DeKALB | How would it be to fly all over the country for free, work with celebrities, set up and attend parties and get paid well the entire time? Senior media studies major Andrew “Dillaman” Bonsu balances school with that life, as an Artist and Repertoire (A&R) representative for Arista Records’ offshoot J Records. Bonsu has been featured in such publications as Underline Magazine and Urban Magazine, but the 21-year-old Chicago native said it took the death of his childhood friend, Cardon J. Harris, to help put his own life and accomplishments into perspective.

Northern Star: How long have you worked for J Records?

Bonsu: About a year now.

NS: How’d you get the job?

Bonsu: I got a job as an intern at first, worked my way up and eventually got promoted to A&R.

NS: What are some of the benefits?

Bonsu: I get free airline tickets, free hotels, all my travel expenses are paid. I get to fly all over the country, meet celebrities and the pay is good.

NS: What celebrities have you worked with?

Bonsu: I’ve worked with Fantasia, Jamie Fox, Luke & Q, Busta Rhymes…I also do A&R for Lupe Fiasco, whose album drops Sept. 19 with five new songs on it, and I’m A&R for Danny Boy, the singer from all the old Tupac songs.

NS: What’s your favorite part of your job?

Bonsu: I love going to other cities, just getting to travel and explore the world.

NS: What are some of your responsibilities?

Bonsu: I set up radio interviews throughout the midwest, work to get songs into radio stations’ playlists. I set up club appearances and parties and I just show the artists around when they’re in town.

NS: In addition to being a full-time student, what else are you involved in at NIU?

Bonsu: I’m an NS Radio dj, and I’m involved with the BMI, the NAACP, the ASA, the Block Boyz and Street Knowledge Designs.

NS: Is it hard to balance school and work?

Bonsu: It’s not too bad. I use my Blackberry for all my e-mail and just about everything I do happens through e-mail. I have my e-mail, my phone calls, everything routed through my Blackberry.

NS: What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Bonsu: I want to help artists get their music heard. A&R reps usually help sign artists, by getting them to the eyes and ears of execs and other A&R reps. I also want to get involved with real estate, buying and selling houses. I would like to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales.