MAURICE GARLAND
Born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in Decatur, GA, Maurice G. Garland's writings have been published in XXL, VIBE, The Source, Ozone, KING, RIDES, GIANT and Rolling Out among others. A graduate of Fort Valley State University, Garland also has a background as an award winning radio and television broadcaster. Working his way into the industry as an intern at Atlanta radio station Hot 107.9, the writer has become one the most respected figures in his field. In addition to his editorial responsibilities Garland is also a photographer and graphic designer.
MS. RIVERCITY
After gaining a reputation for getting things done, Jennifer McKinnon (a.k.a. Ms. Rivercity) landed freelance writing/photography positions with several magazines including OZONE, HooD, Duval Streets, and Iceberg. She’s currently a guest editor and street rep coordinator for OZONE Magazine (since 2006), writes a blog for Gritsandeggs.com, and is expanding her career into the realm of digital journalism (video/documentary/podcast, etc.) Using the connections built over the years, her media expertise also evolved into PR work. She’s helped many DJs and artists receive publicity like DJ Teknikz (Gorilla Zoe/Block Ent), DJ Smallz, DJ Scream, G-Mack, Tech N9ne (Fontana/Universal), Haitian Fresh, Spark Dawg, Young Cash (SRC/Universal), TREAL (Universal), and numerous others. Her abilities to bring out the who’s who in the music industry led her to assist with PR and marketing of several events like the TJs DJs Tastemaker Conference, OZONE Awards, Diamond Awards (Bigga Rankin/RNR), Lil Webbie’s Savage Life 2 release party, just to name a few.
1ST LADY GODIVA
Godiva The1st Lady, a St. Louis native, is owner/ operator of WW.STREETSD.COM Online radio networks now based in New Jersey. StreetsD.com is a global network of ten unique mix shows that are broadcast from New York, New Jersey, Houston, California, Missouri, Philadelphia, Canada and the UK! The 1st lady promotes Streets Mos Magazine and Kevin Black’s protégé’ at Warner Brothers as well as his latest project Toonz World a Los Angeles, California based (Independent) multimedia company specializing in the development, production, marketing, promotion and distribution of music, animation, feature film/dvd and interactive services, via Streetd.com.
RAHMAN DUKES
A veteran of MTV, Rahman Dukes has been employed by Viacom for eleven years and still going. Rahman has worked with famed artists during his time at the channel such as Nas, Jay-Z, Diddy, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Saigon and many more. Currently, Rahman holds a title at MTV News' as Senior Producer overseeing all urban related content on the website and the channel. Mr. Dukes has also been credited as the co-founder of the channels highly respected Mixtape Monday franchise and creator of the critically claimed "Hottest MCs In The Game" series.
TAI ST. LOUIS
At 28-years-old writer/entrepreneur Tai Saint-Louis has close to 10 years of experience in media. In 2003, Tai joined AllHipHop.com as a contributing writer. Through her work with the popular website's Features section, she has had the opportunity to introduce readers to some of the up-and-coming artists who would evolve into some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop, including Remy Ma and Young Jeezy. In addition to running AtlantaUrbanMix.com, establishing and managing the website's editorial identity, Tai has also served as the Editor-In-Chief and Marketing Director of Hoodz Magazine and Managing Editor of Crunk Magazine. She currently serves as a Senior Writer for the News Department at AllHipHop.com and is in the process of relaunching An' What?! Marketing as a boutique Buzz Marketing and Management Support firm with offices in New York and Atlanta.
TONI ROSE PARSON
It was inevitable this energetic girl with big dreams & aspirations was ready for Hollywood. Growing up in LA, the phrase "it's who you know" was instilled in her, but eventually figured out "it's what you know" that really matters. It was always her vision to work in any entertainment avenue, whether it was in front of the camera or a part of what creates the magic. Toni Rose Parson started as a production assistant in high school and worked her way into the television world. She has hosted live shows, produced showcases, worked for various networks such as, MTV, VH1, CMT, FOX,STYLE, E!, DISCOVERY CHANNEL, Si TV(Spanish Television), and is currently working for a hit television game show for NBC.
