Resiliency is often the cornerstone of the essence of many men who are born in New Orleans, Louisiana or raised in Detroit, Michigan. It can be a struggle, but also a beautiful thing when one rises above the hardships that can be encountered in both cities. Both cities have economic systems that are often set up for the underdog to fail. Often times it takes a lot more work to taste success.
Meet Corey “Co’Baby” Coleman (or “Co” as he is also affectionately known), CEO and founder of Phreedom Records. Co has quite an interesting history in New Orleans’ entertainment arena – but for as interesting as it is, there are few who have the same pedigree and even fewer who have put in the work and time. And Co is resilient, to say the least. He is the epitome of perseverance and because of that, he will go down in Louisiana music history as one of the architects of its success.
This humble soul works tirelessly to make sure his young artists get on. When you meet Co, you’ll notice the humility right away, in that he often fades into the background, until such time he needs to make his presence known – and that he does quite well. It has been said that a team is only as strong as its leader and that for such a leader to be effective, that he must be willing to handle the duties of those he leads, as well as his own. Co definitely does that – from being a master networker, to providing the financial backing to so many, to making his family’s dream of owning and running a premiere label come true, Co is the catalyst to so many fires. His hard work and never give up attitude keep him at the right place at just the right time. The most beautiful thing though, is that Phreedom Records is a family owned business. Co, along with his wife Amy, are working diligently to ensure that Phreedom not only becomes a household name, but an entertainment dynasty.
Co got his start in the music business when the entity now known as Cash Money was in upstart mode. To say he learned the business from the inside out at a time urban music was really taking a foothold in the South, is a staunch understatement. One of his main goals is for his label’s artists to drop timely, quality music. Co has been responsible for several hits lately, including Lucki Lew’s “My Lil Yeah”, a single featuring standout Tweeday, and “Hotspot”, a fiery (pun intended) club joint featuring Level.
We recently caught up with Co to talk about his history, dreams and aspirations. We had quite the interesting conversation with him – here’s how it went:
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
CO: I’m a God fearing man who loves life, phamily, and I work for what I want out of life.
SINCE YOU’RE FROM THE CUISINE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
CO: Well cooked T-Bone steak, no redness showing, and a loaded baked potato
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
CO: Born in New Orleans in 1969. Raised in Detroit.
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
CO: My phamily and my will to help others win is what drives me.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY? WHAT ARTISTS HAVE YOU WORKED WITH AND WHAT PRODUCERS DO YOU WORK WITH?
CO: I started when I was in high school at Henry Ford High School in Detroit, Michigan. I was a back-up singer in a group called the Gigolos. Then I moved back to New Orleans and met Ronald and Brian Williams. We were street guys. After a couple of years we decided to start Ca$h Money. I stayed working for the company for a few years doing the office work, went on the road with them and did Road Manager duties for the artists Lil Slim, PMW, Mr. Ivan, Ms. Tee, Pimp Daddy, and UNLV. Part of being the Road Manager meant driving all of the artists to and from shows. Now I currently work with fire producers Jay Da Menace of HITZ, KC Da Producer, and Nave Monjo for my own label, Phreedom Records. My artists have collaborated with Jay Jones of Young Money, Jay Da Menace, Kango Slim of PNC, Tweeday, Level, Trae of Hyperphyll, and have opened shows for well-known artists like Jacquees, Kevin Gates, Colonel Loud, Z-RO, and Scarface, just to name a few.
YOU HAVE QUITE A RESUME. TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE AT PHREEDOM RECORDS.
CO: A day at Phreedom…well it’s always what’s next. Who can I work with to get my team noticed, schedule studio sessions, plan promotional trips, travel arrangements, hotel accommodations – constantly on social media creating a public presence, researching and determining the scams from the legit contacts and projects – just constantly pushing.
WHERE CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE PHREEDOM RECORDS IN THE NEXT 2, 5 AND EVEN 10 YEARS?
CO: In the next 2 to 10 years I pray to God Phreedom Records will be a household name that phamilies can relate to, young and old. I want Phreedom to do everything – Gospel, Country, R&B, Hip Hop, Techno, EDM, and Funk. We’ll continue to do charity work and be visible in the community, providing sponsorships and opening outreach centers that helps kids get focused on positive moves in life. And also, continuing to love God and follow his path while growing revenue for all. Our motto is One God, One Love.
EDITOR’S NOTE: It is a great thing to see someone as genuine and positive as the Colemans grow their label (Phreedom Records) and continue to help others. We have known them for a while now and they are always supportive, positive and trying to help the community in any way possible. We are excited at their upcoming projects and we are always happy to see their artists prosper as well.
Follow Phreedom Records:
Website www.phreedomrecords.com
Instagram @phreedomrecords
