From Her Mom's Living Room to the Chair: The Story Behind Glynisha Langston's Braiding Brand
Glynisha Langston was just 12 years old when she picked up her first strands of hair to braid, practicing in her mother's living room in Miami Dade County. What started as a child's curiosity has since grown into a career as a master braider, one rooted in a personal story she carries with her to this day. At the heart of Langston's brand is her cousin, Girly, who passed away from sickle cell at 14. Langston recalls that Girly was famously tender-headed and didn't like anyone touching her hair, yet she let a 10-year-old Langston practice on her anyway. That trust, she says, became the foundation for everything that followed, and her brand is dedicated to Girly's memory. After years spent behind the chair building her craft, Langston is now shifting some of her focus outward. She's currently conducting street interviews with up-and-coming entrepreneurs, an effort she describes as a way to use her platform to give back to future leaders rather than keep the spotlight on herself. She's also back in school, though she's keeping the subject under wraps for now, saying she'd rather revisit that chapter of her story once there's more to show for it. Langston has a few other things in the works she can only hint at, including an upcoming TV appearance she can't detail due to an NDA, and a fashion show this fall dedicated to veterans. She's also been connecting with Atlanta restaurants for food-related collaborations. Through it all, Langston says she hopes people walk away understanding that a brand can be built from the ground up, and that genuine gifts and talents can open doors and set someone apart. For her, this season of balancing entrepreneurship, school, and her craft has been a rewarding one, built on the contributions of her past.
Oct 6, 2026
More Entertainment
DJ Solo Is Turning Up The Atlanta Club Scene
For DJ Solo, it all started the way it does for a lot of college DJs: a phone, a speaker, and a kickback that needed a soundtrack. The Atlanta native began playing music for campus events and casual gatherings, building up his ear and his instincts long before it became a profession. What began as a way to liven up a room turned into a craft he's spent years refining. Today, DJ Solo works across Atlanta's event scene, booking shows with artists and curating the energy for crowds looking for a good time. He describes his inspiration simply as success and enjoyment of the craft itself — watching people let loose and genuinely enjoy themselves is, in his words, "a priceless feeling." That philosophy shapes how he approaches every set: less about him, more about the room. Respect is a word that comes up often when he talks about his work. He speaks about honoring the craft of DJing itself, but also about respecting the people who show up — who pay their money and give their time expecting a good experience. For DJ Solo, being the one responsible for delivering that experience is a responsibility he takes seriously, and it's the throughline he wants people to walk away with after encountering his work. Right now, DJ Solo says he's staying busy with a steady run of events and has a major showcase on the horizon, along with multiple bookings lined up with artists around the city. Beyond the turntables, he's also working on breaking new artists, a sign of where he sees the next chapter of his career heading — expanding from curating the party to helping shape the talent behind it. As DJ Solo continues building his name in Atlanta's nightlife and events circuit, his focus remains consistent: craft, respect, and making sure the people in the room leave having had a genuinely good time.
Oct 3, 2026
Partyboi Duece: The Voice That Turns the City and the Airwaves Into a Party
Atlanta is home for Partyboi Duece, even though his story starts in Broward County, Florida -- he grew up and graduated high school in the city of Atlanta. Before he was a familiar voice on Atlanta radio, he was just hosting on the Eastside of Atlanta, building a reputation one event at a time. That grind eventually caught the ear of ET of the Durttyboyz, who discovered his voice and helped bring him into the city's wider entertainment scene. Today, he's known to Atlanta audiences as an event host, tour MC, radio personality, and influencer whose energy has become his calling card. Duece can be heard on Hot 107.9 every Sunday, where he says listeners tune in for recurring segments like his Question of the Day and Small Business Shout Outs. Beyond the booth, he's built a presence as a tour host for the R&B Mimosa Festival and as someone who regularly shows up for Atlanta's youth -- hosting pep rallies and lunch takeovers at local schools, work he says he plans to continue expanding. What keeps him going isn't awards or attention, but people. Duece has been open about losing his father in 2023 and his brother in 2016, and he credits that loss with sharpening his sense of purpose. Knowing his voice and energy might genuinely improve someone's day, he says, is what pushes him forward. Looking ahead, Duece has a packed calendar -- a pep rally at Clark Atlanta University's homecoming, more school pep rallies and lunch takeovers, an interview with Baller Alert, additional tour dates with the R&B Mimosa Festival, and his regular Sunday slot on Hot 107.9. If there's one message Duece wants to leave with people, it's a simple one: it's okay to have fun with life, to be yourself, to pursue whatever you want to be -- and to keep God first. For a city that moves fast, it's a reminder he hopes lands with whoever needs to hear it.
Oct 1, 2026
Mike Norris Is Making Sure Atlanta's Songwriters Get Paid
Mike Norris didn't set out to become a music publishing executive, but a front-row seat to the industry's money side changed his trajectory for good. While earning his Music Management degree at Georgia State University, he worked at Minter & Associates law firm, learning the mechanics of publishing deals. What stuck with him wasn't the paperwork, it was how many talented artists never saw money they were owed. That realization set the course for his career since. Today, Norris is based in Atlanta, where he works as a music publishing executive, manager, and entrepreneur. His focus is helping artists and songwriters own, protect, and profit from their catalogs, work he sees as both creative and deeply business-minded. He points to Clarence Avant and Quincy Jones as the figures who shaped that philosophy, Avant for proving that the most influential person in the room is often the one structuring the deal, and Jones for showing that an artist can operate at the highest levels of business without losing the creative edge. Norris describes himself as building his own career at that same intersection. His current work spans several fronts. Through a joint venture with Payday Music Publishing, he recently signed Atlanta artist Duke Deuce. He's also partnered with a Canadian distribution company to help bring his artists to international audiences. Alongside that, he's scaling Sovereignty Digital, a rights administration platform he founded to help independent songwriters track and collect royalties owed to them. Norris, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is also pursuing an MBA in International Business at Georgia State's Robinson College of Business. Outside the office, he plays trumpet in hip-hop settings. At the core of his work is a simple message: artists can own their rights and still win commercially. He wants creatives to understand the business behind the music, protect what's theirs, and build wealth that outlasts any single hit.
Oct 1, 2026
Real Life Reality Brings Atlanta Stories Back for 'Real Life ATL' Season 2
Atlanta-based creator Real Life Reality has built their platform around a simple idea: real people have stories worth telling. That desire to document "real life people with relentless stories," as they describe it, is what pushed them to start creating content in the first place — and it remains the driving force behind their work today. Real Life Reality points to their own network, also called Real Life Reality, as their biggest inspiration — a project built specifically to spotlight everyday people's stories rather than manufactured drama. That mission comes through in their flagship series, Real Life ATL, which follows a group of Atlanta friends navigating career changes, personal growth, and the everyday highs and lows of life in the city. The show's second season premieres Thursday, October 15th, 2026, exclusively on the Real Life Reality YouTube channel. The returning cast includes Mesha Robinson, Denard Farmer, Jamie Allen, Nevaeh Anderson, and Tra Sean, each stepping into a new chapter this season. Robinson reflects on choices around parenthood as she reconsiders what she wants out of life. Farmer takes on producing his first fashion show, cameras rolling through the process. Allen returns to the group while shifting into a career in politics, and Anderson documents her own major transition, leaving the public health field for entertainment. Tra Sean reconnects with modeling and acting while opening up about his experiences as a bisexual man and becoming a father again. Together, the cast's stories are framed around friendship — its steadier moments and its harder ones — as the group moves through a season of transition all at once. For Real Life Reality, the goal is straightforward: get people watching and following along. They're encouraging Atlanta viewers to subscribe to the Real Life Reality YouTube channel ahead of the Season 2 premiere to catch these stories as they unfold.
Sep 29, 2026
Meet Ahshay: The Atlanta Creative Behind the Camera and the Brand
Shontella "Ahshay" Turner has built a career out of turning other people's visions into something tangible. Known to many as "Your Favorite Camera Girl," the Atlanta native is the Owner and CEO of Ahshay Studios Creative Holding LLC, the umbrella company behind Ahshay Studios and AHS Management. Her path started simply, with a passion for photography and visual storytelling. As clients began trusting her with more of their creative vision, that passion expanded into videography, editing, branding, creative direction, music visuals, commercials, and full-scale productions. Along the way, Turner says she realized her work was shifting from just capturing content to helping people build brands and develop careers. That realization is what eventually grew Ahshay Studios into a broader media and production company, with AHS Management following to support talent development. Today, Turner works across photography, commercial and film production, branding, marketing, content creation, event production, and talent management, with hands-on experience using Sony, Canon, and DJI equipment. She says her biggest inspiration is the people she creates for, artists, entrepreneurs, and business owners with a vision who need someone to help bring it to life, as well as her own drive to keep growing and working across multiple creative disciplines rather than staying confined to one. Turner is currently rebranding and expanding both Ahshay Studios and AHS Management into what she describes as a complete creative production and talent-development company. That includes building out more commercial work with businesses, growing into larger film and television projects, developing artists and creators, and producing more original content. Heading into October and November 2026, she's putting a particular focus on cinematic commercial production for businesses while continuing to grow the talent-management side of the company. At the core of it, Turner says she wants clients to feel like their vision was seen, understood, and elevated, and she hopes other creatives take away that it's possible to build your own lane, learn multiple sides of the industry, and turn creativity into a real, sustainable company.
