The Life of a SKAM Artist
Busta Rhymes, Stacy Keibler, Sujit Kundu, Vice, & Will.i.am at LAVO Grand Opening on September 13, 2008
Miami Beach, FL – August 14, 2015 – Typically you can catch SKAM Artist CEO Sujit Kundu managing DJs for other people’s parties, but on Monday night he’ll taking center stage as he celebrates his “2oth Annual 21st Birthday Celebration.” Taking over Tao Downtown, expect SKAM’s top talent including Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, Nick Cannon and Vice to all be joining in on the madness. As we celebrate this milestone with Kundu and his motley crew of talent, we take a look back at some of our favorite SKAM artist moments.
Sujit Kundu
Sujit Kundu didn’t grow up dreaming of being a major behind the scenes music executive, but that is in fact what happened. If it hadn’t of been for some of his high school boys he might be a doctor or an accountant instead of the CEO of a thriving management company, SKAM Artist. As life would have it though, in the early nineties, his Orange County California buddies were throwing some unsuccessfully attended rave parties, and he thought he could do better. His own parties started small, but before graduation rolled around his raves were drawing crowds of up to 4000. That success grew into him promoting parties and performances that featured some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest acts at the time. “I had Warren G, Cypress Hill, KRS-One, Mobb Deep’s first California show,” he says, then adds, “And I would of have Biggie too, but he canceled on me.” By the time he graduated from UCSB, Sujit had expanded his party promotion business into radio promotions and mix shows. He also teamed with the then music director of LA’s Power 106 to form a production and DJ management company. As a production company they landed a top ten radio hit with Shade Sheist’s “Where I Wanna Be.” Meanwhile, Sujit took a radio promotions job at MCA Records. That position didn’t last long, but it did give him his first experience working for a major record label. A few years later when his production / management company disbanded, his partner kept the production arm and Sujit kept the DJ management side, renaming it SKAM (Sujit Kundu Artist Management).
At first his management business wasn’t a big source of revenue, but since the advent of the mash up DJ as a celebrity times have changed. Sujit’s clients now command fees in the five figures. “These guys are getting five, ten, fifteen thousand a night. And for something special like a new years party they can get up to fifty grand, two first class tickets, and a four star hotel stay,” he explains. “They got assistants, publicists; they are businesses unto themselves.” SKAM now has offices in both LA and New York managing a roster of sixty plus DJ’s including Vice, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Sky Nellor, Nick Cannon, Samantha Ronson and D-Nice just to name a few. For someone with less of a work ethic, the management company might suffice, but for Sujit it’s just a part of his overall growth. In late 2005, he again propelled his career forward by signing on with Universal Records as the National Director of Radio and Crossover Promotions, and ended with Motown in 2011 as Senior VP of Crossover and Video Promo. Currently, Sujit is SVP of Crossover Promo at EPIC Records working on acts such as Megan Trainor, Ciara, Travis Scott, Future, Tamar Braxton and more. He was responsible for an artist cache that includes Lil Wayne, Nelly, and Akon. In addition to getting those artists’ records played on the radio, his duties include things such as organizing and overseeing promo tours and radio shows. The hours are long, but you won’t hear this executive on the rise complaining. “I got to keep it all in perspective,” Sujit says. “There’s people out here who have to wash dishes for a living. Someone told me if find what you love to do then you’re never working. I love what I do.” Today, Sujit Kundu/SKAM Artist has made headlines around the nation being featured in the New York Daily News, New York Post’s Page Six, ABC Radio, MySpace, Manhattan, Blackbook, E! News, InTouch Weekly, OK! and Remix Magazine to name a few.
Sujit Kundu at Beacher’s Madhouse at LIV on December 29, 2010
It’s been exciting to create something special with SKAM. To be a part of a group of friends that have grown together in this business has been very fulfilling. While we’ve already accomplished some amazing things, I look forward to the future and reaching new levels of success with my SKAM family!
