Sachem Alum Uncle Louie Helping Hip Hop Legend Eric B. into Next Career Phase

This is an occasional series about a Sachem alum utilizing social media in his everyday business strategies for celebrities around the country ...

Eric B. is a legend amongst legends, an original hip hop icon that from 1986-1992 ruled the music scene.

Born Eric Barrier, he and rap partner Rakim, a native of Wyandanch on Long Island, released Eric B. is President in '86 and hasn't looked back, penning one of the most spoken lines in rap history with "I came in the door/ I said it before."

Almost 25 years later, the music game has changed. It's a world of digital media and its social subsidiaries. With that comes Louis "Uncle Louie" Gregory as Eric B.'s social media guru.

They've know each other for nearly 20 years and Barrier is honest in his assessment of Gregory, who he trusts with his business.

"A lot of people who are managers just get thrust into the position," he said, "but Louis just gets it."

They've be creating new ways to build his brand, both on television and radio.

"I'll get a call from him at three in the morning," said Barrier, who was the first hip hop artist to sign a $1 million contract and to buy a Rolls Royce. "He'll say, 'Hey Eric, I was just thinking…' He is always thinking. That's what you need around you, someone coming up with new ideas. He makes things happen."

"I consider Eric to be one of my mentors," Gregory added. "He has taught me so much. To always think big, but never undersell yourself. To maintain good relationships and to have integrity."

Barrier, who grew up in Queens, will be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame next year. He said he's focusing on developing a new television show that is reminiscent of a rap Jeopardy, as well as a morning radio show.