MasterClass Interview with the King of PR Angelo Ellerbee

By Gary A. Johnson – Publisher (Black Men In America.com)

I first heard of Angelo Ellerbee in 2016. As I recall, he reached out to us to garner some publicity for his client. He was a pleasure to work with then and a pleasure to work with today. Spoiler alert: Some PR reps are a pain in the ass. That has NEVER been my experience with Angelo or any member of his staff. My interactions with Double XXposure Public Relations have always been first rate and professional. Angelo has a meticulous sense of style and attention to detail.

Angelo Ellerbee is an institution! The public relations maverick has worked with and guided the careers of icons and ingenues, legends and leading actors and he has built a legacy that continues to flourish decades after he began.

The Newark, NJ native, began his career in the fashion industry–designing, styling, and hosting shows as fundraisers to combat HIV/AIDS. This experience prepared him for the world of publicity and artist relations and development. Over the years, Ellerbee has worked with the late great musician James Mtume.

In 1985, Ellerbee founded Double XXposure Public Relations, working with artists and record labels to champion the careers of such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, and reggae giants like Shabba Ranks and Patra, while also shaping the careers of supermodels and burgeoning business titans and industry leaders.

The thing that separated Angelo from other public relation agents was his ability to be honest with his clients and develop them if they were lacking manners and basic social graces. Ellerbee grounded artists in everything from interviewing skills to table etiquette, mindful that some would quickly move from tables in their own homes to being before politicians, power brokers, foreign dignitaries, and people from all walks of life.

Angelo’s ability to build and maintain relationships was the “special sauce” that made him the go-to guy for young artists starting their careers and established artists who were looking to remain relevant and ready for music events and television opportunities that had not previously presented themselves.

While continuing to serve as CEO of his flagship enterprise, Ellerbee also went on to serve as Senior VP of Publicity for Island Def Jam Records, where he brought R&B supergroup Dru Hill, music legend Ronald Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers, and gospel superstar Karen Clark Sheard to prominence. Double XXposure also managed singer Ginuwine, pop superstar Laura Branigan and the late rap icon DMX.

Ellerbee took the helm of DMX’s career, serving as President and General Manager of rap superstar’s Bloodline Records. Under his leadership, Ellerbee cultivated the Def Jam imprint into a full-fledged recording company.

Never one to settle or sit on his laurels, Ellerbee has continued to expand his presence in media, writing 3 best-selling books:

Ellerbee also works passionately with the LGBTQ community, having served as Chairman of the Board of NYC’s Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) and working with Unity Fellowship Church Movement on their 35th Anniversary Gala under the leadership of Archbishop Carl Bean, who recorded “Born This Way” during his own stellar career at Motown Records.

Angelo Ellerbee continues to build careers and champion new voices. He uses his gifts to mold people and projects so that the world can see their greatness. His uncompromising commitment to excellence ensures that his clients are always seen at their best. After all, that’s what institutions do!