Sujit Kundu, Founder of SKAM Artist
Sujit Kundu, Wilmer Valderrama, George St. Pierre, & David Grutman at LIV on September 6, 2009
Wilmer Valderrama & Sujit Kundu at LIV on September 6, 2009
Swizz Beatz, Sujit Kundu, & Samantha Ronson at LAVO NYC Grand Opening on September 14, 2010
Vice
Whether it’s a fast-paced EDM song or a relaxing poolside beat, there’s a hint of adventure in every song that takes listeners to the various places that Vice has traveled to. Having residencies at Marquee (Las Vegas and New York), Encore Beach Club, LIV, and Create in Los Angeles, in addition to performances at Nocturnal Wonderland and Electric Daisy Carnival, his music is luring in listeners from near and far. Vice is a genre-bending artist that refuses to be confined to just one category of music and has the ability to switch between different types of music genres. Vice keeps his sound fresh and innovative by collaborating with a wide variety of artists, ranging from A-list to indie. By constantly reinventing and updating his music, Vice always remains a key player in the game.
Vice, DJ Don Juan, & Mr. Mauricio at Vice & The Situation at LIV on April 8, 2011
Kaskade & Vice at LIV on July 1, 2011
Vice at Navin’s B-Day at WALL on October 21, 2011
Sujit is the hardest working guy in the game! A pleasure to not only call him my booking agent but also, my friend.
Vice
Wilmer Valderrama & Vice at Lil Jon & Vice at LIV on December 27, 2011
Lil Jon & Vice at LIV on December 27, 2011
Vice & Diplo at LIV on December 26, 2012
Flo Rida & Vice at Flo Rida, Vice, & Gareth Emery at LIV on July 5, 2013
Vice at Flo Rida, Vice, & Gareth Emery at LIV on July 5, 2013
Vice at Tao Sundance 2014 on January 18, 2014
Vice & Lil Jon at Tao Sundance 2014 on January 18, 2014
Vice & Big Boi at Tao Sundance 2014 on January 18, 2014
Vice at LIV on February 28, 2014
DJ Irie
Dominating any venue and infusing every party with his seemingly infinite energy, DJ Irie has captivated the entire music and entertainment industry. Whether he’s pumping up fans in the stands of Miami Heat games, jet-setting around the world highlighting the latest parties and nightclubs or working on his charity foundation, DJ Irie has his hands in pretty much everything. A force to be reckoned with, DJ Irie is also a philanthropic entrepreneur who uses his skills to benefit others. Irie has created the annual Irie Weekend, which benefits the Miami Heat Charitable Fund.
Fabolous, DJ Irie, & Chris Jones at Shaquille O’Neal’s “White Hot Heat Victory Party” at Mansion on June 26, 2006
LeBron James & DJ Irie at Irie Weekend 2011 at LIV on June 25, 2011
DJ Irie at Irie Weekend 2011 at LIV on June 25, 2011
Working with Sujit Kundu and S.K.A.M. Artist agency has been a life changing experience. Sujit is always on his game 24/7, 365 days a year with no holidays and no days off. Having someone on your team that is THAT dedicated allows me to be able to focus on my craft and other business ventures knowing that my agent completely had my back.
DJ Irie
DJ Irie & Chris Bosh at Miami Heat Celebration at Bamboo on June 23, 2012
DJ Irie, Dwyane Wade, & Udonis Haslem at Irie Weekend 2012 Bowling Tournament on June 30, 2012
Shaquille O’Neal & DJ Irie at Bamboo on May 21, 2013
Nick Cannon, Terrence J, & DJ Irie at DJ Irie’s Birthdat at LIV on June 10, 2014
Alesso, Jamie Foxx, David Grutman, & DJ Irie at Jamie Foxx & Alesso at LIV on November 8, 2014
Alesso & DJ Irie at Jamie Foxx & Alesso at LIV on November 8, 2014
DJ Irie at LIV on May 27, 2015
Lil Jon
There’s no wilder party than when Lil Jon is in the building. His contagious energy has been at the forefront of his music career since day one. Whether he’s teaming up with music superstars including Usher, DJ Snake, Ying Yang Twins, Big Sean and more, or making party goers scream “Yeah” at the top of their lungs, Lil Jon’s skills has everyone captivated. The “Turn Down For What” singer has also showed off his skills in various movies such as Soul Plane and Scary Movie 4, as well as two seasons of the reality-television show The Celebrity Apprentice.
