IMPACT recently caught up with recent UNC Kenan-Flagler graduate Howard Lee (BSBA ’10) to discuss his new business role and growing hip-hop career. Lee is currently in Korea promoting his new album release, entitled State and Soul. 

What factors led you to major in business at UNC?
I studied business because it is one of the most challenging majors offered at UNC and one of the most prestigious business programs in the nation. I developed an interest in business from my father, who worked at Samsung and IBM for 30 years collectively, and in my opinion, the best businessman I’ve ever known. My cousin, Simon Park (BSBA ’02, MAC ‘03), taught me about the specific opportunities in the program, so I also credit him for influencing my decision to attend Kenan-Flagler.

You will be starting a banking job in NY this summer … Tell more about that and your role there.
I will be working with Bank of America Merrill Lynch in their Sales & Trading analyst program. My specific practice will be in Prime Brokerage (PB), where my team is responsible for providing a various array of services for hedge fund clients, such as leverage financing, securities lending, and anything else they might need to help run their business. I hope I don’t sound like I’m making a pitch, but in all honesty, I know I have a lot to learn about my role once I get there.

Looking back at your experience at UNC Kenan-Flagler, how has your business education helped you build your hip-hop/rap career as well?
My business education helped throughout my music career because as an independent artist, I had to be involved with all facets of the music business not just the creative process. That meant I was responsible for budgeting, marketing, sales, etc. For example, some of the marketing principles from BUSI 406 were applicable to my album promotions. The class had us building a professional marketing plan, and I used that as reference to market my album.

Specifically, how are you using your business education to find good ways to deliver your message to your listeners?
One of my business courses taught me that in public speaking (thank you, Prof. Setzer), listeners tend to have a short attention span. With that in mind, I wanted to differentiate my songs by making the style, sound, and lyrics refreshing and original. My education taught me how to connect with my target audience and identify the topics and issues that are relevant to them. Because of that, my delivery was more effective and far-reaching than I could’ve ever done without a business education.

How are you growing your hip-hop career now that you have graduated?
I’m currently in Korea working with a booking manager and other promoters. I’m shopping my music to a list of record labels and also booking gigs in various venues. I’ve had the chance to meet with A&Rs, studio heads, well-connected musicians, etc., but it hasn’t been easy. No shortcuts, I’ll be starting from the bottom up with getting my music out there, but any hungry artist has to go through that process and I’ll have fun doing it.  My ultimate goal is not to sign a record deal but to get my name out there and connect with as many industry professionals as possible. In the long-term, I see myself getting involved with music whether it is behind the microphone or behind the scenes.

What are the key messages or themes you want to get across to your listeners?
The key theme I wanted to convey ties directly with my experience as a senior in college when I was trying to juggle academics and secure my job. Undoubtedly, every senior has experienced this sort of anxiety, desperation, and cynicism. At the same time, I wanted to present a message that was inspiring and hopeful, and the different styles and content in the album reflect that. Basically, I intended to capture this rollercoaster ride with all the highs and lows.

Are there any websites or links to your music we can mention?
My official website is http://www.mnovasound.com, my music page is http://mnova.bandcamp.com, and my Twitter is www.twitter.com/mnovasound.

How do you see your rap career helping or enhancing your career in banking?
Writing and performing music give me opportunities to valuate myself. That, as a result, increases myself self-awareness and broadens my perspective. With respect to banking, this helps me become more introspective and analytical, and furthermore, it enhances my ability to articulate my thoughts in a clear manner.

How do you see your dual careers evolving in the future?
As of now, I want to focus on my finance career and spend my spare time to produce and support good music, whether it is for myself or other artists. Ultimately, I want to reach the cross-section of finance and music because I believe the two fields present an incredible amount of mutual benefit and opportunity.