Realism*

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Alias: Realism*
Full Name: Geraldine Convento
Contact Info: realism@sidewok.com
Crew: Feel My Grooves Entertainment / FMGvinyl / Sidewok Radio Crew
Birthdate: 08/16/19??
Birthplace: Hayward, CA
Currently Residing: Union City, CA
Rookie Year: 1992
Music Selection Preference: All kinds but these are my favorites*…downtempo/underground hip-hop/indie rock/alternative
Quote: “My resume is kinda thick.” – Lauryn Hill

Realism* Bio

I came from a family that had a really good ear for music, so it was natural for me to become a music lover. My start in becoming a musician came way back in the mid-80’s when I started singing. In 1992, I started writing rhymes and had my “public start” as an emcee/performer in 1996. Eventually I phased the singing out and stuck to rapping since 1) it was easier for me, 2) every other girl at the shows and PCNs I performed at were singers and 3) I thought I sounded better rapping. Careerwise, I’ve spent the past 7 years in marketing and advertising…Mainly in the music industry.

Along with the support of a couple local promotions companies, I created full Bay Area marketing campaigns focusing in the areas of: radio, streets, events, retail and video airplay for major and independent record labels. Our projects were for various artists signed to Virgin, Tommy Boy, Antra, Rap-a-Lot and Interscope (just to name a few). The projects we worked were a mix of known artists (D’Angelo, Kelis, Kurupt, DJ Quik, Gangstarr, Janet Jackson) as well as up and coming artists (N.O.T.S., Temple of Hip-Hop, Ms. Jade). It was a great experience to travel to various music conferences all over the nation, kick it with the artists and know that we were the people behind their records really makin’ it happen. Overall, I’d have to say that the best experience was meeting, getting to know, networking with the artists. The majority of the artists that I’ve met over time were real down to earth, caring folks and their appreciation for our work was definitely shown through their actions.

After that gig was over I worked as a Marketing Director for a record label that had the artists Gemini, Buckethead and a couple local bay area acts. It was pretty much the same thing as before just a step up in the chain. Aside from meeting the stars, I’d have to say that being a performer was the biggest rush of my career. I had the opportunity to open for a lot of the bigger names (Outkast, De La Soul, Hiero)…But after years of being in the industry as an artist and also behind the scenes, I realized that I needed a break. I started to think about my goals and what I really wanted to do in the future. I later decided to explore the marketing and advertising field throughout different industries. Since then I’ve held an executive position at an advertising agency for a while, worked in the mortgage industry, currently running an online record store as well as volunteering in the planning committee for Fremont’s 50th Anniversary.

I love music, but I’ve never wanted it to be my full blown career. It will always be something that I participate in doing on the side. My real passion is in the business and marketing arena. I’d like to own a business incorporating that with everything else I do.

My involvement with Sidewok.com started in April 2005, when Verz was in the beginning stages of starting the ‘Beat Kitchen’ he’d ask me to come through and freestyle. I’d decline letting him know that I was a “retired emcee”. Regardless, I would come through and kick it once in a while…maybe get on the mic from time to time. It had been so long since I had been on a mic performing or recording so it took a little getting used to again. Not too long after, B-Side (also a good friend of mine) started a show and asked me to be the host. I felt that it was a perfect medium for getting back into the industry without having the pressure of folks expecting me to be “Realism*” the underground emcee that I was known as back then…Besides…B-Side is folks! So I had to do it…

So here I am now, your host for the ‘Beat Suite’ Sunday nights from 6PM-9PM PST.

Retired emcee…makin’ a comeback? Maybe…Thanks for the support!

geraldine convento
FMGvinyl.com
music buyer
510.277.0181 office vmail

FMG = Feel My Grooves

Also, check out Realism* hosting ‘The Need To Calm’ Friday Mornings on Sidewok!
Listen from work as she braodcasts LIVE from 9am-12pm (rebroadcasts play before the show starting at midnight) – fmgvinyl.com/needtocalm.html (direct link to listen via web browser)