Lil Jon at LIV on March 27, 2010
Jeremy Shockey & Lil Jon at Mansion on June 18, 2010
Lil Jon at Arkadia on March 11, 2011
Lil Jon at WALL on March 22, 2011
Lil Jon at Lil Jon & Vice at LIV on December 27, 2011
Lil Jon at LIV on March 7, 2012
Lil Jon at 2013 Zumba Instructor Convention LA on February 15-17, 2013
Lil Jon & Afrojack at LIV on March 13, 2013
Lil Jon & Hardwell at Ultra 2013 Weekend 1 Day 2 – Seth on March 16, 2013
Paris Hilton & Lil Jon at Ultra 2013 Weekend 2 Day 1 – Seth on March 22, 2013
Lil Jon at LIV on August 9, 2013
Vice & Lil Jon at Tao Sundance 2014 on January 18, 2014
Lil Jon at LIV on March 7, 2014
Skrillex, Lil Jon, & Diplo at Ultra 2014 Day 3 – Seth on March 30, 2014
Lil Jon at Ultra 2014 Day 3 – Seth on March 30, 2014
Lil Jon at LIV on June 6, 2014
Lil Jon at iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party at Fontainebleau on June 27 – 28, 2014
Lil Jon & Steve Aoki at LIV on June 27, 2014
Jermaine Dupri
Known for making musical magic for some of the world’s biggest Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop artists, Jermaine Dupri has crafted hits for superstars including Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, TLC, Usher, Bow Wow, Anthony Hamilton, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Monica and more. Dupri has garnered countless professional awards from music industry organizations, publications, broadcast media, and various civic groups. When he’s not working on his latest hits, you can find him getting the crowd hyped at the hottest nightclubs and events around the world.
Will.i.am, Jermaine Dupri, Vice, AJ Calloway, & Nelly at Happy Birthday Vice on October 13, 2010
Dwyane Wade & Jermaine Dupri at Chris Bosh Birthday Dinner at Philippe on March 25, 2011
Jermaine Dupri at Chris Bosh Birthday at Louis on March 25, 2011
Being surrounded around so many culture vultures, it’s refreshing to be in the company of those who do it and live it. #SKAMlifebitches
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri & DJ Affect at Chris Bosh Birthday at Louis on March 25, 2011
Jermaine Dupri at Cameo on June 18, 2011
Jermaine Dupri at Arkadia on February 4, 2012
Erick Morillo & Jermaine Dupri at Q-Tip at LIV on April 25, 2012
Jermaine Dupri & Q-Tip at LIV on April 25, 2012
Jermaine Dupri & Brett Ratner at Jermaine Dupri’s Birthday at LIV on September 28, 2012
Jermaine Dupri at Jermaine Dupri’s Birthday at LIV on September 28, 2012
Pusha T & Jermaine Dupri at LIV on Sunday on April 7, 2013
Jermaine Dupri & Sky Blu at Irie Weekend 2013 at LIV on June 28, 2013
JAY-Z & Jermaine Dupri at JAY-Z D’USSÉ After Party at Mansion on August 16, 2013
Pusha T & Jermaine Dupri at STORY on October 10, 2013
Jermaine Dupri at Ruckus’ Birthday at LIV on October 11, 2013
Jermaine Dupri at LIV on September 5, 2014
Julz, Jermaine Dupri, & Travis Scott at Jermaine Dupri & Travis Scott at LIV on October 17, 2014
Jermaine Dupri & Bow Wow at LIV on April 10, 2015
Nick Cannon
Whether it’s staring in the latest movie blockbuster, hyping up a crowd while he kills it on the decks, or hosting his own television show, Nick Cannon is a successful, multi-faceted entertainer who’s pretty much done it all.
