From Jackson State to Motown — Derrick "Penny" Hardy
Episode notes
He packed his bags for Los Angeles with one dream:
🎤 Become a rapper.
God had another plan.
Instead, Derrick "Penny" Hardy found himself working behind the scenes at Universal Music Publishing and Motown Records, where mentorship from industry legend Ethiopia Habtemariam changed the course of his life forever.
Today, he's helped develop artists, discover talent, launch careers, build businesses, and prove that success isn't always found where you expect it.
In this powerful Episode 20 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Derrick shares the setbacks, sacrifices, mentors, HBCU lessons, and relentless hustle that transformed him from an aspiring artist into one of the music industry's respected executives.
Sometimes the dream you start with isn't the one you're meant to finish with.
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