Craig Notes

“Ghost Notes”

Certain notes in music are played loudly. They are signature moments that announce their presence to the world. In the background are different notes, almost silent. These “ghost notes” support and balance those strong moments. Hard has soft, black has white, day has night; each can’t be what they are without the other. The unique life of Craig Notes, filled with bold moments, has its own ghost notes. Near silent hours where dreams are born and futures take shape. Who is Craig Notes? It’s an evolving story, but there is a beginning…

Craig was born in Flushing, New York. He didn’t have much. Out on the streets he struggled to find outlets for his creativity. A child actor and musician, he did magazine and television ads, and developed a love for the tenor saxophone. Barely in his teens, he was already writing his own music and developing a sharp musical ear, which remains a strong part of his identity today. At 15, he joined hip-hop group The 90 Prophets, further developing his artistic identity.

Craig appeared in Spike Lee’s “Clockers” while attending Bayside High School in Queens. Other roles, including Fox Searchlight’s “Brown Sugar” followed. Craig then entered Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, thus embarking on one of the most formative journeys of his life. There he walked through The Wards, soaking up the hard lessons life served up, hearing the rhythms and melodies of that life. To make ends meet, he became a valet at a casino, hungry to enter the door of success. He watched the hometown success story Master P, and saw a world of possibility ahead.

Immediately after, an important cycle was coming full circle. Craig became a street promoter for industry leader Def Jam Recordings, and he was finally on the other side of the gate, on the inside. His work brought him all over the east coast.

Then Craig, as a recording artist, released “C-Notes Vol. 1”, soon followed by the single “Composition C-Notes”. That track lead to “C-Notes Vol. 2”, which charted nationally in 77 college radio markets, including #1 in Buffalo, NY (WBNY), #2 in Chicago, IL (WRDP), and even went #1 on CHMR in Newfoundland, Canada. The “College Music Journal” had “C-Notes Vol.2” ranked in the top 40. He describes his philosophy as “a different kind of real”, his sound as cinematic, symphonic in nature. He educates about the street, instead of glorifying it. Craig writes and produces his own tracks. Sampling is just one of the many tools at his disposal.

Enter today, where Craig stands poised to helm IOneTwo Entertainment. IOneTwo provides production, writing, artist development, and business and management services. Years in front of the camera, behind the mic, behind the board, in executive offices, and down in the trenches have uniquely enabled him to understand the industry from every angle. Developing artists will have a home where knowledge is abundant, and creativity is king.

So keep listening. You’ve heard some of the ghost notes. Are you ready for what’s next?