Emerald Tiger: The gem of artist management

Atty. Kamel King at the forefront

At the start of 2025, Kamel King, an entertainment attorney with Frascogna Law Group, PLLC in Jackson, MS, took hold of the reins as Managing Director of Emerald Tiger Artist Management and hasn’t let go. “Emerald Tiger is committed to guiding artists toward long-term success on a global scale,” says King who works in concert with Chloe Sumrall, Darius Young, and Kaitlyn Bailey Gayspreads, all highly trained professionals in their areas of expertise to ensure personalized strategies that assist artists to build sustainable careers. “We are dedicated to empowering artists to reach new heights, offering unmatched support and opportunities for growth.” 

Emerald Tiger, which specializes in Blues and Southern Soul, is the brainchild of Mike Frascogna Jr. Topping the clients’ list are Mississippi Blues icons Eddie Cotton Jr., Zac Harmon, Dexter Allen, and Stevie “J” Johnson.

King literally grew up in the entertainment industry under the watchful eye and tutelage of his legendary father, Lee King, a veteran music influencer and producer. He gained additional insight into the global marketplace at Tougaloo College and Mississippi College School of Law, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Relations and law degree, respectively.

King has over 10 years of experience in music law, booking, and event production, including serving as Attorney on the Road for a 5-time GRAMMY-nominated group and Director of Operations for both Blackberry Records and GRAMMY-winning Terminal Recording Studios. Kamel co-produced the Recording Academy-endorsed “Mississippi Celebrates Its GRAMMY Legacy” and has taught Entertainment Law as an adjunct professor. 

He has served on the Governor’s Arts Awards Voting Committee and currently sits on the boards of the GRAMMY Museum of Mississippi, The Blues Foundation, and other nonprofits. For eight years, he led cultural tourism at Visit Mississippi, managing the state’s iconic music and heritage trails. 

The following is an exclusive Jackson Advocate one on one interview with Attorney Kamel King:

Jackson Advocate: What was the first artist your dad personally introduced you to? Were you already familiar with their music? 

Kamel King: Wow! I would have to ask him about the first he introduced me to …but the first one I remember is New Edition and Atlantic Starr backstage at one of the concerts/tours he was promoting. And yes indeed I was very familiar with their music!

JA: How much of an influence has your dad had on your selected career path?

King: 1000% influence! My Dad is my Superhero. Growing up I didn’t marvel at action figures and athletes. He was and still is my idol and only 2nd to God himself to me. Both of my parents are my best friends and heroes. So that and him having the coolest job of any parents I knew, I definitely wanted to be like him in my career. But he and my mother also had us to read biographies about influential Black leaders every summer. The overreaching theme and thread in all of them was the legal system. So my love for law and the power of the legal system grew. Eventually entertainment met law and birthed my path. 

JA: Is it customary for you to travel with artists or make your way to their shows?

King: It isn’t customary for most agents and agencies other than very specific and big events. But because of Emerald Tiger’s belief in a very hands-on approach with artists and our passionate backgrounds, we support our artists behind the scenes and at their events when possible.  

JA: Outside the artists you represent, who are a few of your favorite artists?

King: BOBBY RUSH!!! Of course, my guy Mr. Sipp, J-Wonn, Nellie Tiger Travis, Big Yayo, Kingfish, and Cedric Burnside.

JA: Has entertainment law changed since you first started? If so, how? When did you get started and who was your first client? 

King: Yes, it changes constantly to keep up with the nuances, trends, and technology of music. You have to stay on top of the industry and laws that affect it to be able to pivot a practice with modern times. I got started in 2016. My first client was The Williams Brothers. I became their Tour Manager, I ran their GRAMMY Award winning studio (Terminal Studios), helped run their record label (Blackberry Records), and managed their commercial office building. All while building my law practice.

JA: Mississippi has branded itself as birthplace of music. Has it earned the hype? Does it get its fair share of representing top talents? 

King: It most certainly has and for a long time now.  Based on population, Mississippi has more GRAMMY Award winners and nominees than any other state in America. And that’s by far.

JA: Anything you’d like to add? 

King: I compare the rich, talented soil that Mississippi has to the ground Jed Clampett shot with his shotgun and oil spouted out. That’s how abundant and free flowing the art is in Mississippi. Of all forms, but especially music. But our crude oil (talent) is too often shipped out for other markets to refine it, brand it, create the products, and claim the ownership. Mississippi doesn’t get the benefit or the income. Well, Frascogna Law Group and Emerald Tiger Artist Management is the “oil refinery”. We can do it better than the others and we keep the benefits with the clients, our communities, and our State.