House Resolution 78

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. CORTEZ BRYANT ON HIS OUTSTANDING CAREER AS A BUSINESS MANAGER, BUSINESS OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR A-LIST MUSIC AND MOVIE ARTISTS.

WHEREAS, a graduate of Jackson State University, Mr. Cortez Bryant is a well-known music industry veteran who has managed A-list music and movie artists; and

WHEREAS, he grew up in the rough parishes of New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned a band scholarship to Jackson State University, where he graduated with a degree in communications and graphic design; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from college, he took a risk to become a rising rap artist's manager instead of working at CNN; and

WHEREAS, his rap artist, Lil Wayne, became one of the highest grossing artists in sales and concert tours during Cortez's management of him; and

WHEREAS, his success in managing Lil Wayne's career motivated him to create Bryant Management and merge with Gee Roberson's Hip Hop Since 1978 company to create the Blueprint Group; and

WHEREAS, he also launched Young Money Entertainment, in partnership with Cash Money Records, and both companies helped to launch the careers of multi-millionaire rappers, such as Drake, Nicki Minaj and G-Eazy; and

WHEREAS, as a show of gratitude for all the benefits he received from his beloved Jackson State University, he created a $500,000 music endowment at the university; and

WHEREAS, he now serves as president of Young Money Entertainment and is business partners with Maverick Management; and

WHEREAS, he is regarded as one of the most innovative figures in the music industry; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor graduates of our honored universities who work hard and bring honor to our state such as Mr. Cortez Bryant:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Cortez Bryant on his outstanding career as a Business Manager, Business Owner and Creative Director for A-list music and movie artists.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Cortez Bryant and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.