Sep 28, 2026
From Grief to the Green Light: J. Moore's Journey Into Film Producing
J. Moore didn't set out to become a film producer. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she found her way into the entertainment industry through one of the hardest seasons of her life: losing both of her brothers within three months of each other. That grief reshaped how she saw the world, and instead of letting it stall her, she decided to channel it into something new. She began shooting films, then expanded into television, discovering along the way that she had a genuine passion for storytelling, building platforms for others, and bringing people together through shared narratives. What started as a way of processing loss grew into a career and, as she describes it, a purpose. Now based in Atlanta, Moore has built a name for herself in the city's entertainment scene as a producer, entrepreneur, and creative visionary. Her biggest inspiration, she says, is her children -- having grown up without her own mother, she's driven to push herself further than she once thought possible, in part to show them what's achievable. Her current flagship project is "Industry Girl," a reality television series she created and produces, currently streaming on the TRONIX Network. She's now preparing Season 2 while also working to expand the brand beyond the show itself, developing new film and television projects, collaborating with talent, and creating opportunities within the industry. For Moore, the work is about more than entertainment. She wants audiences to walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and reminded that pain doesn't have to be the end of a story -- it can be the start of a new one. Through her projects, she hopes to spark conversations, give people a platform to be seen, and prove that it's never too late to build a new chapter, no matter what life has put in front of you.
Sep 28, 2026
SHEEN Magazine Celebrates 20 Years of Black Excellence in Atlanta
By :Sienna Atlantis SHEEN Magazine celebrated its 20th anniversary in a major way, bringing two days of celebrities, comedy, music and Black excellence to Atlanta. The celebration kicked off at Cirque Daiquiri Bar & Grill with a sold-out cover reveal party for comedian and actress Luenell, also known as the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy.” Guests enjoyed a night of networking, entertainment and celebration while getting a preview of what SHEEN had planned for its anniversary weekend. The main event took place on September 17 at the historic Buckhead Theatre.Celebrities, honorees, influencers, fans and entertainment professionals came together to celebrate SHEEN Magazine’s past while looking forward to its future. Yung Joc, Luenell and Lavell Crawford hosted the awards, and the three definitely kept the crowd entertained.Between the comedy, live performances and special moments, the energy stayed high throughout the night. Celebrating This Year’s Honorees SHEEN Magazine honored several people who have made a real impact across entertainment, media, comedy and business. Radio and television pioneer Cathy Hughes received the Icon in Radio & Television Award, recognizing her legendary career and influence as one of the most powerful Black women in media. Another major highlight was watching Debra “Deb” Antney receive the Hip-Hop Manager of the Decade Award. Deb is a queen, a mogul and a true force in the entertainment industry. I like to call her one of the godmothers of hip-hop—and rightfully so. Long before Atlanta became the center of the music world, Deb was behind the scenes recognizing raw talent, building careers and helping shape the sound and culture of Southern hip\-hop. From managing some of the genre’s biggest names to mentoring the next generation, Deb has created a legacy that reaches far beyond music. She is a mother, manager, entrepreneur, philanthropist and powerhouse who has opened doors for countless artists and executives. Seeing her celebrated alongside her family made the moment even more special.If anyone deserves to be called the Hip-Hop Manager of the Decade, it is Deb Antney. The other honorees included: - Darren Fleet — Rising Star of the Year in Comedy - Drea Nicole and Lex P of *Pour Minds* — Podcasters of the Year - Dyon “Mojo” Brooks — Comedian of the Year - Michael E. Williams — Icon in Comedy - Millionaire Kev of The Tax Plug — Entrepreneur of the Year - Ray Daniels — Entertainment Executive of the Year in Music - Shaun Milli — Breakout Artist of the Year - Trey Haley — Visionary in Cinema & Television Production Each honoree represented what the SHEEN Magazine Awards are all about: giving people their flowers and recognizing the work they have put into their industries. A Night Filled With Music Yung Joc pulled double duty as both a host and performer Q.Parker and Jai Vaughn brought their R&B and gospel/influenced sound to the stage, while Christian hip-hop artist Jor’Dan gave the audience a high-energy performance. Breakout R&B artist Shaun Milli also performed, along with Canton Jones, a three-time Stellar Award winner and Grammy-nominated gospel artist known for his Billboard-charting hits. The performances brought a great mix of hip/hop, R&B and gospel to the show and helped make the anniversary feel like a true celebration. #Presenters and Celebrity Guests The evening’s presenters included music executive Louis Essex, comedians Antoine Scott and Kelly Kellz, actress and singer Demetria McKinney, and media executive James DuBose. Members of Deb Antney’s family also participated, including her sons Wooh Da Kid and Tyquam Alexander, her brother James “Bimmy” Antney and her nephew Bradon Barnes. Several familiar faces were spotted in the building, including singer and songwriter Damion Hall, producer Deneise Howard, reality television couple Jaylan Banks and Falynn Pena, Lamont and Marie Sanders, Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, actress Shaquita Smith, Route Runner, comedian SkinBone, Daysha Taylor, Deija James and Cocoa Brown. Of course, the red carpet was another major part of the night. Guests showed up in statement looks that brought together fashion, beauty and individual style—three things SHEEN Magazine has highlighted throughout its 20-year run. More Than an Awards Show The SHEEN Magazine Awards are not only about entertainment. A portion of the proceeds supports local charities that assist HBCU students facing financial challenges. The event also makes a point of celebrating people whose work and contributions are sometimes overlooked. That mission was clear throughout the night, from the honorees onstage to the HBCU student interns, ambassadors and volunteers working behind the scenes. The two-day celebration was supported by sponsors including Nairobi Professional, Congo Professional, Kerafena, Parde Mode, Sheen Media Group, SHEEN Soundstage, KMC Love Potion and Genie Juice. Platinum sponsors included Bask & Lather and The Tax Plug. Top Flight Atlanta served as the official ground transportation company, while D & D Catering provided food for the anniversary events.Glam services were provided by Olympia Kent of the Gwinnis Mosby Makeup Artist Training Center and Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta. For 20 years, SHEEN Magazine has covered beauty, fashion, hair, entertainment and culture while creating a space that encourages women to recognize their value.Its anniversary celebration honored that history while showing that the magazine still has plenty more to come. SHEEN Magazine’s 20th anniversary did not disappoint. It was a night filled with laughter, powerful recognition, great performances and Black excellence on full display. For more coverage and photos, visit [SHEEN Magazine](https://www.sheenmagazine.com) and follow @sheenmagazine on Instagram. Be sure to also follow @thisizatlfor more Atlanta entertainment, culture and exclusive event coverage
Sep 22, 2026
TampaMystic: The Voice Behind Atlanta's Independent Artist Movement
Misty Malec, known to most as "TampaMystic," has spent the better part of two decades building platforms for artists who might otherwise go unheard. Originally from Tampa, Florida, she now calls Atlanta home, where she's grown from open-mic host to owner of multiple media and entertainment ventures. Her journey started around 16 years ago, hosting open mics in Tampa. A DJ she worked with introduced her to the Desert Storm Radio team, owned by DJ Clue, which led to a three-year radio run on that platform. In 2013, she relocated to Atlanta to further her career, eventually landing a six-year stint on Highly Unique Radio, where she continued hosting artist showcases and interviewing a wide range of talent. Along the way, she launched Industries Most Wanted, which began as a mixtape series before evolving into a podcast spotlighting both emerging and established artists. She later founded The Hype 87.3, a radio station centered on up-and-coming musicians, and partnered with Bigga Rankin to open Creative Media Zone, now home base for her projects. A second station, Spinz 92.9, followed, continuing her focus on independent artists. Malec credits her success to the people around her, especially Kingpin and Bigga Rankin, who she says took her under their wing early on while teaching her to stand on her own. She also points to her father and her son as her biggest supporters. These days, she's focused on launching new artist opportunities through her platforms and continuing her interview schedule every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. She's also gearing up for a run of appearances and projects, including the 13-year anniversary celebration for Carolina Coalition DJs in Columbia, South Carolina, providing official media coverage for the Atlanta Turkey Classic as she has for several years, and putting together a new event in Chattanooga. For Malec, the work comes down to passion. "It's so much bigger than me," she says, adding that she remains grateful to everyone who has supported her business over the years.
