Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Burgess.
Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Ryan Burgess, the music industry knows me as Verse. I am 24 years old. I am in artist management and I manage two artists and one producer. I got started in the music business about three years ago when I was 21. My good friend and business partner FME Frank brought me to his studio in Buckhead, and I got hooked to music since. In college, I received a full scholarship to play football, but I was focused on acting. I’ve been on a couple shows and a couple music videos. Acting is still my passion, and I received a degree in theatre and psychology. My best friend from college (ChiChi) started making beats and asked me to manage him after I graduated last December 2018. Meanwhile, I was coaching and teaching for Dekalb County Schools. The skills of leadership, responsibility, and trust translated well to management so I was like let’s give it a shot, I already was a booking director for the studio Frank brought me too, I took a leap of faith. ChiChi is one of the hottest producers now, and I still work with his collaborations to this day, he has three songs on Lil Baby deluxe tape. ChiChi success led me to run into my long time friend Ola Runt, who I manage now.
I grew up with Ola, but we took different paths, ultimately leading back to each other. Ola Runt is the hottest artist out of Atlanta, and I get to manage him. I help negotiate deals, set up meeting, calls, create a schedule, keeping everyone same accord, and I try my best to create opportunities for my brothers! Ola Runt is an Atlanta legend, and he has taught me a lot about life! It is amazing working with Ola and my 1VerseMgmt team. God is 100% in control, and I’m blessed to go on this journey. Ola recently has an affiliation with Gucci Mane 1017 label, and also other labels we work with across NYC, MIA, and LA. My new artist is Jerius Duncan, who is his own genre, and is a star! Am blessed and thankful for being in this position. I look forward to the future of my business. My family has been nothing but supportive, and my brothers keep me motivated. I also HAVE TWIN brothers who play for the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles. Competition runs deep in my family, my mom plays professional tennis and my dad has been a coach for 40 years. My background makes me who I am and I look to use my company to help facilitate other’s dreams, goals, and careers. I plan to add youth development because I still love to teach and Coach. Thank you, Voyage for reaching out, I appreciate the opportunity. Feel free to contact me, anyone.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth per say, but its been organic and natural if that makes sense. Everyday life gives you something and you can determine a persons character by how they adjust to it. I’ve been blessed, because the journey has been fun, learning, and life-changing. I never had to force anything, a team makes everything better.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Artist management, I facilitate other dreams, reality, goals, and career. I’m known as the mouthpiece. I’m in the heated meetings, I’m the negotiator, I am the eyes and ears for my artists. I must always be ten steps ahead. I learn a lot though failing and trying again. What sets me apart is my genuine passion for others. I want to see my people win, I’m someone people can trust in a strict business like the music industry.
I am helping manage 24Lefteye as well. He is Ola Runt’s artist, and he is the next one out of Atlanta as well.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Atlanta is black Hollywood. It’s where people from all facets of life come and build. If you can be successful in Atlanta, you have a shot anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: OlaRunt.com
- Phone: 678-993-3828
- Email: 1versemanagement@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1theverse/?hl=en
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