PAT CHARLES
Pat Charles is the Senior Show Writer of 106 & Park and BET Specials (Spring Bling, BET Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, etc). “PC” (as his co-workers call him) is also the man who created the ever-so-popular ‘Wild-Out Wednesday’ segment for 106 & Park, and he continues to cast and book talent from all over the country (and the world) to compete on the show. He is also the Casting Director of 106 & Park’s weekly “Freestyle Friday” segment. On top of all that, PC is also the Executive Producer of an exclusive talent showcase called “Blaze the Stage,” which is currently in development as a TV series under his own production & consulting company, Write Hand Man, LLC. As a major creative force behind 106 & Park/ BET Networks, PC is loved by all his peers for his enthusiasm and his hall-of-fame work ethic; he’s known as a visionary; and he’s respected as a very intelligent man behind-the-scenes.
HOTEP
Hotep is the founder of HustleUniversity.Org, a virtual school that provides higher learning for independent minded entrepreneurs. Hustle U presents a practical approach to business empowerment through personal development and the teachings of proven success strategies called, The Hustler's 10 Commandments. Hotep is an entertainment media mogul widely recognized for his out-the-box thinking, guerilla marketing tactics and his unique "common sense" approach to teaching leadership through entrepreneurship. His face has graced the cover of The Washington Post, Urban Iconz and he has been featured in XXL, RollingOut, The AJC, GRIP Magazine and the Atlanta Voice. Hotep is also regularly invited on radio and TV shows. His motto is, "Don't wait for opportunity, CREATE IT."
MARIE MALYSZEK
Marie Malyszek's eclectic experience behind the scenes, her love of the craft, and her ever-growing success has combined to earn her a deserved reputation as an elite & truly unique casting director. Ms. Malyszek cut her teeth in the concert promotions. A move to the east coast began her career in casting indie film projects, commercials, videos, and docu-dramas and unscripted projects. It is in the entire process of casting that Marie found a true passion, and thus has excelled at this wonderful creative craft. Marie, President of DaM Legacy Entertainment has headed casting for major projects on MTV, CMT, Discovery, VH1, Fox, TLC, SpikeTV, NBC, ABC, Planet Green, TVLand etc.
BRANDEN J. PETERS
Branden Peters began his career at Turner Broadcasting while simultaneously working as a contributing writer to Rolling Out Urbanstyle Weekly. Following that, he delved into radio as a Part-time producer/Talent for the 2Live Stews sports talk radio show on Atlanta's 790 The Zone in 2002 while juggling an additional responsibility as Senior Contributing Writer for RIME and The Source magazines, respectively. His by line has appeared in SLAM, Scratch, Upscale allhiphop.com, hiphopdx.com and KING. In 2005, Peters accepted the coveted Lifestyle Editor position with top-selling music magazine, XXL. During his tenure, Peters introduced several new initiatives to the publication including the magazine's first DVD review column and a more consistent effort to showcase hip-hop music coming from the West Coast and the South. He also revitalized their annual automotive, electronics/technology, gift and video game guides.
Peters continues to explore a bevy of media opportunities with on-air guest appearances on CNBC, YES Networks, MTV2, Spike TV and BET.
TAMIKO HOPE
Tamiko Hope, founder of publicity firm Word Ink, began her illustrious PR career while interning at the groundbreaking LaFace Records in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been an integral part of the growing success of southern artists, spearheading the campaigns of noteworthy talent such as Grammy award winning producer DJ Toomp, producer Don Vito, rapper Shawty Lo and Goodie Mob, to name a few. She also served as label publicist for Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon imprint where she oversaw the projects of Killer Mike, Sleepy Brown, Bubba Sparxxx, Konkrete and soul sensation Janelle Monae.
DEE DEE COCHETA
Dee Dee Cocheta founded A.B.C. Associates PR & Marketing Firm in Atlanta, Georgia over 9 years ago after leaving as a Marketing Director for a Radio One station. She has coordinated publicity efforts for music events, conducted media training, consulted and publicized hundreds of indie artists that include Killer Mike, Cherish, DJ Benny D, KRS One, Tony Terry, Producer Ike Dirty & Rudy Currence via every media outlet category from internet, TV, radio, to print. Through her relationships and perseverance, Dee Dee’s clients and products have been extended invitations to appear on BET, MTV, VH1, FOX News, TV One, CNN, Montel Williams, Tom Joyner Radio Show, Yolanda Adams Radio Show, the Grammy’s and BET Awards shows.
