SEE YOURSELF THERE: A CONVERSATION WITH BRUCE MILLER

by Chloé Francena Adams

YouTube Studios in New York City was the location. I can’t quite remember what time of year it was, but I remember the feeling. I was super nervous because I was heading to an event hosted by the Universal Hip-Hop Museum (coming to the Bronx in 2023). I remember feeling my heart racing and blood running. I was seeing myself surrounded by the people who literally started the culture that changed the world. The hip-hop pioneers. The creators. The visionaries. I was so grateful to even be in the room that all I could do was sit and take everything in.

I decided to make my way to a back area where a food spread was prepared to calm myself down. I thought to myself, ‘This will help me relax.’ I quickly made my way to review the food options, and just as I picked up my plate, someone said to me, “The food is okay. But you should try the chicken. It’s good.” My immediate and nervously reactive response was, ‘It better be, or we’re fighting!’ (I know, I did the most).

Little did I know that clapback served as my introduction to Bruce Miller, Founder & CEO of Blue Light Media and Executive Producer at Blue Butterfly Productions. He’s also an incredible father, husband, entrepreneur, businessman, songwriter, producer, director, and brother of R&B legend Mary J. Blige. From that moment, it was family at first sight!

Bruce Miller is credited for writing some of the songs that were basically the soundtracks to your life, or your auntie’s and uncle’s life. And maybe even your mama and daddy. He has written a majority of the songs on the No More Drama album by Mary J. Blige and, most famously, the hit single “Family Affair.” But what many people don’t know is that Bruce is the powerhouse behind many other ventures.

Having been in the entertainment industry for over 22 years, Miller has seen and been a part of everything you could possibly think of. I’ve heard stories about how he’s had countless nights working, staying up into the morning on conference calls while balancing life with a wife and three children. I had a chance to chat with Bruce about his most recent projects, experiences, and everything he’s learned thus far. It had been a while since we spoke, but it seems like every time we talk, I learn something new. “I consider myself a serial entrepreneur,” he told me. “…I even owned a bodega!”

You have to take a step, believe in yourself, put that energy into the universe and reaffirm that.

Bruce Miller has never let anything hold him back. He’s always explored various opportunities that led him to the success he has today. He has a keen interest and skill in bringing people together to get the work done. “I take pride in being able to recognize people and recognize their talents and put together teams with the right kind of people,” said Bruce. “I am a business matchmaker! I understand people and understand how to motivate and bring them together.”

Despite all of his accomplishments, he wants more. “Realistically, I haven’t accomplished [my biggest achievement] yet,” said Bruce. “There’s still more for me to do. There are still more people to help. There’s still more to the story.” There’s a lesson in this. Imagine feeling like your biggest accomplishment wasn’t reached after your #1 hit single reaches millions of people at the start of your career. For many, that would be enough, but it wasn’t for him, and that determined the difference between being good and being great. “I think that this journey that I’m on now will take me to the biggest accomplishment.”

Taking risks, especially with entrepreneurship, is not easy. In the process, you may doubt or overwork yourself, form new partnerships, and learn new things. “It’s due process,” Miller said. “It’s learning as you go while also reflecting and looking at wins and losses and going back to the drawing board. When I didn’t succeed where I thought I should’ve, there was a lesson. It was being able to take the lessons and apply them to the next area.”

What comes to mind when you think of a legacy? Maybe fruitful generations, stability, or something like a dynasty, but for Bruce, legacy is a lifestyle. “I had a mentor named Ray Hendrickson,” said Bruce, “and he used to always say ‘Legacy says how many lives have been made better because you lived.’” In other words, everything that you have been called to do in this life is set to impact someone else in the long run.

As a serial entrepreneur, there are many projects Bruce looks forward to. For example, Blue Butterfly Productions has a few TV shows, movies, and major deals, including one with Lionsgate. He’s also working on a film under his own company, Blue Light Media called Shrader House, a new family podcast about building generational wealth, a new family podcast about building generational wealth, and a new project called Women Behind the Mic (see page 64).

“I’m excited for all of my new projects,” he said, “... for Women Behind the Mic because it’s an opportunity to celebrate these women. And shine a light on them and how much they mean to the music industry.”

Bruce has served as the blueprint for a go-getter, especially for black and brown individuals. “We’ve got to change the narrative,” he said. “If we don’t tell our stories, someone else will. If you aren’t stepping out and looking to make a difference or change, we’ll always be stuck.”

Here’s a note to anyone who just needs the right push. All you need to do is take the step and make it happen. “See yourself there,” Bruce told me. “See yourself where you want to be, no matter what it is in life. Write it down. Start the process and keep visualizing yourself there as you move forward to making it happen.” In Bruce Miller’s case, he saw a vision and made it a reality. “You have to take a step, believe in yourself, put that energy into the universe and reaffirm that,” he said. Just like many others, because the vision is always real. You just have to see yourself there.