Joey Fatone & Nick Cannon at DJ Irie Weekend Opening Party at Mansion on June 23, 2006
Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Nick Cannon, & Caroline D’Amore at TAO Las Vegas First Anniversary on September 29, 2006
DJ Irie, Dave Navarro, & Nick Cannon at Dave Navarro Hosts Vice’s Birthday at Mansion on October 13, 2006
Noah Tepperberg, Sean “Diddy” Combs, & Nick Cannon at MySpace Nights at TAO – Day 1 on January 19, 2007
Nick Cannon & Michelle Rodriguez at Ron Berkowitz B-Day at Brava at El San Juan Hotel on March 2, 2007
Kristin Cavallari, Haylie Duff, Ciara, DJ Irie, & Nick Cannon at Victoria’s Secret PINK Rally at the Raleigh on March 7, 2007
Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon at One at Mayfair on March 28, 2009
Nick Canon at Mansion on July 30, 2010
Vice, DJ Irie, & Nick Cannon at Happy Birthday Vice on October 13, 2010
LeBron James, Nick Cannon, & Chris Bosh at Arkadia on March 12, 2011
Nick Cannon at Arkadia on March 12, 2011
Nick Cannon, DJ Irie, & Deray Davis Irie Weekend 2011 at LIV on June 25, 2011
Nick Cannon at Nick Cannon Birthday at Arkadia on October 15, 2011
Nick Cannon at Oakley Spring 2013 Swim Show on July 22, 2012
Nick Cannon at WALL on January 2, 2014
Nick Cannon at iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party at Fontainebleau on February 4, 2012
Mr. Mauricio
Mr. Mauricio is known all over the world as the club king. His mixture of music depends on the night and city you catch him at. Born and raised in Miami, FL and with 15 years of DJ experience, Mauricio always carries that Miami flare no matter where in the world he is playing. Mr. Mauricio has also been known for his Radio Mix shows throughout the years. Commonly known as the “DJ to the Stars,” Mr. Mauricio also spins at parties for celebrities: Christina Aguliera, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Diddy, Pharrell and Mariah Carey; plus many actors, athletes and corporate events. One of the reasons that Mr. Mauricio’s popularity continues to grow is due to his uncanny ability to keep the dance floor always moving with his eclectic mixes of hip-hop, R&B, rock, pop, house, 80’s and funk , like no other. Mr. Mauricio is destined to be a legendary DJ with worldwide fans
Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, Mr. Mauricio, & Busta Rhymes at Mansion on August 4, 2006
Ludacris & Mr. Mauricio at Scott Storch Birthday Celebration at Mansion on December 15, 2006
DJ AM, Mr Mauricio, & Wilmer Valderama at Wilmer Valderama & DJ AM Host New Years Eve 2007 on December 31, 2006
AJ Calloway, Mr Mauricio, & Wilmer Valderama at Wilmer Valderama & DJ AM Host New Years Eve 2007 at Mansion on December 31, 2006
Wilmer Valderama & Mr. Mauricio at Wilmer Valderama Launches His New Clothing Line Calavena at Mokai on March 1, 2007
Shannon Elizabeth, Steve Aoki, DJ Irie, & Mr. Mauricio at DJ AM & Steve Aoki at Heineken Music Thirst Studio at Cameo on March 23, 2007
DJ Irie, Kim Kardashian & Mr. Mauricio at Cameo on May 18, 2007
Ross One, Sujit Kundu, Mr.Mauricio, & Mark Leventhal at Happy Birthday Ross One on June 23, 2011
Vice, Mr. Mauricio, & Ross One at Happy Birthday Ross One on June 23, 2011
Mr. Mauricio at WALL Fridays on March 30, 2012
Mr. Mauricio at Favela Beach at WALL on February 19, 2013
DJ Irie & Mr. Mauricio at Favela Beach at WALL on August 26, 2014
Mr. Mauricio at Favela Beach at WALL on August 26, 2014
SKAM has really changed my life. It’s more then management firm, it’s a family. The Indian is the best at what he does and has helped me become the best at what I do.