Sep 22, 2026
From Freaknik Anthems to Movie Screens: The Long Run of Phalando "Mr. Flamboyant" Lawson
Long before Atlanta's music scene became a global export, Phalando "Mr. Flamboyant" Lawson was already in the mix, helping shape the sound of the city's party culture from the inside. Today he's the CEO of Jlawsonmusicgroup, but his story starts back in 1998, when he ran with a South Side click doing the group thing before launching his own label, then called Faceoff Records. That early chapter produced something Lawson still points to as a defining moment: a Freaknik theme song that landed in heavy rotation on Atlanta radio and in the city's clubs. For anyone who came up during that era, Freaknik was a cultural touchstone, and having a record embedded in that moment gave Lawson's label its first real foothold in the industry. More than two decades later, he's still building. Under Jlawsonmusicgroup, Lawson is currently working on new music with Lady Queet, Ebony Camille, and Jackson Langford, alongside multi-platinum producer and artist Johnboy, known for "The Wobble." He's also touring and putting together additional shows in partnership with Di Jelly, part owner of Oomp Records -- a collaboration that keeps him connected to Atlanta's deep bench of label veterans and event promoters. Lawson, an Atlanta native, credits his faith and his family as his biggest inspirations, grounding a career that's spanned music, business, and even film -- he notes he can also be spotted in a few movies. Asked what he wants people to take from his work, Lawson keeps it simple: he wants his contributions to Atlanta entertainment remembered. It's a body of work built quietly over 25-plus years, from a Freaknik-era hit to present-day collaborations and live shows, and Lawson is still adding to it. Readers can find more on his background at jlawsonmusicgroup.com.
Sep 19, 2026
Sunil Osman: A Jack of All Trades, Master of Many
Sunil Osman has never fit into one lane, and he doesn't try to. The South African-born Reiki Master, radio presenter, MC, actor, and author counts himself among those who found purpose almost by accident — and then kept following it. His path started young, with school plays in Cape Town. Even after pursuing a traditional academic path and holding down a conventional job, he says the universe kept steering him back toward the stage, the mic, and the healing arts. Rather than resist it, he leaned in, building a career that spans public and corporate entertainment work as an MC, actor, presenter, comedian, voice artist, and auctioneer. What ties it all together, he says, is a devotion to being fully present — whether he's on air, in front of a camera, or guiding someone through an individual or group Reiki session. That sense of presence, paired with what he describes as a love for the gift of life, is the throughline in everything he does, from performance to healing work. These days, Osman keeps a packed schedule. He hosts a radio show Monday through Friday on roguesonradio.com, which reaches listeners worldwide, while also taking on MC bookings and pushing forward with his acting career. A current priority is getting more visibility for his two published books, adding author to an already wide-ranging résumé that also includes work as a motivational speaker and speaking coach for others hoping to break into entertainment. His message to audiences is simple and personal: don't give up on your dreams, find what you're passionate about, and feed it — because time lost chasing anything less isn't coming back. For Osman, that philosophy isn't just something he preaches; it's the reason his career looks the way it does, stretched across stages, studios, and healing rooms alike.
Sep 19, 2026
Ian on Turning Trial and Error Into Purpose
Ian, originally from Tyler, Texas, describes himself simply as a business owner — but his path there wasn't a straight line. By his own account, trial and error has been his greatest teacher, shaping the way he approaches both his work and his goals. "I want this to be different but have the same concept," he says of his vision, hinting at an ambition to put his own spin on familiar ideas rather than reinvent from scratch. For Ian, the "why" behind the work is personal. He says he felt destined to do this, and that drive has been paired with a deeper motivation: giving back. When asked about his biggest inspiration, he points not to a mentor or public figure, but to the idea of success itself — specifically, success that allows him to provide for the people closest to him, his family and friends. That same personal, introspective thread runs through his current project. Ian is working on an EP titled "Misunderstood," which he describes as a reflection of the emotional challenges and obstacles he's faced. It's a notable departure from a straightforward business venture, showing a creative, expressive side to his ambitions — one where the goal isn't just output, but honesty. Asked what he wants people to take away from his work, Ian doesn't point to numbers or milestones. Instead, he wants people to connect with his feelings, and to walk away "more awake and aware." It's a modest but pointed goal: less about spectacle, more about resonance. Details on Ian's business ventures and the release timeline for "Misunderstood" remain to be seen, but his framing of the work — rooted in perseverance, family, and emotional honesty — offers a clear look at what drives him. For Ian, it seems, the throughline isn't any single project, but the intention behind all of them.
Sep 19, 2026
DiamondXhayee: Building Her Own Lane in Atlanta Entertainment
Riverdale native DiamondXhayee has spent years working both in front of and behind the scenes in entertainment, and along the way she's carved out a role that doesn't fit into just one job title. Known professionally as a talent manager, A&R, casting agent, talent scout, creative director, and industry connector, she describes her path as one built on learning the business from every angle available to her. Her start came through hands-on experience — working directly with artists, creatives, models, and businesses while figuring out where she fit in the larger picture. Over time, she realized her strength wasn't just networking, but creating opportunities: putting people in rooms, developing ideas, organizing events, casting talent, and helping others turn a vision into something tangible. That realization pushed her from behind-the-scenes work into building her own name and platform. DiamondXhayee cites entrepreneurs, executives, and behind-the-scenes power players as her inspiration, specifically naming Deb Antney as someone whose relationship-building and talent development left an impression on her. But she says much of her motivation comes from the people she works with day to day — artists, creatives, and independent business owners pushing to build something of their own. These days, she's focused on expanding her four businesses, with an emphasis on strengthening marketing and extending her reach into new cities and states. Her entrepreneurial work has also produced platforms like DiamondSlayageX and DiamondCollectiveX, spaces designed to give artists, models, and entertainment professionals room to connect and grow. Her message to others chasing similar goals is straightforward: keep working, keep learning, keep building relationships, even when progress feels slow. As she puts it, success doesn't happen overnight — but the connections and lessons picked up along the way can eventually change everything.
Sep 19, 2026
Cheerrio Is Building an Empire, One Casting Call at a Time
Cheerrio didn't set out to run a modeling agency. The Chicago native moved to Atlanta chasing a career in the rap industry, and it was through networking in those circles that someone suggested she start her own team of models, noting how many young women in Atlanta already looked up to her. That conversation turned into The Elite Models Inc., the agency she now leads. Since then, her lane has widened considerably. Cheerrio works as a celebrity casting director and executive producer for the BET Fashion Show 2026, alongside modeling and acting work of her own. She's also stepped into real estate as a broker and investor, rounding out a resume that spans entertainment and business. These days, she's juggling several projects at once. She's developing a reality show, The Elites Reality, and managing two rising talents -- artist Boonie the Barbarian and actor Chris McMiller. She says she's also continually involved in casting work with MTV and Paramount through The Elite Models. It's a lot of moving pieces, but she describes the run since her early networking days in Atlanta as "an amazing journey." Cheerrio credits her faith and family as the foundation for all of it, saying she sees her work as something she was called to do, and that she keeps going for the people who look up to her. Her advice to others chasing similar paths: stay grounded, keep evaluating who's in your circle, and stay consistent with what you want. Looking ahead, she's focused on assembling a network of investors and sponsors to back both her real estate ventures and The Elites Reality, with an eye toward supporting other entrepreneurs and talent along the way. She can be found online at @ceocheerrio, @theelitesreality, and @theelitemodelsinc.
