Edwin Myles (AKA OG Eddie), CEO and founder of IDJ Trade Association (IDJTA), is one of the youngest forefathers of Hip-Hop. In 1987, Myles founded Edwin Myles Consulting, which has serviced the sports, entertainment and nightlife industries on various levels of business.
Throughout the mid to early nineties, while promoting numerous independent and major record labels and artists, Myles developed a firm grasp on the Southern rap scene. In 2000 Myles took the opportunity to launch Zulu Nation South. By doing so, he continued enlightening a multitude about the lost fundamentals of Hip-Hop he learned from the “Godfather” of Hip-Hop/Zulu Nation Founder, DJ Afrika Bambaataa.
By 2008 Myles launched the IDJ Trade Association. (Afrika Bambaataa, The “Godfather” of Radio Herb Kent, and industry veteran TJ Chapman are a few of IDJTA‟s honorary advisory board members.) Throughout his 25 years as an entertainment industry insider he served as a catalyst in the careers of Master P, Lil Boosie, Mack 10, Lil‟ Flip, Genuine and B2K, to name a few. Today he uses his elaborate knowledge to promote and consult artists, DJs, record labels and businesses worldwide.
In 2009, Myles formed the weekly Million DJ Conference Call and IDJ Radio. Both entities have served as highly successful tools that have aided in the advancement of the entertainment industry.
Myles learned the importance of a strong work ethic from his father, who was the saxophonist for Stevie Wonder and a reputed entrepreneur and real estate investor. When most kids were playing hopscotch, Myles was kicking it with Barry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at the Motown offices, observing his father diligently working alongside legends.
A13, Myles and his family moved to the infamous Astoria Housing Projects, in Queens, NY, where he became quickly acclimated with the street life. At 13 he befriended the legendary Disco Twins, who took a liking to the charismatic kid and began mentoring Myles. (The Disco Twins still own and operate their topnotch sound systems, engineering and DJ equipment business that served as a primary outlet for many Hip-Hop legends.)
In 1973, When Afrika Bambaataa embarked on his vision to unify Hip-Hop and bring it to the masses, he tapped 16-year-old Myles. After joining forces with Bambaataa, Myles‟ detrimental ways changed. During the early „70s, when crime was
extremely rampant in NYC, Myles created the 24-Hour Zulu Nation Hotline to ensure the members were spared from harm‟s way.
During Hip-Hop‟s early stages Myles managed The New York City Break Dancers; his renowned group spread global Hip-Hop awareness when appearing in Beat Street (1984). Under Myles‟ tutelage they also performed on TV during President Ronald Reagan‟s 1985 NYC inauguration.
In 1985 he returned to his New Orleans birthplace and opened Sunny‟s Piano Café with his mother and uncle. In 1987, he co-produced the hit single “I Believe” for the New Orleans Saints when they made it to the playoffs that year, which struck platinum the week it was released.
In 1989, while reigning as the top-selling associate for Marketing, Advertising, Promotions and Sales (MAPS), he formed a strong presence with New Orleans-based businesses. Consequently, he was offered a one-hour weekly TV segment on a New Orleans cable network. He then created and executive produced the top-rated “Showtime in New Orleans,” which broadcasted the best in New Orleans lifestyle and entertainment.
In 1993, he was the assistant to former Citadel Broadcasting program director Demetrius Lloyd, while running his own Sound Scan music store in Lafayette, Louisiana. Entrepreneur and entertainer Master P is one of many artists often travelled to Lafayette, to seek heavy promotion from Myles.
By 1995, he shut the record shop down; he then began traveling the country, handling massive promotion for Priority Records and Virgin Records/Rap-A-Lot. Later in 2001, he became the Director of Retail Promotions for Sony Records. Furthermore, OG Eddie played a strong hand in the early successes of Lil‟ Boosie, Lil‟ Flip, Mack 10 and Heltah Skeltah.
Utilizing his innate leadership talent, Myles continues pursuing his endless battle to preserve the essence of Hip-Hop by teaching the core principles of KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM and UNDERSTADING that all should oblige by.