LASSITER, BRIAN, COLLECTOR.
Brian Lassiter collection, 1962-1994

Restrictions on Access

Special restrictions apply: Use copies have not been made for audiovisual material in this collection. Researchers must contact the Rose Library at least two weeks in advance for access to these items. Collection restrictions, copyright limitations, or technical complications may hinder the Rose Library's ability to provide access to audiovisual material.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Related Materials in Other Repositories

Brian Lassiter Hip-hop collection, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries

Brian Lassiter Hip Hop Collection. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

Brian Lassiter Collection, Archives of African American Music and Culture, Indiana University, Bloomington

Separated Material

The Rose Library also holds books and periodicals formerly owned by Brian Lassiter. These materials may be located in Emory University's online catalog by searching for: Lassiter, Brian, collector.

Source

Purchased from Brian Lassiter, 2020

Custodial History

Brian Lassiter collected the materials in the collection. Lassiter packed the materials at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, and Rose Library staff transferred the collection to the library.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], Brian Lassiter collection, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Appraisal Note

Curator of African American Collections Pellom McDaniels, III, and Curator of Political, Cultural, and Social Movements Collections Randy Gue acquired the collection as part of the Rose Library's holdings in African American history and culture, as well as Atlanta, Georgia, history and culture. Meaghan O’Riordan discarded approximately 0.25 linear feet of duplicate material in consultation with Randy Gue.

Processing

Arranged and described at the file level by Meaghan O'Riordan, November 2020.

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Biographical Note

Brian Lassiter was born in St. Albans, Queens, New York. In 1976, he moved to Washington, D.C., to attend Howard University. After graduating from college, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was a producer, engineer, promoter, and journalist of hip-hop music from 1983-2013. Lassiter managed a small recording studio called Downstairs Productions from 1983-1988. He was co-owner of World Premiere Records from 1986-1989. He was responsible for recording foundational hip-hop artists in Atlanta, Georgia, and helped to develop the "Dirty South" aesthetic. These artists included Joe Cool, Triple Crush, Master Rocker Kid Finesse & DJ Fonzo, D-Rock & Swift C, NRG, Grandwizard J-1, and Three the Hard Way. In 2008, Lassiter formed the company MediaWorld with the focus of consulting with start-up entertainment ventures. MediaWorld clients have included CTE (Young Jeezy), Big Oomp Records (DJ Unk), So Icey Entertainment (Gucci Mane, Waka Flacka Flame, Nicki Minaj), and Strange Music (Tech N9ne, Kris Kaliko).

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of materials collected by Brian Lassiter including printed material, photographs, slides, and audiovisual material documenting African Americans in sports and the arts, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and hip-hop music in Atlanta, Georgia. There is a significant number of programs for sporting events for New York Mets (Queens) baseball and Atlanta Hawks (Georgia) and New York Knicks (Manhattan) basketball. The bulk of the football programs, printed material, and photographs documenting HBCUs represent Howard University (Washington, D.C.) and Virginia State University (Petersburg). There are also many handbills and fliers for music performances, albums, and other events, including for Grandwizard J-1, Joe Cool, Mic Geronimo, Trigg Da Kidd, and Young Jeezy. Also included are also files relating to an interview conducted with Benny Andrews. There is also a small number of slides documenting the Perry Homes Community (Atlanta, Georgia). A small amount of material was created by Lassiter's brother, Mark.

Arrangement Note

Arranged alphabetically by title.