Sep 19, 2026
From Means Street Intern to Studio Manager: Georgette Young's Atlanta Music Journey
Georgette Young didn't grow up in Atlanta, and she didn't ease into the music industry either. Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, she moved to the city and landed an internship at Means Street Studios, stepping into a world that was unfamiliar in more ways than one. She was new to the studio system and new to Atlanta itself, surrounded by people who seemed to already know how everything worked. She adapted quickly, and credits that experience with shaping her work ethic. At Means Street, nothing was handed over — opportunities had to be noticed and claimed before someone else took them. Young says it wasn't about competing with the other interns so much as matching their hunger. During that stretch, she was also balancing motherhood and a full-time 9-to-5 alongside her internship, showing up every day regardless. That persistence carried her to her current role as Studio Manager at Human Re Sources, the music distribution and label services company founded by J. Erving. In that position, she's currently working with multi-platinum producer Chinoo.xo, whose latest release, "No Jewelry" with Belly Gang Kushington, is part of a steady stream of new music he's putting out. She's also working closely with independent artist Blair, who has new music on the way. Young's connection to music runs deeper than her job title. She points to her children and her late brother, who passed away in 2016, as her biggest inspirations. Music was something she and her brother bonded over growing up, trading opinions on new releases in a household where, as she describes it, Jamaican culture made music impossible to avoid. Above all, Young wants her career to serve as an example for other mothers — proof, in her words, that motherhood and ambition don't have to be separate stories, and that the vision doesn't have to disappear, just adjust to include your children along the way.
Sep 17, 2026
Julian Clove Is Drawing Atlanta's Story, One Frame at a Time
For Julian Clove, animation isn't a career he stumbled into—it's one he says he was born into. What started as drawing on walls as a kid evolved into sketches on paper, then digital tablet work, and eventually full animation. That throughline eventually led him to the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he studied animation, film, storytelling, and fine arts, sharpening what he describes as a multidisciplinary approach to visual storytelling. Clove, who uses he/him pronouns, grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and now calls Atlanta home base for his work as a 2D animator and cartoonist. His influences trace directly back to a childhood steeped in animation's golden eras—90s and 2000s cartoons from Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Fox, alongside anime and comics. He identifies as a self-described "blerd," and that mix of pop culture, comics, sci-fi, and comedy shows up in the character-driven, humor-laced work he makes today. Beyond nostalgia, Clove's art carries a personal thread. His bio notes that his work reflects his experiences as a Black artist in Atlanta, celebrating the communities and creative culture that shaped him along the way. These days, Clove keeps busy across formats—humorous shorts, user-generated content, and brand collaborations all factor into his regular output. His bigger projects, though, are still taking shape behind the scenes: a comic series and a TV show, both set in Atlanta, with details still under wraps. At the core of it all, Clove says he just wants his work to spark creativity in others. He hopes people walk away from his art inspired to pick up a pencil themselves—to animate, draw, or build a story of their own. And if it makes someone laugh along the way, he considers that a win too. Keep an eye out for more from Clove as his Atlanta-based comic and TV projects come into focus.
Sep 17, 2026
Carita Miller: The Ear Behind the Story
Carita Miller has been around cameras and studios for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Detroit, she danced on a local television show as a kid, an early break that led to TV and radio commercial work. Watching her mother, Montez Miller, produce at BET showed her what a life behind the scenes in entertainment could look like, and that image stuck with her long before she found her own lane in the industry. That path took shape through an internship at WJLB and a stint at Arista Records, where she got a firsthand look at the machinery of the music business. She even had the chance to introduce H-Town for their first national TV appearance on BET. Over time, Miller says she realized her real strength wasn't performing, but recognizing talent and connecting people to opportunity — an instinct that eventually pulled her into artist management and music supervision. Today, she goes by "The Lady With The Golden Ear," running a boutique music supervision company under that name alongside CM2 Entertainment, her artist management and event production venture. On the artist side, she's currently working with Asaka the Renegade, who has new music and videos coming featuring T-Pain, Ari B, who just dropped a single produced by Frantz P. LeBlanc, and Sam Watson, who has new material on the way following his release "Soft Girl Era." She also just wrapped her first music-supervised series, headed to Tubi, and is coordinating on a film alongside mentor Andy Ross. Miller is building out her booking roster and forming relationships with talent buyers globally, all while preparing to begin a master's program in Music Supervision at Berklee Online — following her bachelor's from the school, which she's pursuing at 50, alongside raising her children. For Miller, the goal isn't just credits or placements. As she puts it, when she gets in the room, she wants to make sure someone else gets in too.
Sep 17, 2026
From '90s Sketch Comedy to Bi-Coastal Powerhouse: The Many Chapters of Angelique Bates
Angelique Bates has spent nearly three decades building a career that refuses to be defined by any single role. A Los Angeles native of Haitian and Bahamian descent, she first became widely known as an original cast member of Nickelodeon's "All That," working alongside Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson and Lori Beth Denberg on one of the network's most influential comedy shows. That early start in entertainment set the tone for a career built on reinvention. Since then, Bates has expanded into acting, stand-up comedy, producing, music and public relations. Now splitting her time between Los Angeles and South Metro Atlanta, she is co-founder of Melting Pot Management & Public Relations, where she works with talent, brands and entertainment projects spanning music, television, film and live events. Her PR work has touched artists and creatives including Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, actor and recording artist Chaz Shepherd, recording artist Wildlyfe 1Hunnud and beauty influencer Tonya Renee Meisenbach, among others. She credits her years as talent herself with giving her a rare perspective on both sides of the industry. Bates remains an active performer, continuing to act and do stand-up while producing her annual birthday benefit comedy and music show in Los Angeles, All That & A Bag of Jokes, this year headlined by comedian Alex Thomas and hosted by T. Barbs. On the music side, she's working on an album with Kevontay Jackson of 3rd Storee and Everybody Hates Chris, building on their single "Complicated," alongside a holiday track, "Jolly Holiday," with LaTangela Newsome and JAHSOUL. Bates says her biggest inspiration comes from her children and from people who keep moving forward despite adversity. As a mental health advocate, she speaks openly about her experiences as a former child performer and the realities young talent can face. Her message for others: one chapter doesn't define an entire career, and there's no such thing as the "right time" to use your gifts.
Sep 16, 2026
From Killing His First Fish to Building Aquatic Wonders: James Scott Jr's Atlanta Story
James Scott Jr grew up watching his father keep aquariums throughout the house, and it was his dad who bought him his first tank. That early attempt didn't go well — he lost every fish in it — but instead of giving up, he started researching and asking questions until he figured it out. That persistence became the foundation for what he now runs full-time: Aquatic Wonders, an Atlanta-based aquarium and pond maintenance business. The business took shape almost by accident. During the pandemic, more people were home and suddenly interested in aquariums, and Scott found himself fielding a wave of same-day service calls while still working a full-time job. Watching potential income slip away while feeling undervalued at work pushed him to make a change. As he describes it, sometimes you have to get uncomfortable before you can get comfortable — and that discomfort opened the door to running Aquatic Wonders, which he says has kept growing since he committed to it full time. For Scott, the biggest reward isn't a milestone or accolade — it's freedom. Owning his business means he doesn't have to ask permission for time off or miss things like his child's graduation. He calls that freedom his greatest accomplishment. Today, Aquatic Wonders offers services ranging from installation and routine maintenance to emergency calls, lighting, transport, and saltwater and freshwater system upgrades. Scott says he treats clients like family and tries to bring the same hands-on care his father modeled for him growing up. Looking ahead, he's focused on expanding the brand and bringing on additional aquatic experts to help handle the growing workload. His outlook is straightforward: keep showing up, keep promoting your work even when support feels scarce, and always aim to be a little better than you were yesterday. For Scott, that mindset — more than any single achievement — is what's kept Aquatic Wonders growing year after year.
Sep 16, 2026
Judi Jai Brings Reality TV Fame Home to Atlanta
Atlanta native Judi Jai has built a public profile through reality television, best known to audiences for her appearances on "Bad Girls Club" and "Baddies." For viewers who followed either series, her name and presence are likely familiar — the kind of recognition that comes from stepping into unscripted TV and holding her own in front of the camera. Beyond the shows, Jai has been working on building out her own brand. She recently launched a new merchandise line, available through her online shop, giving fans a way to support her directly and take home something tied to her name. The release comes with a cause attached. Jai has said that a portion of the proceeds from merch sales will go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an organization focused on child protection work. Tying the launch to that cause gives the project a purpose beyond promotion, something she's been vocal about wanting people to know as they consider a purchase. Jai has also been open on social media about personal friction with a former castmate, Sidney Starr, addressing it publicly rather than staying quiet about it. It's the kind of candidness that reality TV fans have come to expect from the genre — conflicts play out in real time, in comments and posts as much as on screen. For now, Jai's focus is on her merchandise launch and connecting with her audience through it. She's active on Instagram, where she keeps followers updated under her own handle as well as through Vixen LLC. As with much of her career so far, the invitation to fans is straightforward: show support, stay tuned, and keep up with what she's building next out of Atlanta.
