Coming to Howard University in the early 1990s was nothing short of life changing. Howard wasn’t just a school on my list — it was the only school on my list. I had seen its richness and beauty through the pages of Ebony and Jet magazines, long before social media brought schools to our fingertips. I promised my mother that if I didn’t get into Howard, I’d go to a SUNY or CUNY school — but in my heart, it was Howard or bust.
When my acceptance letter arrived, words couldn’t capture my gratitude. But even with that acceptance, I faced challenges. Financial aid, housing — none of it was in place. Still, I chose to walk out on faith. I arrived in D.C. without a dorm assignment and, by God’s grace, found a room in the Quad at Truth Hall. That hall became my home, and I proudly became a Truth Hall girl.
At Howard, I quickly began to find my tribe. I knew I wanted to be in the music business, though there wasn’t a clear path then. So, I did everything I could — interning at radio, TV, and even at local labels based in D.C. Every opportunity was a stepping-stone. One day, a gracious invitation from Miss Dudley led me to an unforgettable evening: a formal dinner where I witnessed the magic of Phyllis Hyman.
That night, I sat just feet away as Hyman performed. Her presence was statuesque, her voice divine, her artistry like nothing I had ever seen. It was a slow-motion, surreal, and transformative experience. That performance imprinted on me for life. Years later, when I learned of her passing, I cried as if I had lost family. Phyllis wasn’t just a singer; she was a warrior for women in music — fighting for fairness, respect, and recognition. Her battles, though heavy, fuel my own fight today.
Fast forward to 2025: I now stand as the director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University, three decades after first stepping onto this campus. I have had the honor of shaping culture alongside icons like Jay-Z, DMX, and Slick Rick, and contributing to the legacy of Def Jam Records. This year, I am humbled to be recognized as a Billboard Global Power Player, and I continue to carry the title of “Architect of Influence” with pride.
My purpose now is clear: to uplift, empower, and prepare the next generation of music business leaders. My legacy is not only in the artists I’ve worked with, but in my two sons, Francisco and Jackson, and the students who come through Howard’s doors. On December 18, 2025, I will release my first book, “The Architect of Influence,” capturing my 30+ years of lessons and victories in this industry.
This book is more than just my story — it is a blueprint of how branding, vision, and strategy helped shape a generation of hip-hop royalty. From the golden era of Def Jam to global music stages, I had the honor of working behind the scenes to build the images and campaigns that would propel Jay-Z, DMX, and Slick Rick into cultural immortality. Hip-hop was more than music; it was a movement, and I was blessed to be one of the architects who helped brand it for the world. My book tells the never-before-heard stories of those years, the battles we fought, and the brilliance that came out of the culture. It is both a testimony and a toolkit — proof that with determination, excellence, and strategy, we can not only survive in the industry but redefine it.
Jasmine Young, MBA, is a “HipHopPrenuer,” marketing strategist, and director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University. www.jazzyoung.com
Article ID: 2456