Ask A Teenage Rap Promoter: How Did That Happen?

The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place - lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good- so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Have something you always wanted to ask a rapper? Email sheaserrano@gmail.com.

Trae Tha Truth and Z-Ro with Layne Schmerin (far left) and friends

​This Week's Rapper: Isn't a rapper at all. His name is Layne Schmerin, a man we met last December who had organized a gigantic toy drive. He's a bright, auspicious young man. He, along with some friends, has started a concert-promotion company. Friday, they're putting on a show at Warehouse Live featuring Z-Ro, Slim Thug, Devin the Dude, Afroman and more. Oh, and these guys are all teenagers.

This Week's Subject(s):

Ask A Rapper: First, seeing as how you're a bit of a pup, some general questions about promoting. How does a white, teenage Bellaireian become a rap concert promoter? Did you watch Janky Promoters? That's what it was, wasn't it?

Layne Schmerin: Even though I am a white, teenage Bellaireian, I happen to have a love for the Houston rap classics. My friends and I have been listening to DJ Screw, Fat Pat and Big Hawk since the 6th grade. I have not seen Janky Promoters but I must now. I started promoting because I have a love for most genres of music, and I have always been interested in the idea of putting on an event that people can have fun at.

AAR: Was it extra hard convincing acts that you were serious about booking them and not trying to sell them cookies?

LS: It was hard finding the correct contact numbers, especially for local acts. And money speaks for itself*. If your cookies are made of paper, then they will gladly take interest. Also, I am very thankful for BC Smoke Shop for taking me seriously when asked to be lead sponsor for the event.

*This is such a gangster-ass statement, made even more poignant when you consider that Schmerin is currently an active Eagle Scout.

AAR: Who was the very first act that you ever booked?

LS: The very first act I have ever booked (a few months ago) was Trae the Truth. Trae is a true Houston legend, in not only the rap game but the charity community, so I felt he was the perfect match for my first concert, which happened to be my Eagle Scout project.