Sep 16, 2026
From Sound Design to Sustainable Sound: Kacie Luaders' Podcast Pivot
Kacie Luaders has always loved audio. Long before she ran her own company, she was working in music and live theatre sound design, shaping how stories reached an audience through what people heard rather than what they saw. That love of sound eventually found a new outlet when the pandemic upended live performance work and pushed her toward podcasting. That pivot became Could Be Pretty Cool, an audio-first media company, and Pretty Cool Data, its companion research platform. Together, the two operate as a hub for podcast production, data insights, and educational programming aimed at helping creators build something lasting out of their work. For Luaders, the shift from theatre to podcasting wasn't just a change in medium -- it was the start of a business built around helping other creators do the same. What drives her, she says, is the idea that indie creators can become real business owners, finding sustainable ways to thrive doing what they love. That belief shows up most clearly in her current project, the Pretty Cool Creator Collective, a virtual program teaching creators and business owners how to produce podcasts for thought leadership and education. Rather than just teaching people to hit record, the program is built around using audio strategically -- as a tool for building authority and connecting with an audience. Community sits at the center of how Luaders talks about her work. She wants people who engage with Could Be Pretty Cool and the Creator Collective to walk away understanding that growth as a creator doesn't happen in isolation -- and that there's room in the industry for more than just a few success stories. Her own path, from theatre sound booths to running an audio media company, is offered as proof that the opportunities are out there for anyone willing to build toward them. As Pretty Cool Data continues developing its research side alongside the Collective's educational programming, Luaders is positioning her company as both a service and a resource for Atlanta's growing creator economy.
Sep 16, 2026
Diana Schweinbeck Is Building Careers—and Community—One Connection at a Time
Long before she had a business card, Diana Schweinbeck was the girl with the Sharpie-decorated burned CDs, always somehow ending up backstage or in the middle of the action at shows. She just didn't know yet that those small moments were pointing her toward a career in music. That path came into focus at Georgia State University, where Schweinbeck studied Business Management while immersed in downtown Atlanta's music scene. The mix of formal business training and genuine friendships with artists, producers, DJs, and engineers gave her an idea: combine the two. That led her to found Schweinbeck LLC, where she began managing artists, curating events, and learning as she went. Today, Schweinbeck is Senior Director of Artist & Label Services at Cinq Music, where she leads a department focused on supporting artists and label partners from onboarding through release strategy and marketing. She continues to manage a roster of artists including Squalla, Sy Ari Da Kid, Damar Jackson, and Paxquiao, working alongside them on releases and long-term career planning. Her most personal project, though, is the return of the Schweinbeck Industry Mixer. She first launched the event in Atlanta back in 2012 as a way to bring music professionals together to build real relationships. After a hiatus, the mixer is relaunching on January 14, 2027, at Vinyl at Center Stage in Atlanta. Schweinbeck says her drive comes from watching people build something out of nothing—independent thinkers who create their own opportunities rather than waiting for them. That philosophy shapes how she approaches her own work: less about chasing a single blueprint, more about building genuine relationships that last. Ultimately, she measures success simply. If someone can say she helped them reach the next level, or connected them to an opportunity they wouldn't have found otherwise, she considers the work done.
Sep 16, 2026
Seven Years In, Chris Thorkilsen Continues to Bridge Sports, Music and Culture For The Hawks
Chris Thorkilsen grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut, but he didn't grow up around professional sports -- he grew up around entertainment, watching his parents build careers in the industry, including stints at People Magazine. Now he's applying that same instinct to how the Atlanta Hawks connect with culture. The professional version of that instinct started in 2018, the spring he graduated from Quinnipiac University. His first stop was Octagon, where he worked as a trainee on the BMW of North America account, learning experiential marketing from the ground floor. That work carried him to Atlanta, where he joined the Hawks as a trainee on the Global Partnerships team -- and never left. Seven years later, Thorkilsen is Senior Manager of Entertainment Industry Relations, a title he built rather than inherited, climbing through the organization's Marketing Department into a specialty in influencer marketing. The job: shaping how one of the NBA's most culturally connected franchises talks to artists, content creators, and celebrities -- and what it asks of them in return. He's candid about the odds he faced leaving home for a career in professional sports. It once felt like a long shot. His advice to anyone weighing a similar leap runs about three words long: go for it. Season eight begins with the same assignment, scaled up -- new collaborations with creators and celebrities, more reach, more of the culturally driven work that's become his signature.
Sep 16, 2026
Behind the Vision: Charlene “Tmacc” Flowers Builds Atlanta’s Next Wave From the Wings
Charlene “Tmacc” Flowers, raised in Cobb County, has built a career on a simple realization: talent alone rarely carries an idea to where it needs to go. Somebody has to package it, position it, build the right relationships, and put it in front of the right people. That instinct is what eventually pulled her into PR, media, production, and artist development. Flowers describes her path as something that started naturally before she took it seriously. Over time, she found her strength wasn’t necessarily standing in the spotlight, but seeing the bigger picture — connecting people, resources, and opportunities that don’t always look related at first glance. That perspective now shapes her work across several lanes at once. She continues to contribute to media and production projects with Ray Daniels Enterprises, helping shape conversations around culture as they happen in real time. A major focus of her work right now is Atlanta artist Deadfaxe, where she’s involved in more than the music — helping build out his branding, visuals, creative direction, and overall rollout, while working to protect the vulnerability and real-life experience that run through his songwriting. Alongside that, she’s developing Tmacc as her own name and voice in entertainment and media. Flowers points to Alexis “Big Lex” Jeneé and Ebonie “Ebdaboss” Ward as major influences on how she views leadership — strategic, intentional, and unafraid to be visible while doing the behind-the-scenes work. She also credits Deadfaxe, A&R Mike Daniels, and Ray Daniels as key figures who’ve shaped her growth, from trust and creative challenge to confidence and finding her own voice. At the center of her philosophy is access: when it comes her way, she wants to use it to open doors for others, not just herself. She’s comfortable working behind the scenes, but she’s also learning, as she puts it, when it’s time to step forward and be known for what she’s helped build.
Sep 15, 2026
Atlanta's Dukane Signs with Andrea's Talent Management
Atlanta native Dukane is stepping further into the entertainment spotlight after his appearance on The Zeus Network's "Bad Boys," and he's now teaming up with Andrea's Talent Management, a talent agency representing talent and brands, to help guide his next moves. Known to viewers for a commanding, confident presence, Dukane has built a name for himself in the reality television space through that appearance, which has introduced him to a growing audience and put him on the radar as a recognizable face in the genre. For Dukane, television has been just one piece of a broader identity that also includes work as an artist and actor. With the new agency partnership in place, Dukane says the goal is to lean into structure and strategy as he expands what he's building. That means positioning himself for brand campaigns, sponsored content, ambassadorships, event appearances, media opportunities, and other collaborations across the entertainment and business world. Joining Andrea's Talent Management, he explains, is about having a team in his corner to help turn visibility into lasting opportunity. It's a familiar next step for reality personalities looking to broaden their reach beyond a single show, and for Dukane, the timing lines up with a moment where his profile is on the rise. As he and his team frame it, the appearance on "Bad Boys" was an introduction -- what comes next is where the real work begins. For now, Dukane is focused on staying open to new partnerships, whether that's with brands, promoters, media outlets, or event organizers looking for a personality who can bring energy to a room or a campaign. Atlanta has plenty of homegrown reality names carving out lanes in entertainment, and Dukane's team is positioning him to be part of that conversation as his career continues to take shape. Those interested in connecting with Dukane can find him on Instagram at @IamDukane.
Sep 15, 2026
From Bulgaria to the Red Carpet: The Journey of Journalist Nikoleta Morales
Though she's not an Atlanta native, Nikoleta Morales's story is one many in this city of transplants and dreamers will recognize: an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. alone at 15 from Bulgaria and built a career from the ground up. Now based in Chicago, Morales has spent over a decade carving out a place in entertainment journalism, one interview at a time. Her path started in 2012, when she took the role of Managing Editor at a local newspaper called Extra. It was there that she landed her first celebrity interview, with musician Draco Rosa, and found the beat that would define her career. From that point on, she leaned fully into entertainment journalism, eventually covering major events like the Oscars and writing for a range of outlets in the U.S. and abroad, including Cultured Focus Magazine, BG Voice, the Daily Herald, Lawndale News, and Noseweek in South Africa. Over the years, her interview subjects have spanned musicians, actors, athletes, and public figures. Morales also runs her own entertainment blog and continues to build her freelance portfolio, describing her current focus as seeking out new freelance writing opportunities. She's also in the process of finishing a memoir she started back in 2020, a project that promises to dig deeper into the personal journey behind her byline. Ask her what keeps her going, and she doesn't point to red carpets or bylines. It's her daughter, whom she calls her biggest source of daily motivation and encouragement, and someone she credits with fueling her love of being a mom alongside her work. If there's a single message Morales hopes readers take from her story, it's persistence: to hold onto faith and keep going no matter the obstacles. It's a philosophy that traces back to a 15-year-old who came to America alone and built a career from scratch.
