Meet Prada Leary | Label Owner, A&R, Artist Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Prada Leary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Prada, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because self ownership plays a major part in being a leader in my career and community. All of the greats I study from Jay-Z to Nipsey Hustle started with their own labels and brands. My business “2039 Forever” is my contribution to the long line of musicals greats who started with their own independent companies and skyrocketed into legendary status.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently am an A&R for TF entertainment, I also own a record label “2039 Forever”. Throughout my life what always set me apart was my ability to enter any room and bring in fresh energy and perspective. I started as an artist in Detroit and currently still make music. I began in a 4 man group in high school, we were mentored by Kuniva from D12 and Big Seans’ Finally Famous crew. Throughout my journey in music Ive had ups and downs, my solo career led me back to Los Angeles after working with Earlly Mac ( an artist/ writer from Detroit). I ended up living with a good friend, film director Jordan Vogt-Roberts. While living there I experienced the other side of the hustle, the side where you make it and have unlimited budgets to create your ideas and imagine anything and have the opportunity to bring it to this reality. I currently work as an A&R and apprentice for TF Entertainment which is the biggest independent label in Detroit , Mi with artists that span from Drego & Beno to Bandgang. I’ve had a lot of challenges in life from overcoming drug use, to literally rebuilding my whole life. I know live a life with the goal of helping everyone I come across even if that’s just by living In my highest self and sending out that example of what we can be when we don’t stop on our journey. Some lessons I’ve really taken to heart is to not let the ego have us in a victim mentality, always serve your community, always show up for work and get the little things done step by step, the person who’s the most reliable, persistent, and listens the most always overshadows the person with the most talent. I want the world to know that my brand 2039 Forever is bringing a new take on music to the forefront, it is a mix of wu tang clan and cyberpunk. I live in love and I want to spread that with every thing I do. Some of the artists I work with are Tim Jewls, P.A.B.L.O, Sunny Bornfree, and Wespalm Rich. The artists that I work with and mentor I truly believe in and I know the world will too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In La first we’d need some good food, the first spot we’d hit is The Jerk Spot in Culver City.

My favorite hangout spot is Highland Park. My friends and I love it there. We’d start at the barcade and play some time crisis, then we’d hit The Blind Barber for drinks.

I love to hike so we’d hit Kenneth Hahn recreation area to get in some nature which is always a breath of fresh air in LA.

We would go to my good friend Sunny Bornfree’s music studio definitely.

Some other spots I love are melrose ( Pop- Up La, and The Heat Exchange) , Griffith observatory, the grove farmers market and The Broad art museum downtown.

The movies and korean bbq are also always a great move

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first shoutout my mother, uncle, my brother and my whole family for always picking up the phone when I need someone to talk to.  I also want to shoutout the owner of the label I work for TF Entertainment, Poody, for supporting my dreams and respecting my journey and what I can contribute to this world. Shoutout to all my friends who are always there for me supporting me. Some mentors I want to thank who I study are the RZA from the wu tang clan, Jay-Z, 19 Keys, Eckhart Tolle, Prodigy from Mobb Deep, Prince, Anthony Bourdain, and Asap Rocky. I grateful to have so much inspiration and support in my life its truly an honor to be on earth at the same time as all these amazing people.

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/pradaleary9

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmaHWn7pT3cKM7yo5zXGw1A/videos