1.21 Gigawatts: Back To The First Time is on the way and Ludaversal under construction

Last night at a private studio in a secluded Atlanta neighborhood, Ludacris and close members of the DTP Family were listening to club bangers off his soon to be released mixtape entitled "1.21 Gigawatts: Back To The First Time" and began drafting the blueprints which will become his 8th studio album entitled "LUDAVERSAL" (Disturbing Tha Peace Records/Def Jam).

It was a normal studio scene including a lot of Apple computers open, Smartphones ringing, vibrating (NO TWEETING WAS ALLOWED), Conjure Cognac flowing and Soul headphones scattered everywhere like it was a private showroom. The bosses were in the building (Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon :: Co-Ceo's of DTP Records and Ludacris' management), new artist were simultaneously learning from their multi-platinum mogul CEO while contributing their creativity to new concepts, and close people of the team that they trust to give an honest opinion of what was being crafted, as well as throwing marketing ideas against the wall, potential video concepts, and discussing the current state of the music biz (not just hip-hop) and where it is going.

After a 12 hour session, empty containers of take out food, empty Conjure bottles, Dead Smartphones, and multiple youtube views that were utilized for reference points, LUDAVERSAL is underway and from the schematics of the blueprints which were rolled out on the table Ludacris is sure to bring home all of hip-hop's hardware and more.

CLASSIC CREATIVE :: SPRITE "Obey Your Thirst" (Pete Rock, C.L. Smooth, Grand Puba)

Shout out to Jeff Dixon (Co-Ceo of Disturbing Tha Peace Records and Co-Manager of Ludacris)

Jeff Dixon was the former manager of Grand Puba and appeared in this commercial (standing next to board with glasses on. Jeff is also a marketing maven working with Sprite, Ruff Ryders and more before discovering and teamming up with Ludacris to form the DTP empire.

MATT "THE MAYOR" VERDEN JOINS "THE DEAN'S LIST"

Matthew Verden, CEO of VSMG, LLC. has over 10 years of marketing, management, and promotions experience. Verden started the Verden Sports Management Group in an attempt to provide a sense of ease to an athlete's already busy life and schedule. With a vast knowledge of the sports industry, marketing, and management skills, Verden leads his staff in ensuring all client's needs (whether big or small) are met, and often times exceeded.

Verden has worked with some of the most elite names in sports including multiple professional teams and athletes including the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats. He also has deep rooted ties with elite highschool basketball players and collegiate basketball programs including Duke University, University of Arizona, Georgia Tech and more.

The Dean's Notes: Matthew will bring his behind the scenes hands-on insight to "The Dean's List" readers.

Contact:
matthew@deanbrandmarketing.com
twitter.com/vsmgllc

DJ ALAMO: PHOTO BY JONATHAN MANNION

Jonathan Mannion: found this old school shot of DJ ALAMO in his white dune buggy outside of the Rock Steady Anniversary... Supernatural and I hitched a ride uptown... Classic $hit... Thought I'd give y'all a throwback on this Tuesday afternoon... Alamo what up!!!... told you I'd get the photo to you my man. Bless.

If ya'll don't know who this is than do your homework. DJ ALAMO of the Legendary BRAND NUBIAN. This is extended family of "The Dean's List". A mentor and big brother to me during my tenure at DTP Records which he is now a member of.

Check out Brand Nubian: "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" (CLASSIC)

Contributed by Jonathan Mannion

WE JUST GETTIN' STARTED!!!

Out of all the celebrities in the world I never wanted to take a pic with Ludacris. Not because I have anything against him but because I once was a former intern and employee of his Disturbing Tha Peace Records Imprint. I never wanted it to look as though "oh you just work for him and you being extra or anything". But now I know understand that Ludacris and his team understand that I have come a long way. As I congratulated him on the release of his Conjure Congnac, he in turn discussed how he has seen me come a long way and loved the fact that I never gave up. I looked at him and said "Boss Man, I'm Just Gettin' Started".