How often do you get to interact with a visionary? I vividly remember sitting down one morning in Perth having a coffee, when Sir Richard Branson strolled past me. I was too stunned to get up and ask to shake the legends hand, and in a flash, that moment was gone.
Nowadays all I need to do is send a message and I get a response from Ryan Leslie, one of the most innovative and forward thinking minds in the music industry.
How is this made possible? It's down to the new data driven business model being used by Ryan (50 cent and Talib Kweli have also jumped on board), and his tech company underpinning it: Disruptive Multimedia. If you're a fan, and you've bought his album, you have unprecedented access to him via email, SMS and even WhatsApp. If you’re an artist, Ryan can introduce you to his blue print, and help you achieve greater success and take control of your career.
Cut to Hamburg. The venue, Übel & Gefährlich is jam packed. Ryan is on stage for his MZRT world tour. He's just given out his direct number to the passionate audience and urged them to send him some messages. Ryan rattles off some of the texts coming through in real time (yes, he actually gets them), and picks a song by request to break into. This is his new world order.
The concert, as expected, is unreal. Ryan gives 100% commitment and energy in his shows. Flanked by his keyboard and piano, and with his band backing him, Ryan produces a dynamic, world class performance. It's refreshing to see a hip hop concert that doesn't involve just shouting lyrics down the mic and throwing towels into the crowd. The only other artists I've seen live that are in the same class, in terms of commitment to their product, are U2 and Kanye West.
From a dramatic entrance montage with new tracks including 'No Prisoners', to a high energy finish with the crowd favourite, 'Diamond Girl' - Ryan keeps fans absolutely engaged for almost 3 hours (several times throughout the night, the chant of 'Ryan, Ryan, Ryan...' explodes from the zealous fans, unprompted). If you can make it to one of the remaining dates on his MZRT tour, you need to. I promise you won't regret the decision.
Hamburg was a great host - the city has some sublime architecture, and it's setting on the water is picturesque. We had a fantastic weekend in our first visit to Germany, with amazing access to a complex visionary in Ryan Leslie. We had the fortune of sitting through sound check, being able to participate (with other VIP guests) in a Q&A with Ryan, we had some laughs backstage with regards to previous conversations that Ryan and I had shared, and he even acknowledged us during the concert, thanking us for flying in from London to see the show. Amongst all this, the stand out moment for me was when Ryan launched into 'Ups and Downs' and followed with a flawless 'Lay Down'. It was an absolutely mesmerizing performance. It's still about the music, and in that respect, Ryan continues to deliver.
Along with selling his albums and tours through his MZRT storefront, Ryan also makes his clothing merchandise available. Farah is wearing an MZRT x HFLA tank that is available here. She was in good company that night as Ryan Leslie and his team also sported the tanks. They look great on, whether guy or girl, and they attract attention from real fans (Farah was asked more than once where they were available), and also from keen eyes who are familiar with the Homme Femme LA label.
Also available on the MZRT site are beanies, tees, snap backs, bandanas, and the awesome limited edition bomber jackets.
Special thanks to Christina from Ryan’s team, for helping organise the tank.