LIL TROY
Though most notably known for the multi platinum record, ‘Wanna Be A Baller; Lil Troy is anything but an average music artist. He has endured and prevailed in the business of economics. Proving to be adept at utilizing resources, his success in the music industry epitomizes his strategic mind as a business man. Being able to evade the spot light that blinds most that have been so fortunate as to generate a million dollars off a single record, he has subsequently been able to accomplish what very few have been able to achieve; which is build several cash generating businesses, while raising his kids and remaining relevant to a genre he help create. Infamous for his public disputes with Scarface and Pimp C, Lil Troy has tremendous insight on being in the industry and being in the streets.
ROBERT CHEESEBORO
Mr. Cheeseboro took over fledging publication, ODS Magazine as Editor-in-Chief IN 2006. Through his understanding of the target demographic and his knowledge of marketing, Robert was able to take the publication from a 5,000 copy, locally circulated magazine to a 68,000+ issue, nationally distributed juggernaut with over 600,000 readers. More importantly, Robert has gained respect throughout the entertainment industry. He states, “The growth of ODS within an 18-month period has been outstanding. It is good to know when you go to a celebrity’s house and look at their magazines; you can find ODS.” Mr. Cheeesboro is determined to make ODS Magazine a household brand.
ALLEN JOHNSTON
The Music Specialist, an apt name for this multi-talented man born in Chicago Illinois. He was the youngest regional promotion man ever for Capitol Emi Records and Arista Records. As an honored speaker for the Florida, Georgia and Tennessee Bar Associations CLE (Continuing Legal Education) courses he has written several position papers. Currently Mr. Johnston develops International licensing and sub-publishing deals for labels and movie companies. He is also part owner of MINDSEED STUDIOS an HD movie and audio facility in Northern California.
TINISHA MARIE MITCHELL
Tinisha Marie Mitchell is the Event Coordinator for the production & consulting company WRITE HAND MAN, LLC. The company produces the prestigious talent showcase "Blaze the Stage"- which exclusively features the hottest dance teams and unsigned acts that millions of viewers have seen compete on 106 & Park's Wild-Out Wednesday. Ms. Mitchell works closely on separate TV ventures that are being spearheaded by BET's Senior Show Writer Pat Charles who is also CEO of Write Hand Man, LLC).
SHAHEEM REID
Since 2001 Shaheem Reid has been an integral part of the MTV News Team. Holding down the position of Hip-Hop Editor, Shaheem has produced several MTV News shoots, but is best known for the exclusive news stories he's written on www.mtvnews.com. Most recently Shaheem—who has been the subject of several MTV News pieces of his own—was seen as part of the infamous MTV News Brain Trust on the controversial MTV News program "Hottest MCs in the Game" (a show he co-conceived). The program featured a ranking of the top ten Hottest Hip-Hop artists and ignited intense debate across the world amongst fans and artists during its initial run in 2007. In 2008, The Brain Trust sat at the round table once again, devising a brand new top ten list, and the buzz around the show is eclipsing last year. Every week, Shaheem is featured on the segment Mixtape Monday which runs on MTV, MTV Jams and MTVnews.com. Mr. Reid also writes the column "Mixtape Monday" for mtvnews.com. He is the co-creator of the highly successful weekly, along with MTV News Senior Producer Rahman Dukes.
JAYSON RODGRIGUEZ
Jayson Rodriguez is currently the Editorial Director of the leading hip-hop magazine XXL's Web site XXLmag.com. In his position, he is in charge of overseeing all written content for the site. Rodriguez is also a contributing editor at Latina magazine. In the past he's held staff positions at MTV News, VIBE, and AllHipHop.com. He has also been published as a writer in Complex, KING, Scratch, Mass Appeal and New York Newsday. In addition, Rodriguez has been quoted in the New York Times and appeared on MTV as an expert on hip-hop culture and has lectured at William Patterson and New York Universities, respectively. Rodriguez graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in English and obtained his master's in journalism from N.Y.U. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York and still thinks Biggie Smalls is the illest.
DJ CHUCK T
Hailing from Charleston, SC, DJ Chuck T is one of the South’s top DJs. Chuck T entered into the D’Jing game after a successful but stressful rap career. In 2004 DJ Chuck T dropped a total of 45 mix tapes and is responsible for helping 6 underground artists and their record labels sign major distribution deals. Also known as The King of Publicity Stunts, Chuck T has been featured in The Source, Ozone Magazine, Urban Timez Magazine, Concrete Magazine, Scratch Magazine, MTVs Mixtape Mondays and countless other publications and media outlets. No stranger to controversy, Chuck T has taken on hip hop giants such as Lil Wayne and Jermaine Dupri.
