We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lex Luga. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lex below.
Lex, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When I was younger living in LA, on 48th and Crenshaw to be exact, the exposure to multicultural environments set the foundation for me as an adult to be able to relate to anyone. You can never judge based on appearance or one’s environment. Not making assumptions has carried me far in my personal and professional life. We are all people.
Overcoming adversity is based on your capability to succeed, not money or status. I learned to not be uncomfortable. Meaning there is an advantage to being the only one like me. Being different sets me apart. Society and people want something different, especially in business. Something different navigates me to a position where I fit into many business structures.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I found a way to provide visual and sound platforms for indie music artists with SSC Marketing Group, Hood Idol Tour, Hood Idol Radio, Hood Idol Magazine, Hood Idol Apparel, Hood Idol TV, and the Annual Hood Idol Awards. As a serial entrepreneur dedication and consistency are tools needed for any business and success.
SSC Marketing Group is a digital and print full-service company for marketing and promotions, specializing in music exposure. Hood Idol participants take advantage of Lex Luga and the one stop shop music industry services, platforms, and products.
Hood Idol Tour is a movement and contest for indie artists that allows the opportunity to showcase their talents. It gives practice on a stage for their crafts in front of an audience of their peers and music industry executives. A panel of judges critique the contestants and vote on the first, second, and third place winners for prizes and the chance to perform at the annual Hood Idol Award Show.
Hood Idol Radio is an independently owned online radio station that plays Hip Hop, R&B, Pop and Blues music. This creates a platform for indie artists to get their music in rotation. Our motto, “We play the hits before they become hits!”
Hood Idol Magazine features artists, athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs shining light on established and aspiring individuals. As a monthly magazine it offers digital and print editions for advertising, sponsors, and industry highlights.
Hood Idol Apparel consists of tshirts, hoodies and hats for urban culture. The apparel represents positive role models that come from obscure beginnings. Whether spring, summer, fall, or winter for anyone who looks up to a Hood Idol or wants to journey on a path in the music industry to becoming a Hood Idol there is something for you.
Hood Idol TV plays videos from mostly indie artists and discusses current topics. Currently airing on Roku, Hood Idol TV showcases indie artists providing an outlet for visual creativity. An array of topics discussed are based on current events and society as it relates to Hood Idol supporters and society.
Hood Idol Awards recognize positive role models in the community and music industry, artists, media, activists, small businesses, organizations and others. The award show is to honor talented individuals whose hard work may be overlooked and could be the next hit.
The Hood Idol Sound Stage hosted by Lex Luga will be Saturday, September 16th at the 41st Annual African Street Festival in Nashville, TN.
Saturday, November 4th the 5th Annual Hood Idol Awards will be in Hazelhurst, MS
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
After more than 20 years in the music industry lessons learned and still in play today: 1. Listen more than you speak. 2. Use spare time to educate yourself to better yourself 3. Be conscious of situations and your environments at all times.
I am able to relate to anyone. Easily I can put myself in someone else’s shoes without judging the shoes. Never do I care about the shoes being name brand or in style. Some of us wear two shoes, some one shoe, and those with no feet who wear no shoes.
In life I’ve heard some referred to as a jack of all trades; I know a little about a lot. Regardless of how much money I’ve had or how I may have appeared to some being different and building the unknown, there is something special about being the only one like me. I’m different, but the same as someone that looks up to a Hood Idol.
Here is some free game for the readers, “Always be selling and listen to when you’re being sold to.”
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Expanding Hood Idol brands and exposure in new states and cities nationally assists in furthering the movement. Being honored, receiving multiple awards, or nominated brings recognition to Hood Idol brands, Lex Luga, and SSC Marketing Group. This also allows for networking with individuals and entities that may not know about Hood Idol creating positive role models or people changing paths or directions in life in their communities.
From the Jackson Music Awards Lex Luga won, ‘Radio Announcer of the Year’. Who’s Who Recognition Awards of Mississippi named Lex Luga ‘Ambassador of the Decade’. Sipp Dripp Awards will be hosted by Lex Luga in Greenville, MS on August 12th. Nominations for Lex Luga, ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ and SSC Marketing Group ‘Overall Business of the Year’ by the Best of Mississippi Awards will be on October 7th in Hattiesburg, MS.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hoodidoltour.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssclexluga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lex.luga.5
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexLuga
- Other: www.courcities.com
Image Credits
Bold Journey article credit: Dr. Katheryn Thompson, Courcities International