Sep 14, 2026
Zay Money: From Pushing Lawnmowers to Pushing Records in Decatur
Before he was known as Zay Money, he was a teenager in Decatur managing an artist at just 16, still figuring out how the music business worked. His path took a detour through military school, but when he came home, opportunity found him in an unexpected way — an older figure in the promotions world spotted him pushing a lawnmower and decided to give him a shot. That chance encounter became the foundation of a career. Today, Zay Money works as a marketing executive and manager, handling everything from head of marketing duties to promotions and DJ spins. He describes himself simply as "basically the streets A&R," a title that reflects his hands-on, boots-on-the-ground approach to breaking music in Atlanta and beyond. His current focus is the rollout for Hoodrich Pablo Juan's new album, "BLO PRINT," where he's applying the same street-level strategy that's defined his career. For Zay Money, that strategy isn't complicated — it's about consistency and reach. "As long as people have eyes and a brain, street marketing will always and forever work," he says, adding that success in his world comes down to a simple philosophy: you have to talk to everybody to be somebody. Zay Money credits his mother, his brother, and loved ones he's lost as his biggest inspirations, grounding his work in personal motivation rather than industry hype. When it comes to his own bio, he keeps it short: "I work. That's it. Work speaks for itself." As he continues building out promotional campaigns and album rollouts across the city, Zay Money — known online as ZayMoneyAtl — is positioning himself as one of the connective threads in Atlanta's street marketing scene, the kind of behind-the-scenes figure who helps turn music into movement.
Sep 14, 2026
RockLan One Is Building an Independent Industry From the Ground Up
Rock, known professionally as RockLan One, has spent his career trying to fill in the gaps he saw in independent music. Based in Atlanta, he works across music marketing, A&R, media publishing, radio programming, event production, and artist development — a wide-ranging résumé that, as he tells it, grew out of one simple observation: plenty of talented artists had the music but not the resources, relationships, or platforms to move it forward. Rather than wait for someone else to solve that problem, he started building solutions himself. What began as helping individual artists with promotion and strategy expanded over time into marketing, radio, media, distribution, and live events. Each new piece, he says, came from identifying a real need and building something to meet it — eventually growing into what he now calls an independent ecosystem, meant to give artists and creatives access to multiple resources under one foundation. That ecosystem now includes RockLan One Marketing Agency, RL1 Radio, RockLan One Magazine, Priority Playlist, and RockLan One Music Group, alongside a range of live events and industry partnerships. His inspiration, he says, comes from people who didn't wait for permission from the industry to build their own platforms and open doors for others — a mindset he tries to carry into his own work. Currently, Rock is developing new Priority Playlist Soundstage editions, artist-development projects, magazine features, radio programming, and additional live events and partnerships, while continuing to expand the artist-development side of RockLan One — helping artists with branding, marketing, press, touring, and long-term career planning. At the center of it all is a philosophy he sums up as "The Foundation Of The New Industry." Rock hopes people take away that independent doesn't have to mean small, and that building with ownership, consistency, and purpose can create a path that doesn't depend on traditional industry validation. As he puts it, he's aiming to leave behind something other artists and creatives can keep building from.
Sep 13, 2026
Joydan D’nay Is Building Atlanta’s Next PR Powerhouse, One Client at a Time
Joydan D’nay didn’t set out to become a publicist. The Atlanta-based entertainment PR professional, originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University planning to focus on production as part of her Mass Communication degree. It wasn’t until she took her first public relations course that things shifted. PR, she realized, pulled together everything she already loved — communication, creativity, storytelling, networking, and branding — into one career path. After graduating, she started small, working directly with independent artists to help them build their brands, land interviews, and connect with media outlets. That hands-on work grew steadily, and in 2018 she turned it into a formal business, launching her own PR company. That venture has since evolved into Premier Quality Agency, through which she’s worked on press runs, red carpets, media campaigns, talent production, brand partnerships, and artist rollouts across the entertainment industry. Family sits at the center of her motivation. Joydan points to her daughter and family as her biggest inspiration, describing a drive to build something bigger than herself — financial freedom, opportunity, and legacy that extends beyond her own career. Right now, she’s balancing several moving pieces: onboarding a new client whose branding and rollout she’s developing behind the scenes, preparing for red carpet events this October, and working on a rebrand of her own company to reflect how far she’s come professionally. For Joydan, the work goes beyond securing a placement or an interview. She describes her approach to PR as helping people see the bigger picture of their brand, with an emphasis on intention and quality over quick wins. She wants her name to carry that reputation — that when people hear "Joydan D’nay," they know the job will get done, and done right. As she moves into this next chapter, her focus remains steady: new clients, new opportunities, and continued growth for the brand she’s spent years building from the ground up.
Sep 11, 2026
Huntsville Reality Star Fuels RHOA Casting Rumors After Atlanta Pride Sighting
Reality TV fans are buzzing over whether a new face could be joining "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast for season 19. Melody Shari, known for nine seasons on "Love & Marriage: Huntsville" before departing the show in January 2025, was spotted filming alongside RHOA cast members during Atlanta's Black Pride weekend. Video circulated online on Sept. 8 showing Shari on stage and dancing at the event while RHOA cameras rolled nearby. Bravo has not confirmed any official casting news, but Shari's background has fans speculating she could be a strong fit for the franchise. She's the founder and CEO of Seventh Avenue Beauty, a vegan skincare and haircare company, and has built a following through TikTok livestream sales. She's also a part-owner of production company Nubian TV and has a history in real estate and property preservation. Adding to the intrigue is her family connection to RHOA veteran Drew Sidora — the two are cousins and are reportedly collaborating on a beauty line called the "Still Standing Collection." Whether this was simply a festival cameo or a sign of bigger things remains to be seen, but fans are watching closely for any official word from Bravo.
Sep 11, 2026
Marquies Brown: Building Careers, Not Just Playlists
Marquies Brown didn't set out to become an A&R and talent manager — he started as a background dancer in Chicago back in 2010. But the studio sessions kept pulling him in. Invited to sit in on recordings, he found himself offering creative input on sound, image, and rollout strategy, and realized his real gift was in shaping artists' careers rather than performing alongside them. That path deepened when he began working with Redds Angelz under mentor Mike Henderson, a relationship he credits as a turning point that pushed him into creative direction work alongside established artists. In 2023, Brown relocated to Atlanta, a city he says is "surrounded by great music," and had to build his name from scratch. An early opportunity working with Armon Warren and choreographer Artrell helped him establish footing in the city's scene. That work eventually connected him with Yori, who became both a business partner and, in his words, a brother. Together they founded A&R Collective, a platform focused on discovering artists and giving them real direction. Brown has since also stepped into A&R work with Jacquees' label, FYB Records. Brown traces his drive back to his grandmother, who raised him around church music and a family that loved to dance, and who told him as a kid that whatever he wanted in life, he could make happen. She has since passed, and he says everything he does now is in her memory. These days, Brown manages R&B duo Bluff City, who have toured twice this year and are working with producer iRocksays on an EP due out in December. He's also preparing A&R Collective's second annual R&B Night Live, a platform for emerging artists, this December. For Brown, the goal isn't just placements or hits — it's opening doors the way they were once opened for him.
Sep 11, 2026
Juddie Jay Is Building Opportunity, One Venture at a Time
Juddie Jay, a Lithonia native, has built a career around a simple belief: he could create opportunities not just for himself, but for others around him. That mindset eventually led him to found Cadence Entertainment, a management and PR company aimed at giving artists and creatives in the entertainment industry a real shot at impact. For Juddie Jay, the move into entertainment wasn't random. He describes always having a natural drive to make things happen, and he wanted to channel that into something that could benefit the broader culture rather than just himself. Cadence Entertainment became the vehicle for that vision, positioning him as a connector and advocate within the industry. Today, his work extends beyond Cadence. He also serves as CEO of OL Logistics, and he's currently in the process of building out a real estate portfolio while finalizing new partnerships in the music and film space. It's a multi-lane approach that reflects how he sees business: not confined to one industry, but built across several that reinforce each other. Ask him what drives all of it, and the answer isn't a business goal — it's his daughter. Juddie Jay says she has become his biggest inspiration, giving new purpose to the ambition he says he's always carried. As for what he wants people to take from his work, he keeps it straightforward: consistency. He wants each project under his name to reflect hard work and dedication, with growth serving as the throughline connecting everything he builds, whether that's an artist's career, a property, or a new partnership. With ventures spanning entertainment, logistics, and real estate, Juddie Jay's next chapter looks to be less about any single deal and more about the larger portfolio he's steadily piecing together — one rooted, he says, in growth as a constant.
