Today we’d like to introduce you to Dasha Ware.
Hi Dasha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Entrepreneur, Music and Marketing Executive – single mother of three boys
I have executed digital and creative marketing efforts for some of the most influential brands and recording artists today.
I honed my craft in 2006, during the southern crunk, snap, and trap mumble music era,
In 2008, I started off working under the leadership of Debra Antney when I was 22 until 2012. Where I wore many hats, but I worked as a Marketing and Project Manager for Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, French Montana, and Oj Da Juiceman. At this time, I was also working as a Marketing Manager for D4L and Crime Mob.
In 2010, I became partners with James Lindsay, the Founder and Creator of Rap Snacks, during this time he was the business manager for Meek Mill and planning to relaunch the Rap Snacks brand. During my partnership with James Lindsay he referred many artists to me, which landed me opportunities to work with Meek Mill, Master P, 21 Savage, Lil Mo, Kodie Shane, and Rick Ross.
In 2012, I founded my marketing agency The Rising Star Group – the name comes from me working with tons on notable artists before their record deals. The Rising Star Group (Known as RSG Agency) the agency focuses on artists services & brand development (artist development) My agency has also assisted with the marketing development of ATL’s next rising stars like Jacob Latimore, Omeretta, and Luh Dino.
In 2014, I was named Top 5 Social Media Influencer of Atlanta and Top 100 Branding Expert to follow on Twitter by notable entrepreneur Evan Carmichael.
In 2016 I officially became an active partner for Rap Snacks and we relaunched the potato chip brand me managing their social media space. I created a social media campaign for the relaunch introducing the Migos “Dab of Ranch” Jingle video in partnership with Spotify, which went viral with 5+ million shared views. As years went on 2018, I started managed the digital assets, Rap Snacks became a 20+ Million Dollar a year company, which has moved from Atlanta’s local market to now 1,000+ stores including Walmart, Krogers, Big Lots, 7 Eleven, Quik Trip, Spencer’s, and many more.
In 2018, I ventured into distribution, since then she has released over 140+ records and 78+ albums under the RSGA umbrella and has already reached over 11 Million+ collectives of streams with the help of major featured artists: Gucci Mane, Lil Keed, Yella Beezy, Money Man, 2 Chainz, Blac Youngsta, Erica Banks and many other indie artists.
In 2020, she expanded her marketing services and expertise to help develop athletes and non-music brands. Early 2021, her and business partner Dean Little founded a talent management company, D&D Management and Consulting, which roster consists of artists, producers, songwriters, and actors like Kaalan Walker (credits: Superfly Movie, True Lies) Hit Em With The Jab, (credits: Migos, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black, and Lil Yachty), and Smiles Official (Features: Tory Lanez and Gunplay).
Early 2021, Dasha released two books on Amazon, “Smart Artists Don’t Starve” and “The Smart Artist Release” dedicated to helping independent artists make and collect money as well as releasing music properly, which granted her to be a best selling author. In 2021, Dasha also joined the National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NCEG) as Chief Marketing Officer. NCEG is the only music industry pipeline designed to help students use their passion to fund their education.
In 2022, Dasha joined forces with music pioneer Debra Antney to develop new music distribution company, Tag Distro. Tag Distro is no commission-based. Artists get to keep 100% of the rights to their music.
