Industry renowned photographer and graphic artist, Briana “Bri” Crudup, is the founder and creative genius steering Hip Hop United, LLC to success. While operating at the forefront of her growing full-service marketing and public relations firm, she is essentially a career catalyst for independent artists breaking into or elevating within the music industry. Bri is simultaneously an expansive force and gem-finder for major record labels. Artists can also benefit from the prolific collaborations between Hip Hop United and prominent firms, such as ONErpm, a full-service global distribution and marketing agency.
Bri works alongside major brands, industry leaders, and private clients as a master of both artist development and framing visions. When working with artists, she places them in the most strategic positions to advance by brokering life-altering connections with the most influential power players–such as other label executives. “I work closely with A&Rs seeking talent, so I help artists by shaping and molding them, guiding them in the right direction,” she highlighted. Additionally, Bri is regularly behind the lens, capturing moments of a lifetime in the form of captivating photos and videos. She transitioned into this role in 2008, after working in the corporate sector for over 15 years.
The desire to establish her own photography/videography business came from a burning passion for creativity and a deep desire to carve out her own lane where entertainment and visual arts intersect. Her tenure as the regional director at Hip Hop Weekly Magazine was a pivotal moment for both the company and Briana. She was put in a tedious position to both build her career and rapport within the industry while also breathing new life into a company that was undergoing administrative overhaul. During this foundational phase, Bri worked relentlessly to establish her unique “That Photo Chick” brand, which attracted heavy consumer traffic, clientele, profitability, and notoriety for the company. Growing this platform and amplifying the company empowered her to go full-throttle and create her own agency.
After transforming and enhancing other businesses, Bri established the inimitable full-service media agency, Hip Hop United, LLC, and tenaciously paved her way to success. She explained, “I expanded my services to creating content for hip hop brands and helping emerging artists with photoshoots, graphics, marketing and promotion, and more.” She soon soared to success by forming networks, reinforcing genuine relationships, freelancing with trending media outlets, developing new skills, and having tunnel vision on expanding her empire. Her biggest success, however, trickles down from her magnetic personality and authenticity, which is why she is loved by all with a loyal following. By 2019, Hip Hop United grew exponentially with a steady influx of elite clientele. In 2020, Hip Hop United is celebrating partnerships that have been established to help creatives thrive in the digital era. ONErpm, for example, is one of these exclusive associates that offers a full-range of services including distribution, fan marketing, management, advertising, branding, and other media solutions. This collective of creatives that ranges from emerging artists to moguls, fans, superstars, journalists, and corporate spearheads are all united by Bri to continue pushing hip hop culture forward together.