Sep 10, 2026
Darren "Billy Bad Axx" Foster: Building Platforms for Others' Dreams
Darren Foster has lived a lot of lives across a lot of cities — born in New York, eight years in Los Angeles, and now two decades deep in Atlanta, the city he calls home today. Known widely as Billy Bad Axx, he's the president and founder of the Trap Music Awards and the publisher and writer behind the Official Goat Book, a hip hop encyclopedia. His path started small — literally. Foster got his start throwing parties in New York and New Jersey before scaling up to major events, including work with New York's Kids Radio alongside Wendy Williams and her husband at the time. Before he was known for trap music, though, Foster built his name in fashion, launching the Billy Bad Axx apparel label and founding Urban Fashion Week, which he toured through New York, Miami, D.C., Atlanta, Charlotte, and eventually Paris. As he's put it, most people move from music into fashion — he did it in reverse, and now does both. That crossover instinct carried into music business ventures like BBA Entertainment/BBA Management, an independent label launched in 2013 with major-label distribution, and the Started From The Bottom Tour. The throughline in all of it, Foster says, is the Trap Music Awards — his platform for recognizing artists, producers, writers, and video directors shaping trap music, which he also hosts alongside the affiliated Trap Awards Radio & Podcast Show. Right now, Foster is focused on expansion: Trap Music Awards stops are set for Houston on October 3 and Dallas on October 4, with New York and other cities in the works before year's end. For Foster, the mission isn't really about his own spotlight. "Through my dreams, other people's dreams can come true," he says, encouraging patience over rushing toward a glimmer of success. And despite the executive titles, he wants people to know there's more to him than the industry — he's a father of five first.
Sep 10, 2026
From the National Guard to the Boardroom: Dominique "Big Dom" Robinson's Blueprint for Music's Backend
Dominique "Big Dom" Robinson didn't start out in the music business — he started out in the U.S. Army Georgia National Guard. That experience, he says, instilled the operational discipline and structure he now brings to entertainment. From there, he pursued an A.S. in Small Group Management from Purdue University and a B.S. in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, translating that military precision into music administration, A&R development, and backend infrastructure. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Robinson is now based in Atlanta, where he serves as Head of Operations & Music at Ray Daniels Enterprises and is currently serving as Executive Assistant to both Ray Daniels and Alexis Jenee. In that role, he helps expand operations for both the company and RAYDAR University, managing producers and songwriting talent, including his own group, Tha SupaNaturalZ, which he formed alongside Sterling Hitz, Von Jovii, and DVBO. He's also Founder & CEO of his own company, Defynition of Success Entertainment. A recent highlight of his work came with "Clap For Yourself," a single by AJ McQueen and Ace Hood produced by Tha SupaNaturalZ. Robinson served as A&R on the project, working alongside Chasity Cox and Assata Salim, and assisted AJ McQueen's God Body Energy team with music administration for the release. Beyond his executive work, Robinson teaches educational modules on music administration through RAYDAR University and speaks on industry panels about execution, team building, and business operations — areas he considers just as vital to an artist's career as the music itself. For Robinson, the throughline in all of it is family, which he calls his driving inspiration, and a belief that creative talent alone doesn't sustain a career. As he puts it, longevity in music comes down to "backend integrity, ownership, and operational excellence" — protecting the business behind the art so the art can last.
Sep 10, 2026
From Dothan to ATL: Doriynn Morris Is Writing Her Own Lane
Doriynn Morris, known also as Dorii Elise, didn't grow up in Atlanta, but the city has become the place where her imagination found its outlet. Raised in Dothan, Alabama, she spent her childhood making up stories in her room, drawn early to being in front of a camera. That pull led her first into modeling, with photoshoots starting around ages 18 to 20, before she made the move to Atlanta in 2020. Her early years in the city were spent working in content creation and appearing in music videos for celebrities. But over time, she found herself wanting something that felt more personal. That search led her into comedy skits, then further into acting, writing, and filmmaking. Along the way, her ambitions shifted from simply appearing on screen to shaping the stories themselves. Her credits now include projects such as "Desire: Submission," "Toxic Lust," and "For My Man." Morris points to her mother as a central inspiration, crediting her for encouraging her writing long before it became something she could build a career around. She also names Keenen Ivory Wayans as an influence, pointing to how he brought his family into the entertainment industry together. Beyond that, she says she draws creative fuel from her own life and the people around her, turning everyday moments and personalities into material. Right now, Morris is focused on writing a 10-episode series she plans to pitch to streaming platforms, a project that reflects her push toward telling longer, more layered stories on her own terms. Across acting, writing, and content creation, she says the goal stays the same: to make work that feels authentic, that people can see themselves in, and that leaves them feeling entertained and encouraged to be themselves.
Sep 10, 2026
Zona Simz: The Multi-Hyphenate Powering Atlanta's Studios and Video Sets
Zona Simz didn't set out to become a one-man creative machine. Back in 2004, he was just a kid rapping and making beats on Fruity Loops for himself. That early tinkering laid the groundwork for a career that now spans production, videography, songwriting, vocal coaching, and video editing. The turning point came in 2015, when he relocated to Atlanta and linked up with DJ Aaries and the DJ Coalition HoodHardHitmakers. Through those connections, he began producing for artists connected to Jermaine Dupri's "The Rap Game," including Supa Peach and Nia Kay, while also picking up work shooting music videos. He credits his older brother E'mono with first inspiring him to pursue music, but says it was hearing rapper Twista that made him take the craft seriously. These days, Zona Simz stays busy on multiple fronts. He's partnered with Major 88 Keys, filming writers camps and collaborating on beats aimed at major placement opportunities. He's also producing and developing artists like Mia Snow (of Nathiel the Great's roster) and Hooper James. On the film side, he's working to grow his company, ZonaSimz Productions, alongside partner Kamp of Nove & Lapel Media. In his own words, he's produced for names like Derez De'Shon, Faise One, Trap Beckham, and Detroit Barbie, and has filmed video work for artists including Rotimi, 6lack, Quavo, Lyrica Anderson, and Blanco Brown, among others. At the center of it all is a simple philosophy: quality over quantity, and going above and beyond on every project. As he puts it, faith grounds the work — "I'm nothing without God." For those interested in his circle, he points people toward Major 88 Keys' upcoming writers camp, and gives a shoutout to mobile barber Nairobi of TheBadExperience for anyone in need of a cut on the go.
Sep 10, 2026
Tyshawn Johnson AKA Fly Ty: From New York Roots to Atlanta's A&R Scene
Tyshawn Johnson, known in the industry as Fly Ty, didn't have to search far to find his calling. Growing up in New York, hip hop wasn't just music playing in the background — it was woven into everything around him. That immersion made the transition into the industry feel less like a career choice and more like a natural next step, one that eventually carried him from a fan of the culture to a driving force behind it. Today, Fly Ty serves as V.P. of A&R at Epic Records while also running his own label, Against Da Grain Ent. It's a dual role that keeps him plugged into both major-label operations and grassroots artist development, giving him a hand in shaping careers from the ground up. His motivation, though, traces back to something far more personal than the music business. Fly Ty has said his children are his biggest inspiration — growing up without his own father in his life, he made a vow that if he was ever blessed with kids, he'd be everything his father wasn't. That commitment to breaking cycles shows up in how he talks about his work and his purpose. Right now, Fly Ty's attention is on a stacked release calendar. He's anticipating new albums from Future and 21 Savage, and he's especially excited about 2 Rare, an artist he recently signed who he believes is "about to shock the world," as he put it. Fans can also look out for a new album from @1skiog dropping 9/25, upcoming singles from 2 Rare, and a forthcoming project from Jamie Ray. Beyond the releases, Fly Ty hopes people take away a simple message from his work: don't let your worst moment define you. As he puts it, belief is the first step toward achievement — a philosophy that seems to guide both his business decisions and the artists he chooses to invest in.