I seek to provide opportunities, promote innovation, and practice collaboration across various entertainment-based disciplines.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Didn’t have too many challenges, but I am a single mom of three boys. In 2013, Gucci Mane was locked up for the last time I was laid off it was a really bad time for me. That’s what really inspired me to start my own marketing agency.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Roadmap of Highlights 2008, Producer for Gucci Mane ft. So Icey Boyz “Shirt Off” music video
2009, Project and Marketing Manager for Nicki Minaj; “Beam Me Up Scotty” Mixtape by Trapaholics Records – MTV’s Mixtape Daily chose Beam Me Up Scotty as its weekly pick on May 4, 2009
2009, A&R and Marketing Manager for “The Otha Side of the Trap” album release by OJ Da Juiceman
2009, (BTS) Videographers for the BET’s Tiny and Toya Show
2009, Created talent buying ads for Nicki Minaj – raised her buying value from $0-$100k in 12 months
2010, Executed Roscoe Dash internet campaign for the album “Ready Set Go” reached #7 on 106 & Park with the single “All The Way Turnt Up”
2010, Partnered with Rap Snacks to rebrand and position in the digital space
2011, Marketing support on Waka Flocka Flame’s #WakaNewYear three-day campaign by SEA’s Caps
2011, Created the official press release for the announcement of French Montana’s signing with Bad Boy Records
2011, Created a marketing pitch deck for Meek Mill to secure a partnership with Ecko Unltd. T-Shirt line collaboration with Dream Chasers
2014, Created the official press release for the launch of FUBU’s new Hair Care Line, Natural Style By FUBU
2015, Joined Grammy-nominated group The Shop Boyz management team
2015, Rap Snacks new branding logo and package design
2016, Assistant on the BET’s “Your World with Creflo” (Creflo Dollar) episode with 2 Chainz/TRU Foundation on revolutionary ways that we can reach today’s youth.
2016, Relaunched Rap Snacks to position in the digital space with Migos, Fetty Wap, Lil Yachty, Romeo Miller, Trina, and Lil Boosie
2016, Migos Freestyle turned Rap Snacks Jingle goes viral gaining over 5+ million shared views after the relaunch
2016, During Rap Snacks re-launch campaign, grew IG account from 0 – 50k followers in 3 months
Created marketing pitch decks for Meek Mill to secure Ethika and Monster Energy Drink sponsorships/endorsements
Created marketing pitch deck for Rick Ross that secured liquor sponsorships/endorsements
Created press kits/media kits for Master P, Rap Snacks, Meek Mill, 21 Savage, Sean Garrett, Lil Mo, Kodie Shane
2018 – 2020, Secured Distribution deal (Catalog totals – 10+ Million Streams) Catalog has features from major artists like – Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, Money Man, Blac Youngsta, Yella Beezy, Lil Keed, and more
2019, Partnered with Kuhnsinity Records artist Luh Dino for album rollout “Up4Life 2.0” album 1.7M streams in less than a month (July 2020) “IDGAF” album single 375K streams and counting “IDGAF” music video 888K views on YouTube, (Aug 2020) 3M hashtag views on Tik Tok (Aug 2020).
2020 – 2021, Secured a distribution deal with Beatroot Music – major releases from Erica Banks, and more
2021, Released two eBook “Smart Artists Don’t Starve” “Smart Artist Music Release” on Amazon
RSG Agency (RSGA) is a full-service digital marketing and label services agency focused on artist & brand development.
Since 2012, we’ve used results-driven marketing strategies to serve as a launching pad for music makers and brands to shape culture.
We support all independent recording artists and record labels, producers, songwriters, and music-related brands.
We specialize in everything from sound to marketing, distribution, branding, talent management and consulting, and overall business strategy.
Since 2012, we’ve used results-driven marketing strategies to serve as a launching pad for music makers and brands to shape culture.
Over 11 Million Catalog Streams Since 2018
Over 200 Music Releases Since 2018
We’ve helped artists and brands in the sector expand their reach and connect with audiences by giving them the tools to navigate the streaming landscape, the strategies to create a distinct brand presence, guidance on how to relaunch and drive relevance in culture, and the support to make a large-scale impact.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m a firm believer in taking risks. I have always been the person to say, you never know until you try and what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t take the risk.
I accept risk as a cost of opportunity. I know it cannot happen if I will not accept the risk that I might fail. The level of risk may be lessened, however, if you make all possible calculations and evaluate which options are best before proceeding to the next step.
Contact Info:
- Email: dasha@rsga.io
- Website: www.rsga.io
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dashaware.co / www.instagram.com/rsga.io
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsgagency
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rsga_io
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtfzv34IczIjgeF7pvu_JDw
