Lots of folks both young and old want to break into the entertainment business and be the next big thing!

But it surely does not happen overnight. I recently represented The Source Magazine and joined legendary lyricists MC Lyte and Kid ‘n Play’s Christopher ‘Play’ Martin at Shaw University’s annual hip hop summit in Raleigh, NC.

Celebrity publicist Love Logan, BET VP, Vicky Free, Shaw University’s Professor of Religion, Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, Hip Hop Caucus’ Terrence Muhammad and Radio One Raleigh’s Brian Dawson (a Source Power 30 honoree) discussed the importance of hard work, patience and the grind of the entertainment industry with the students of Shaw University.

Mass communication students Ahkeem Bowens and Korey Merritt snapped photos of the hip hop summit. Check out the slideshow.

Panelists also schooled students on the importance of reading contracts before signing them and the power of networking. After the summit, panelists judged a live DJ battle on the lawn of the campus.

Shaw University is a private liberal arts institution.  Founded as Raleigh Institute in 1865, it is the oldest HBCU in the Southern U.S.