Sep 10, 2026
Julian Marshall Is Building Bridges Between Atlanta Talent and the Industry
Julian Marshall, known professionally as Capo, didn't set out to become a fixture of Atlanta's entertainment scene — he learned the business by watching one up close. Marshall, who is originally from California, got his start working alongside his uncle, Leo Marshall, a celebrity photographer, filmmaker, production company owner and former director for Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. Helping curate major celebrity gatherings and events at his uncle's side gave him a firsthand education in how the industry actually runs, and that foundation shaped the career he's built since. Today, Marshall works as a music and entertainment executive, celebrity booking agent, artist development consultant, media personality, celebrity interviewer and event curator, with more than a decade in the industry across Atlanta and Miami. His work spans nightlife, radio, media, celebrity bookings, artist development and live events, connecting artists, DJs, promoters, venues and media platforms. His uncle remains one of his biggest inspirations. Watching Leo Marshall build his own production company while working professionally in television, he says, showed him "the importance of ownership, relationships and creating your own opportunities." He also credits his own personal journey, and what he's had to overcome along the way, as continued motivation to build something lasting. Right now, Marshall is focused on expanding his entertainment platforms throughout Atlanta — developing independent artists, curating weekly events, conducting artist and celebrity interviews, and creating connections between talent and the DJs, media outlets, venues and promoters who can move careers forward. At the center of it all is a philosophy he's held onto since those early days learning the ropes: that longevity in entertainment comes down to relationships, consistency and professionalism. Marshall says his goal going forward is to keep using his experience and platforms to open doors for the next generation of talent, helping them navigate the business strategically as he continues expanding his footprint across Atlanta.
Sep 9, 2026
Creer Savoirfaire Is Rebuilding His Musique Empire From the Ground Up
Creer Savoirfaire didn't grow up in Atlanta, but the Las Vegas native has planted himself firmly in the city's music business landscape as an executive intent on reshaping how the industry operates. He goes by he/him, and his focus these days is less about the spotlight and more about the machinery behind it — distribution, structure, and rebuilding what he calls his "whole operation." His entry into the business wasn't planned from childhood. It was a suggestion from Sir Mann, also known as Chad Baker, that pointed him toward the music industry in the first place. That nudge set him on a path that's since grown into a full executive career, one where he now describes his work as an attempt to rewrite how "Musique" — his preferred term for the industry he operates in — gets distributed to the world. Ask him about inspiration, and he points to the Rothschild name, a reference to the kind of generational, institution-building influence he says he's aiming to model in his own right. It's a lens that shapes how he talks about his current chapter: not chasing a single hit or deal, but restructuring the foundation of his brand for what comes next. That next phase is ambitious. Savoirfaire has a 90-day, 90-city tour on the horizon, tied to something he's calling "The Presidential Campaign." Details on the full scope are still emerging, but the framing signals a executive who thinks in terms of national reach rather than local wins. For now, Savoirfaire's story is one of rebuilding in real time — an executive candid about the mentors who pointed him toward this industry, open about his influences, and focused on the idea that how music moves from creator to listener still has room to be reinvented. Atlanta, it seems, is just one stop on that map.
Sep 9, 2026
Kaddy Exclusive: From Fort Worth Church Choirs to Building a Music Business Legacy
Demetrius Franklin, known professionally as Kaddy Exclusive, grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by music. His father, Pat Franklin, was a saxophonist who worked on projects with major artists and later served as a music minister at a large church in Grand Prairie, Texas — a space that today houses a studio named in his honor. That environment shaped Kaddy Exclusive from an early age, as his father groomed him as a singer. He started performing as young as the 4th grade, singing in church choir, at birthday parties, special events, and singing contests, gradually developing an animated, lyrical delivery and a style he describes as blending east coast influence with southern dominance. In August 2015, he took that sound to American Idol auditions at Temple University in Philadelphia, advancing through four rounds among thousands of hopefuls before being cut before the finals — an experience he says confirmed he belonged in the industry and needed to keep refining his craft. Since then, Kaddy Exclusive has built out his professional foundation, earning a bachelor's degree in business finance with a minor in clinical psychology, along with a recording arts certification from Full Sail University. He now serves as CEO and President of Making The Mogul Ink LLC, working as a business consultant and agent while continuing his own career as a published songwriter and recording artist. He's also connected with what he calls Exclusive Creative Circles, a network of writers, producers, and artists tied to major labels. His father's passing in January 2013 became a driving force behind his path forward. Franklin cites his father and family legacy, along with historical leaders who unified people, as his core inspirations. Currently, he's developed a multi-season docuseries concept titled "Battle Cry From the Dying War Machines," aimed at bringing together testimonies from veterans, law enforcement, gang members, and civilians affected by combat and violence. He says the project reflects his larger goal: using his platform and message with intention.
Sep 8, 2026
Meet Qmusic: The Kirkwood-Bred Executive Building Access Behind the Charts
Qmusic, born and raised in Atlanta's Kirkwood neighborhood, has spent more than a decade working the business side of the music industry most fans never see. As Founder and CEO of Qmusic and Co Holdings LLC, he runs a full-service music, media, and brand development company, taking on roles as an A&R executive, marketing strategist, and catalog and publishing administrator. His day-to-day work spans campaign strategy, partnerships, and executive operations across marketing, PR, radio, distribution, publishing, and digital infrastructure. Over 12-plus years, he says he's built chart-driven campaigns for both independent artists and major-level talent, with catalogs and campaigns tied to names like Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Rick Ross, T.I., Young Thug, Lil Baby, Quavo, Wyclef Jean, and BLACKPINK's Lisa, among others. Rather than positioning himself as someone chasing opportunities for artists, Qmusic frames his role differently: "I don't chase placements — I own access," he says, pointing to a network of owned media, marketing, and distribution brands he's built out over the years, along with radio and digital outlets and live event operations under his umbrella. Ask him what drives it all, and the answer isn't charts or numbers — it's the artists themselves. His biggest inspiration, he says, is simply hearing their stories. That people-first instinct shapes what he hopes others take from his work: creativity, and the importance of controlling your own path. "Controlling ya own destination and take initiative" is how he puts it. Right now, Qmusic is heads-down on a project he's calling, simply, "Undeniably" — details still close to the vest, but a clear signal of where his focus is headed next. For an Atlanta music scene built as much in boardrooms and back offices as in studios, Qmusic represents the executive infrastructure working quietly behind some of the biggest names in the game.
Sep 8, 2026
From NYC Internships to ATL: Allen Lindsey's Long Run in Music
Allen Lindsey has been in the music business since the late 1980s, when he was coming up in New York and taking on internships to learn the industry from the ground floor. That hands-on start set the tone for a career that's kept him working behind the scenes for decades, and these days he calls Atlanta home base. Asked about who inspired him along the way, Lindsey's answer is straightforward: nobody in particular. He says he's never looked outside himself for motivation, preferring to chart his own course rather than model his path after someone else's. Right now, Lindsey's biggest focus isn't a tour or a signing -- it's an app. He recently completed work on Memora Echo, a project he describes as the thing he's most locked in on at the moment. Alongside that, he's still active on the live side of the business, with shows in the works for artists he's connected to. Looking further out, Lindsey has two events on his calendar that Atlanta should keep an eye on: one coming this October, and another bigger one down the line -- Kulturefest, which he's bringing in March during SXSW weekend. As for what he wants people to walk away with from his work, Lindsey keeps it simple and direct: if there's something you want or believe in, you have to be willing to put in the work for it. It's not about waiting for the right inspiration or the right moment, in his view -- it's about grinding until you get where you're trying to go. From internships in New York decades ago to building an app and staging festivals in Atlanta today, Lindsey's story is one of steady reinvention -- and he's not done yet.
Sep 8, 2026
Actor Michael Wright, Star of 'The Five Heartbeats,' Dies at 70
Actor Michael Wright has died at age 70. His wife, Susan, announced his passing in an Instagram post shared late Friday. Wright was best known for playing Eddie King Jr., the troubled but charismatic lead singer, in the 1991 film "The Five Heartbeats," a role that resonated deeply with fans who flooded social media with tributes following news of his death. Over the course of his career, Wright appeared in nearly 50 films and television projects. Beyond "The Five Heartbeats," his credits included "The Wanderers," "V," "The Principal," "Streamers," "Sugar Hill," and "Oz." In her statement, Susan Wright described her husband as far more than the characters audiences knew him for, calling his loss a moment of profound sadness for their family. She said his talent and impact on film and television would endure, even as loved ones grieve the man behind the roles. The family has not yet released funeral details but indicated that information about how they plan to honor Wright's life and legacy will be shared in the coming days. Wright's death marks the loss of a performer whose work spanned decades of film and television, leaving a lasting mark through one of the most beloved Black films of the early 1990s.
Sep 4, 2026