Mr. Mauricio
Mr. Mauricio & Rick Ross at Paris Hilton, Rick Ross, & Mr. Brainwash at WALL on December 2, 2014
Rick Ross, Mr Brainwash, & Mr. Mauricio at DJ Khaled’s Birthday at LIV on December 7, 2014
Mr. Mauricio at WALL Fridays on February 27, 2015
Ross One
In an industry dominated by celebrity and associations, Ross One has earned his place through humble beginnings and old fashioned “paying dues”. Whether in a nightclub djing alongside Jaz-Z and Kanye West, or playing events for clients like Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, or Maxim, Ross turns to years of experience to provide the perfect playlist. He walks the line between a younger rock oriented clientele and the more commercial megaclubs in which he holds his residencies. Ross’s ability to keep the cool kids partying alongside the big spenders and more mature club audiences has earned him a reputation as one of the most consistent and talented djs in nightlife today.
Ross One
The Indian is quite simply the hardest working man in DJing. You might outweigh him, but you’ll never outwork him.
Ross One
Ross One, Scott Storch, & Chris Jones at Paris Hilton Launch Party for Her New Fragrance Can Can at Mansion on December 5, 2007
Ross One & Ruckus at Ocean Drive Magazine 15th Anniversary at Midtown Miami on February 16, 2008
Jona Cerwinske & Ross One at Macy Gray Performs at The Florida Room on March 23, 2008
Nicola Siervo & Ross One at Bon Jovi at Mokai on September 26, 2008
Ross One & Bon Jovi at Mokai on September 26, 2008
Jamie Foxx & Ross One at Butter Party at LIV on December 29, 2008
Ross One & Quest Love at REMM New Years Day Party at The Florida Room at Delano on January 1, 2009
Wyclef Jean & Ross One at LIV on February 7, 2009
Ross One & Erick Morillo at Mokai on February 7, 2009
Ross One, Michael Jordan, & Yvette Prieto at Pete Wentz & Michael Jordan at LIV on September 26, 2009
Ross One & Pete Wentz at Pete Wentz & Michael Jordan at LIV on September 26, 2009
Ross One & Bob Sinclar at The Florida Room on January 5, 2010
David Grutman & Ross One at Dolphins vs Titans at LIV at SunLife on November 14, 2010
Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Ross One at Marquee Las Vegas NYE on December 31, 2010
Snoop Dogg & Ross One at LIV on March 10, 2011
Ross One
Ross One, Wale, DJ Berrie, & Vice
Taryn Manning
Taryn Manning is a go-to favorite of the entertainment industry, in all of its facets. Juggling a cohesive acting career, producing a solo album, and flying coast to coast and border to border smashing her DJ sets for some of the hottest and most exclusive events on the lines, Taryn Manning has proved herself time and time again to be more than just a ‘triple-threat’. An original trendsetter, Manning continues to be recognized in her career whether it be for her music, her mixes, her fashion or the roles she chooses. Manning is fearlessly versatile and her work is ever-changing. She is known for exploring a range of diverse roles in television, independent films and major studio productions and has graced the screen in cinematic hits such as Hustle and Flow, 8 Mile, Crossroads, Crazy/Beautiful, Cold Mountain, Dandelion, White Oleander, Love Ranch and most recently The Perfect Age of Rock N’ Roll. Not only a force in film, Manning has been favored in roles on Televisions’ major hitters, Hawaiii 5-0, Melrose Place and Sons of Anarchy and Law & Order: SVU for which she garnered critical acclaim. Taryn Manning is a true entertainer and an original artist always creating her own rainbow-wake along the way.
Taryn Manning at DKNY Jeans Coachella House Day 1 on April 28, 2007
Elisha Cuthbert & Taryn Manning at DKNY Jeans Coachella House Day 1 on April 28, 2007
Taryn Manning & Jason Kennedy at Paris Hilton Dinner at Turning Leaf during Sundance on January 19, 2008
Taryn Manning & Steve Aoki at Pepsi Inaugutaion at Louis Bar & Lounge on January 20, 2009
Taryn Manning at The Runaways After Party at Swagg Cafe at Moonshine on March 18, 2010
Michael Linney & Taryn Manning at The Runaways After Party at Swagg Cafe at Moonshine on March 18, 2010
Taryn Manning at Perfect Sense at Sundance 2011 on January 24, 2011
Taryn Manning & Dominick Cooper at Perfect Sense at Sundance 2011 on January 24, 2011
Ryan Cabrera
Platinum-selling singer and songwriter, Ryan Cabrera, is the architect behind ubiquitous smashes such as “On the Way Down”, “True”, and “Shine On” as well as albums including 2004’s Take It All Away, which hit #8 on the Billboard Top 200, You Stand Watching [2005], and The Moon Underwater [2008]. Cabrera prides himself on not holding anything back, and continues to create his most uplifting and powerful music to date.
