Maverick Partner, The Blueprint Group Co-C.E.O, Cortez “Tez” Bryant became one of the entertainment industry’s pre-eminent managers through identifying and igniting the potential of game-changing outliers such as Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, and more. An innate ability to spot that elusive “it” factor spearheads his success behind-the-scenes.

Such is the case with Tez’s longest client five-time GRAMMY®Award-winning multi platinum icon Lil Wayne. The two grew up together as best friends in New Orleans. AsWayne’s star began to rise meteorically in 2004, Tez shuttled back and forth between shows on the weekend and classes at Jackson State University during the week. By the time of his college graduation, he formally stepped into the role of Wayne’s manager, unassumingly founding Bryant Management.

With 2004’s platinum-certified Tha Carter, Wayne commenced a legendary run that continues to this day. Classic albums Tha Carter IIand Like Father, Like Son followed in between a storied series of mixtapes before he released his magnum opus, the triple-platinum Tha Carter III—which earned a staggering total of four GRAMMY®Awards and unanimous critical renown. On the eve of Tha Carter III era,Tez joined forces with a fellow manager and entrepreneur Gee Roberson, forging an alliance between his Bryant Managementand Roberson’s Hip Hop Since 1978. Simultaneously, Wayne and Tez launched Young Money Entertainment in partnership with Cash Money Records as home to Drake, Nicki Minaj, and more.

As Young Money Entertainmenttook the industry by storm in 2009, Drake asked Tezto manage him. Tez shepherded Drake’s evolution into one of the world’s biggest stars as both manager and label C.O.O., fueling the impact of multi platinum albums includingThank Me Later, Take Care, and the GRAMMY®Award-winning Nothing Was The Same. Along the way, Nicki would also sign to The Blueprint Group as a management client under Tez and Roberson.

In 2013, Tez orchestrated a strategic alliance with The Revels Group to co-manageG-Eazy. The Bay Area talent landed two consecutive Top 5 debuts on the BillboardTop 200 with the multi platinum These Things Happen and When It’s Dark Out.

Throughout his career, Tez has initiated high-profile deals with leading brands, including Samsung, Mountain Dew, Beats By Dre, Apartments.com, and more. Moreover, the industry consistently recognizes him as an innovator with placements on the cover ofBillboard M agazine and regular spots on the prestigious “Power 100,” in the “Urban Power Issue,” and in the “40 Under 40” feature. Moreover, Complex lauded him as one of the “25 Most Powerful People in Rap.”