Jeff Robinson, CEO of MBK Entertainment Inc., artist management firm, and record label is one person who says yes to success over and over again. Patience, perseverance, and a healthy dose of some of that good ole’ Bronx hustle has ultimately paid off for the man behind the magic that is Alicia Keyes. Since their first meeting in 1996, Robinson has made strategic moves to ensure Keyes assent into the higher echelons of the music world. Five Grammy’s, 10 million albums (sold), and a host of musical achievements later speak volumes of his allegiance to producing results. Robinson’s penchant for music and a solid work ethic has served him well. He graduated from Lehman College where he majored in Business Management and Psychology. He then went on to be a caseworker with the City’s Department of Social Services. During that time he began to manage up and coming artists Zelma Davis (C & C Music Factory), Chauncey Black and Eric Williams (Blackstreet). He later went to work Casserines solo project at Warner Bros. under Benny Medina. By the time Robinson met the then 14-year old Keyes, he was more than equipped to groom the future star. From their success, MBK Entertainment was born and so was a new partnership with Keyes. Their roster includes Jermaine Paul, Jessyca White, Mike Millz, and Jeremy Greene. Currently, Robinson is making moves to turn MBK into a leading multi-media company by producing feature films, developing and marketing a clothing line, creating syndicated radio programs, and an in house concert touring business. He has also co- partnered with Keyes in a new venture Big Pita/Little Pita, a film production company that has a production and development deal with Walt Disney Pictures.

The Urban Network had a chance to catch up with the busy CEO who shared his formula to success, survival tactics, and just why he will always be one step ahead of the rest….read on!

You wear many hats. Give us a brief summary of each of your current “jobs” for lack of a better word and your tasks and explain what a day is like in the life of Jeff Robinson?

JR: I run the day to day operations of MBK Entertainment, Inc. in regards to the career of Alicia Keys. I have been in that capacity for the past 11 years. I am also co-CEO of Big Pita Lil Pita which is a film and television company with Disney. In addition, I’m attempting to get a fledgling independent gospel label and publishing company off the ground. We also have shows in development with MTV and the CW Networks, which I oversee daily. I also have several new artists that we are currently developing.

What aspects from your upbringing have contributed to your work ethic?

JR: I was raised in the church which gave me my foundation and allowed me to experience real singing from your soul. My father used to run a numbers hole in a bar and sometimes he would have us sit there while he did his business and we would listen to the music from the juke box. They would play Sinatra, Marvin, Sammy Davis, Aretha, Gladys etc., which gave me a love for real songs and entertainers. These two worlds gave me my hustle ethic.

What are three qualities that you possess that have not only helped you stay afloat in this industry, but have set you a part as well?

JR: Being patient and realizing nothing happens before its time.  Alicia was signed in late 95/96 but didn’t come out until 2001.  The whole time people said, ‘man when you putting that girl out’ and I would reply, ‘when she is ready’. Secondly, I have to say is, honor.  Not a lot of people in this biz are honorable or trustworthy but, I know my God is real and watches over me and everything I do. Third, is that I minored in psychology in college so I’m quite good at reading people.

As co-partner I know that there may have been times when Alicia and yourself have bumped heads. How have you worked through those times and how are you able to maintain your business relationship just on a day-to-day basis?

JR: By respecting each other first and foremost.  Yes we have battles, but we’re reasonable people that come to conclusions very quickly. Nothing ever lingers and festers. We also never ever bump heads in public. That’s just wack. I groomed Alicia to handle her own business since she was a kid and I’m proud as a peacock when she takes charge of it.

What are your goals for MBK and where you see it going within the next five years?

JR: To bring new talent to the game along levels of an Alicia Keys. I would like to leave my mark on this business like a modern day Berry Gordy.  I’d like to be on top of the gospel and film worlds which are two things I’m so passionate about.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are at this present time in your life?

JR: Study, be humble, be a great talker but an even better listener. Most importantly be patient soak up all knowledge like a sponge.  And for God’s sake be honorable. Only what you do for Christ will truly last.