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

Hi Rob, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to embark on the entrepreneurial path was a natural progression for me. It all began in 2001 when I entered the music industry as an intern at Quad Studios. During that time, I had the privilege of crossing paths with Rocafella Records, witnessing the successful operation of a black-owned business by industry titans such as Dame Dash, Jay, and Biggs. Their achievements became a profound source of inspiration for me.

As I transitioned to the role of the head of A&R for Akonik Label Group, working closely with Akon and Kedar Massenburg, I delved deeper into the intricate workings of the music business. Additional learning experiences, including collaborating with Akon’s brother Bu on a joint venture with Columbia Records, further equipped me for the next step in my career—the role of a CEO.

The anticipation to launch my own company grew, and I understood the importance of aligning myself with an artist whom I genuinely believed in. Serendipitously, I discovered Jaya, a talented artist from Lagos, Nigeria, through Instagram. His music resonated with me, and after a promising conversation, my intuition guided me to sign him. With a well-structured company and newfound musical inspiration, I took a leap of faith, drawing on my experiences and network.

Betting on myself proved to be a rewarding decision, and I am immensely grateful for the journey that has unfolded.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the brains behind Disruptive Label, a record label and publishing company that breaks the mold. Our main goal isn’t just to inspire but to deeply connect with global audiences, building a lively community of music creators who share our deep respect for the diverse sounds of the African diaspora. My journey has been nothing short of epic, driven by an unwavering faith in the higher power, a consistent grind, and an unshakeable refusal to let obstacles hold me back.

My love for music has taken me on a wild ride through various roles – from being an artist, engineer, and producer to rocking the decks as a DJ. Each skill I picked up was a testament to my undying passion for music. It all started when I landed an internship gig at Quad Studios in the heart of Manhattan. Those early days were tough; I was hustling hard, doing odd jobs, and surviving on bagels and hot chocolate. But deep down, I knew it was all part of the journey, and my big break would come if I kept at it.

Before my Quad Studios gig, I was a college freshman in Houston, always skipping classes to work on music and binge-watch documentaries like “Backstage,” Dame Dash’s epic on Roc-A-Fella Records. That flick fueled my dreams of one day working with a top-tier label. And guess what? I made it happen. I dropped out of school, headed back to NYC, and started pounding the pavement.

Getting into the music biz wasn’t easy, though. I hustled hard, chasing internships and calling up labels left, right, and center. It was a grind, but after countless calls, I finally got a break at Quad Studios. And talk about divine timing – Roc-a-fella Records was using the same space at the time. It felt like fate had stepped in to give me a hand.

My big moment came when a studio engineer called in sick, and Beanie Sigel from Rocafella Records asked me to step in and track vocals for him. That was the turning point, launching my career with the label. Even when the industry hit rough patches, like labels getting dismantled, I refused to let setbacks keep me down. I switched gears to DJing to keep the lights on, embracing yet another challenge on my path to success.

I carved out a name for myself as a DJ and party promoter, pulling in cash while chasing my dreams in the studio. But after years of burning the candle at both ends, I needed a change. So, I pivoted to real estate, using it as a springboard to keep my music career afloat.

In 2017, I took a leap of faith and headed to Atlanta, hoping for a fresh start. It wasn’t easy – I had no connections and was burning through my savings. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, driving rideshare gigs and taking on a gig in real estate to make ends meet. And just when I was about to throw in the towel, fate intervened again.

One day, Kedar Massenburg, the former CEO of Motown Records, walked into my office, and we hit it off. He saw something in me and offered me a job. It was a game-changer. My story’s too long to tell in full, but here’s the bottom line – I made it this far by trusting in God and putting in the work. I refuse to quit, and that’s the secret. Believe in yourself, and anything is possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love dining at Simply Wholesome on Slauson and Overhill. The food is incredible, with a wide selection of organic options and vitamins. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking healthy and delicious meals. Fiesta Martin in Inglewood is a hidden gem. Their Mexican cuisine is some of the best I’ve tasted since moving to Los Angeles. Bossa Nova in Hollywood is fantastic. It’s my go-to spot for meetings due to its inviting ambiance and delicious food. And Berrie’s on Sunset definitely deserves a mention. I recently tried their gluten-free lobster pizza, and it was absolutely amazing. I could eat it every day!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my grandmother, an immigrant from Jamaica who moved to America with her family for a better life. Despite having only a 5th-grade education, she turned her journey into the American dream. Both she and my mother supported my aspiration in the music business. Despite the challenges of pursuing such dreams in a Caribbean household, my grandmother never dismissed my ideas. She instilled confidence in me and made me believe in myself. I carried that belief forward and never looked back! Big shoutout to all the strong black females supporting kings!

Website: www.DisruptiveLabel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob.jua/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-j-7a1038214/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@robjua

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.