NINA BROWN
In 2006, Nina Brown aka The Black Carrie Bradshaw was promoted to the producer of the number 1 Morning Show on V-103. As producer of the Frank & Wanda Morning Show, Brown does whatever she has to do to make certain they sound flawless. Often times that entails lots of research, event planning, creative thinking, meeting after meeting, constantly on your toes to be bigger and better, non-stop hustling & networking, extremely early mornings, ridiculously late nights and world travel.
E. MONIQUE JOHNSON
E. Monique Johnson is the Managing Editor of Upscale Magazine, one of the oldest African-American publications in the nation. The 10-year journalism veteran has contributed to such renowned publications as People, Ebony and the historic Chicago Defender among others and is a regular contributor to BMI's Musicworld Web site. In addition she has also been an integral part of the editing and/or management staff for several custom publications such as The one hundred (the official publication of The One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc.) and Song Lyric (the in-flight magazine of Song Airlines, which was operated by Delta Airlines).
REID WICK
Reid Wick has been active in the New Orleans music community for many years. He currently works as the Gulf Coast member services representative of The Recording Academy (NARAS-GRAMMY organization). Prior to joining The Recording Academy team, he served the Academy's MusiCares foundation as administrator of the MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund and Music Rising instrument replacement program. Reid has had his hands in numerous music industry efforts in the Crescent City. He spent 12 years at Loyola University's College of Music, where he served as marketing communications manager, concert series producer, and instructor in their Music Industry Studies program. He served as vice-president of STR Digital Records, a New Orleans-based jazz & blues independent record label, which has released 25 CDs. As a musician, he is currently the guitarist with the New Orleans' favorite party band, the Bucktown Allstars. He has played with numerous local bands and he led an award-winning jazz fusion ensemble, Entourage for 11 years from 1987-1998, playing clubs, festivals and special events throughout the Southeastern US. Reid currently serves on the board of Sweet Home New Orleans and recently joined forces with the New Orleans Music Education Alliance, whose goal includes reintroduction of music education in all public schools in the New Orleans area.
TAHIRA WRIGHT
The founder of Branded PR, LLC, Tahira J. Wright works as a Publicist and Brand Manager for clients in the areas of Music, Entertainment and Lifestyle Brands. Tahira is a Georgia State University Alumni with a B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations Concentration) and Music Industry Management Minor. Her first job in entertainment as the Executive Assistant to 8 Ball & MJG’s management team. During this period, Tahira formed The Platinum Dynasty, an event planning, marketing and publicity agency, with former business partner LaToya Dixson. The Platinum Dynasty spearheaded landmark events including HOT 107.9 FM Birthday Bash, Dirty Awards, Miami Spring Fest, along with events for numerous recording artists.
After an amicable split from The Platinum Dynasty in late 2007, Tahira went on to form Branded PR, LLC in December 2007. Branded PR is a publicity and branding agency specializing in generating quality exposure for clients in the media while simultaneously building and reinventing their brand. The tag line “Make Your Mark…Get Branded” has proven true for clients Bangladesh, Bobby Valentino, Block Entertainment, Radio One Inc., Willy Northpole (DTP/Def Jam) and Attitude (Warner Bros.). Branded PR has soon-to-be announced ventures with new clients in the restaurant and retail industry in 4th Quarter 2008 moving into 2009. Branded PR believes in building trusted relationships with our clients and the media to bring visions into fruition. For more information visit www.BrandedPR.net!
JUDGE KERN A REESE
Kern Reese is a judge of New Orleans Civil District Court. Prior to taking the bench, he maintained a solo practice in New Orleans that focused on the areas of tort litigation, corporation, general business law and municipal finance. He has also served by appointment as a judge ad hoc for New Orleans Traffic Court, Municipal Court and First City Court.
DJ CHARLES “BAM BAM” BELONGE – No stranger to new Orleans nightlife, Charles Belonge has branded himself as “The Bentley” of DJ’s. Known for his class and style, Belonge was once a street kid headed for destruction. His testimony is amazing and he has a story to share with all aspiring street artists who think their current circumstances are forever. Belonge’s list of accomplishments range from on air personality to number one radio station WYLD – FM 98 to in house DJ for legendary nightspots such as Club Whispers, The Bottom Line and The Touch of Class. Belonge has entertained national groups such as the Black MBA Society, The National Cancer Association and Coca Cola, to name a few.