Robin Thicke & Ryan Cabrera at Mansion on May 5, 2006
Ryan Cabrera, Riley Keough, Elisha Cuthbert, Adam Brody, & Amber Tamblyn at DKNY Jeans Coachella House Day 1 on April 28, 2007
Ryan Cabrera & Estelle at Samsung Style Villa 2008 during VMAS in Los Angeles on September 6, 2008
Christopher Mintz-Plasse & Ryan Cabrera at Arkadia on December 17, 2010
Ryan Cabrera & Evan Ross at It’s So Miami Oasis – Day 1 at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2012
Kellan Lutz & Ryan Cabrera at It’s So Miami Lounge – Day 2 at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2013
Ryan Cabrera & Billy Dec at It’s So Miami Lounge – Day 2 at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2013
Ryan Cabrera & Billy Dec at It’s So Miami Lounge – Day 2 at Lollapalooza on August 3, 2013
DJ Reach
DJ Reach is one of New York City’s top DJs and is known for his high-energy, eclectic DJ sets. Starting with a foundation of hip hop and R&B, he mixes in a diverse blend of rock, reggae, 80’s new wave and 70Õs funk, soul and disco, producing an effect that keeps crowds heating up the dance floor. Reach has managed to secure himself residencies at several of New YorkÕs most exclusive dance clubs including Marquee, Pink Elephant and PM.
Steve Aoki & DJ Reach at MySpace Nights at TAO during Sundance on January 21, 2007
DJ Reach, DJ Ruckus, Sky Nellor, & Steve Aoki at Poker & Brand Asset House during Sundance on January 20, 2008
DJ Reach at WALL on January 4, 2013
Vice & DJ Reach at Heineken Star Bottle Launch on May 9, 2013
DJ Reach at Hyde Beach on July 6, 2013
DJ Reach & Ryan Horne at WALL Thursdays on July 17, 2014
Brooke Evers
Cover model, reality TV personality, brand ambassador and now one of most exciting DJ’s on the circuit, Brooke Evers has been dominating the glamour circuit for over a decade and has fast become the woman of choice for photographers, magazines and top venues worldwide. With musical ambitions in full swing, Brooke is smashing it on the dance-floor playing at some of the most notable super-clubs in her country, including monthly residencies at HQ in Adelaide, The Met in Brisbane, LOVE on the Gold Coast, Crown Casino in Melbourne as well as Marquee in Sydney. Her talents certainly don’t end there, with the socialite regularly hitting the stage as a professional dancer. After conquering Australia’s super clubs, Brooke is now focusing on original music working alongside some of the best songwriters in the game and honing her skills as a producer. Hosting a weekly national radio show on Australia’s largest network, with her very own music compilation in the works whilst maintaining numerous modeling contracts, Brooke Evers is certainly one to watch.
DJ Five
Groomed in one of the epicenters of “turntablism,” it was a simple task for DJ Five to become the top seed in Las Vegas, Nevada. With DMC-caliber skills, impeccable mixing, a vast knowledge of music, and a love for Hip Hop that has spanned decades, DJ Five has emerged as the one definitive go to man in Sin City’s burgeoning nightlife industry. When pressed to reveal what has put him there, he states “I can smoke, drink, text message, dance, mix, and cut all at once.”
DJ Five at Dirty Hairy at LIV on August 21, 2013
Havana Brown
Havana Brown is a modern-day renaissance woman; perfect for the #dreamchaser generation. Since she went supernova with her first single as a pop artist, the already phenomenally successful DJ has steadily taken over the charts as well as the dance floors.