on to our Premium Members and everything was fine. We promoted the opportunity and had several artists sign up. Unfortunately two of the dates had to be canceled. One of the clients that booked the full tour was disappointed by the cancellations and requested a refund for those dates. After speaking with Rome about the issue we were told it would be no problem. When calling back to check on the status of things he was in the wind; not answer phone calls, tweets, emails, etc. After getting in contact with the promoters directly, I found out that Rome was apparently just another middle-man looking to make a quick buck. I worked with Blessed and KC (The real organizers of the tour) to setup replacement dates and even made sure the act received a free half page article in the next issue of the magazine. The clients were pleased with the outcome and continue be loyal supporters.

This incident alone was enough reason to warn others but it was the constant recurrence of his name over the past year that made us say, “ENOUGH!” Depending on which circles you mention Rome or Allstar-Promotions in certain you're likely to get laughsor stories of botched shows, him trying to sell recycled verses or disappearing with the cash for jobs not performed. Because I wasn’t a party to these reports, I can't say for sure what exactly went on but purely from the lack of character and professionalism he displayed in our dealings I’m led to believe that they are factual. So it is with a clear conscience I advise all of our readers and supporters to avoid doing business  ROME AKA ROMEO or ALL STAR PROMOTIONS. If he is involved with an event or promotion, bypass him and go directly to the organizers. You’re more likely to get the results you’re looking for.