Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Winfield.
Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out in the music industry around 1998 when I was 14 years old. One of my uncle’s (Shorty Capone multi-platinum Grammy-winning executive producer known for Crucial Conflict, Dude n Nem, Lupe Fiasco, Z-Verse, Fatz and Grammy Producer Xcel) had a well-established record label. At that time I was able to see success every day in our household and studio from his accomplishments. I started HS around that same time and become an intern A&R for his label. I was able to be a part of the recording process, mixing sessions, video shoots and most importantly, executive work. In 2000 I met an artist by the name of Wasalu aka Grammy winner Lupe Fiasco.
During that year, Lupe and three other artists were formed into a rap group (Da Pak). I went to NYC with the group to record songs for Epic records which the group was just signed to. On that same trip, I met Jay-z at the Universal Records building. It was crazy for me to meet Jigga because I’m such a fan and I recognize walking pass cool as ever. I ran him down for a photo which later, the whole group and I were taking a pic that circulated throughout the west side of Chicago. Fast forward to 2008 and then I get reconnected with Lupe after the group was dismantled and he began his solo career. By this time, he was partnered with “Free Chill,” aka Chill, which is also a close friend of the family, more like family than anything. Chill and Shorty had a call with each other and then with me and the next thing I know I was on a plane to New Orleans to meet Lupe. That day I was employed by 1st&15th as a personal assistant to Lupe. I worked with Lupe for a decade and with-in those years I was able to achieve unimaginable success and goals. My role went from an assistant to tour manager to day to day manager.
During the time of my career working Lupe I started my own record label in like 2011 called Born Leaders Inc. I basically used this label as a development artist house. I was learning so much from running around with a major artist that I figured I could share this game with a new artist and make it pop! I was looking for percentages! I signed an r&b artist in 2011 or 2012 name Swat but it didn’t happen the way we thought. After that I ran into another artist name The Boy Illinois. One of my boys put me on to him and I checked him out right before I had to get on a plane to go on tour in Australia with Lupe. When I came back to the states I was ready to work with TBI and seen a bit of niche that he could have in the industry. I put a team together with my friend and business partner Briahna (SwankPR) to assist me in developing him for about 4-5 years. We did exactly that! We were blessed by Chill and Lu to allow him to open up on tour for Lupe Fiasco which was two tours that we funded ourselves. We did press promo runs in multiple cities and was creating his brand.
Around 2018-2019 Lupe and I had a conference call and we agreed that I was maxed out with FNF and to give my own business the focus. Which later I feel was the kick in the butt I needed. After that we were able to get him a distribution deal with universal/priority records which my boy Fuzzy and my business partner Bri proposed to me and I said let’s go! We did a one single deal with exclusivity on new singles for a year. That took place in like 2017-2018 and in that same year our partnership and business with the artist ended. My partner and I remained staying focused on our executive business and continued working. I focused being more about me and then started a career with the railroad which assisted keeping up my with some finances.
In 2020 my best friend/brother Ace called me with an ideal of us working together and developing artists. I took him up on the challenge and we signed an amazing hiphop/r&b singer/writer name @LajeOfficial to our label Black Imprint Entertainment. We began working on music in April of 2020 in the extreme heights of Covid. While everyone else was stuck in the house we were working at the FNF studios on the west side of Chicago. We did lock in sessions and just worked all that year and made about 45 records! Now to bring it home it’s 2021 and my team is ready to make success with our talented artist Lajè. We had some ups and downs but we stay committed to knowing it’s not an easy process! I live by the words of seeing the glass half full. Lajè has been making some local noise in Chicago and Atlanta within this one year. From being WGCI’s Remy Martin artist of the summer for 2020 to being on billboards throughout Chicago with the At&t my city campaign to getting praises from Dj Scream from da A. Currently, I have her working with three Grammy producers, all from Chicago and I won’t tell any names just wait for the work.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Umm, no it hasn’t been smooth at all. I mean I remember the first time I was homesick. I had to leave Chicago and go live in LA. I was there for ten years while leaving my child miles away to chase the music dream was very difficult too. Touring in the beginning was very confusing and challenging. But when I met Cara Lewis(booking agent) she told me keep working I’m dope! Also, in this business, it’s never about what one person thinks is best! Always be a team until you don’t need a team!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an entertainment young OG! I apply dedication and reliability to any artist in hopes of reaching their goals by any means. I like for people to know me as a humble giant! With a smile! I’m most proud of seeing any artist I work with achieve the goals we set. It’s nothing like seeing the happiness come out of a person for something you help make happen. I think what set me apart from others is that I’m always thinking about how to make the talent/artist more comfortable to do their job so that it makes my job smoother esp being a phone call away for anything.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think it was very good luck when I was given the opportunity to start my music career with Lupe. I literally had just lost my grand daddy, lost the job I had at the time and I had a short prison stint. Life changed soon as I was on the plane to da N.O.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/lajeofficialmusic
- Instagram: Chitown_ant
- Facebook: Chitown_ant
- Twitter: Chitown_ant
Image Credits
First pic: Some plaques I’ve received for my work. Second pic: Lupe Fiasco, Fashion designer Virgil Abloh, Anthony Winfield and Lil Reggie. Third pic: Anthony Winfield, Lajè and Ace. Forth pic: Family house with plaques.
