Kevin Liles grew up in West Baltimore, where he 
"stood a better chance of getting shot or thrown in jail than getting a good-paying and respectable job." The former rapper "rose from intern to president of Def Jam Records in nine years," works as executive vice president of the Warner Music Group, and "has helped guide the careers of Jay Z, LL Cool J, Ludacris, and many more."
From Make It Happen – The Hip Hop Guide To Success:
What
Play your position.
Why
Don't act like you're too good for it. Have the humility and respect to do your job to the best of your ability, whether it's digging ditches or answering the phone. That's how all great leaders get started.
How
Think about the higher cause and play for the team. Serve, focus and pay attention to detail. Find ways to make the boss look good. Search for what needs to be done. When the whole organization does well, it will lift you up.
But
Once you reach the higher position, don't forget where you came from. Stay grounded to keep your focus and edge.
