Many people wonder why certain artists in the entertainment industry succeed while others, and often more talented artists, fail.  Some believe that it's due to looks, luck, or even a willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure one's success, and by that I mean everything.

Yet, the truth of the matter is that it is often the team behind each star that makes the ultimate difference in who rises to the top and who seems to never break through.  Every star needs a strong backing and the role of manager is one of the most important elements.

Manny Halley, has proven to be one of those essential ingredients to an artist's success.  The Brooklyn native began with virtually no experience in the entertainment industry but he was well-connected though his successful barbershop and party promotions.  Those connections led him to begin managing Shyne, discovering Grammy Award nominated R&B star Keyshia Cole, and he has since added entrepreneur (Imani Entertainment), music mogul, and owner of the nation's best-selling IHOP in Atlanta, GA to his resume. 

Sixshot picked the brain of this successful manager to find out the real deal on this highly relevant role, some details on Shyne's release, and more.

Sixhsot.com:  How did your upbringing in Brooklyn influence your managerial approach?

Manny Halley:  I think that it influenced my whole management skills 100% because coming from Brooklyn, New York we're like the underdogs.  So I did parties.  I was a party promoter.  I went through booking agents and managers to book acts.  I started learning more and eventually I knew what it was to become a manger.

Sixshot.com:  You started with no experience in the industry so I'm pretty sure you made some mistakes along the way.  What were some of the tough lessons you had to learn?

Manny Halley:  I had to learn in this business that once an artist gets hot or gets fame you got to have their contracts tight, because they will go with another manager.

Sixshot.com:  So many artists try to leave the management that helped them get to the top?

Manny Halley:  You got to have the contract tight and know that once they become something they try to leave you—the ones that's not loyal.

Sixshot.com:  What are some of the misconceptions of being a manager?

Manny Halley:  I think what happens—when an artist is late, or cancels, or doesn't do something great for their careers the manager has to call and say she can't do it whether it's the truth or not.  They blame it on the manager for being unprofessional 'cause they're saying the manager is ruining their career.  But really the manager always gets blamed and is the last to get rewarded.

Sixshot.com:  You managed Shyne and we all know his story.  As a manger what's your role in crisis situation like that?

Manny Halley:  All I do is support him, support his family, and I don't get too involved in the situation.

Sixshot.com:  I hear rumors that he'll be released in 2009 is that true?

Manny Halley:  100% true or sooner.

Sixshot.com:  So what's your plan to return him to the spotlight?

Manny Halley:  It's whatever he wants.  If he comes out and says "Hey, Manny I don't need management.  I just want to go open up Popeyes or whatever I'll support him."  If he says, "I want to be a movie star," or whatever it is I'll be there for him.  Right now I'm a real friend of his.  I don't want to look at him as business like when he comes home we're gonna do this and that.  Whatever he wants to do I'll be there for him.

Sixshot.com:  What's the most stressful aspect of your job?

Manny Halley:  The most stressful part of being a manager, honestly the only thing is being away from your family—that's the most stressful thing.  I think for me when they're at school and can't come to where I'm at; and being gone so long.  Besides that I think I handle everything.  The decisions we make I believe in it, and whatever comes out of it I go with it.  I love being a manager.

Sixshot.com:  Why did you decide to do reality show for Keyshia Cole since many new artists tend to keep their demons hidden?

Manny Halley:  I mean because like you said most artists will never do that, they sugarcoat it.  I think it's a lot of people that went through stuff in life and they do have a story.  The best thing for them to do is be real.  It could have went the opposite way like people saying I don't want to mess with her, she's adopted, her mother's on crack.  But we took a chance and it actually worked.  Since then so many artists came out of the woodwork with their situations and being real.  We just wanted to be real with it.  We took a chance.

Sixshot.com:  I hear that's she working on a new album.

Manny Halley:  Yeah, coming out on December 16th the third album.  We finished shooting season 3 of her show and it airs November 2nd.  So we have the show and CD.

Sixshot.com:  Any details on the album?

Manny Halley:  Hit singles after singles—that's what you can expect.

Sixshot.com:  You also manage, Sean Garrett, and he's stepping out from behind to the front of the scenes.  What was your strategy with his transition?

Manny Halley:  With Sean Garrett I really stepped into that as a consultant.  I'm not sure if I'm gonna be a full manager but I consult him 'cause I think he's a real talented guy.  He's taking a chance to become an artist and I'm here to help him in any way possible.

Sixshot.com:  What's your managerial advice for someone like Bobby Brown?

Manny Halley:  Get back in the studio, get away from the cameras, and focus on your craft.

Sixshot.com:  Whitney Houston.

Manny Halley:  You're one of the best things out there and actually the same exact thing as Bobby Brown.

Sixshot.com:  Khia.

Manny Halley:  Who's that—"My Neck, My Back?"

Sixshot.com:  Yeah.

Manny Halley:  Uhm, I would say to keep doing what you're doing.  You had a hit so go in the studio, record, come with something that's relatable to what's going on today, and keep going.