Entertained & Deranged

On Cloud 9 With Jovon St. Cloud

2012-02-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

"People connect to me no matter where they comefrom because I can relate to them. I putthat into my music.”

Jovaan Torres, better known asJovon St. Cloud, is a New Jersey bred sensation. He has a unique style of Dance-Pop andAlternative Hip-Hop. St. Cloud showedpromise in the earlier stages of life beginning writing at the incredible ageof 8, got into producing at 10 years old, and began recording at 12. INSANE! He began with writing Hip-Hop and flowed into other genres as heprogressed. Writing, creating his own concepts, and producing his owninstrumentation, you cannot deny this young man’s talent. Get to know the man behind the mic…andeverything else!

Who is Jovon St. Cloud?

“Ina nutshell, I describe myself with one word: DIVERSE. I’m not a pop artist thatcomes from a small town or anything. I’mvery well rounded. I’m the guy that shows love to everyone. People connect to me no matter where they comefrom because I can relate to them. I putthat into my music.”

What is your typical day like? Are you sleeping in the studios?

“Myday starts off at 7am with either a phone call from Lu or EmperorGuz. I’m up listening to beats, writing newmaterial, or working with YFame or MXL. I also have a 9-5. I work at alocal pharmacy.”

NICE! You can’t help but love your grind! I know that you are a part of the eminentcamp Miscellaney. You all seem tofunction as a family. What’s it like?

“Luand I are actually cousins! I introducedhim to Fame around 4-5 years ago. Then,out of nowhere, Lu was working behind the scenes with him. I’ve known MXL since I was 13 and Guz went tothe same school and church as I did. Hewas around the corner. So, we’ve all beenfamily for quite some time. When we’rein a room together you can tell the chemistry. It’s CRAZY!”

On Valentine’s Day you released a collaboration with YFame, “Addicted (Anti-Valentine).” What sparked thatparticular song?

“That’skind of funny actually. About the sametime last year I released a 7 song EP about a previous relationship that beganon Valentine’s Day. If you haven’tnoticed, it didn’t go over so well. So Ihave a love/hate relationship with the holiday. BUT, it didn’t spark from that. We were sitting around listening to some tracks and came across thisparticular one and the first thing that came to mind was, “That sh*t’s tough!”So I wrote the hook and it was history from there!”

I am really into your latest project “4orever!” How was the creative process?

“Basically,it was just a constant flow of good vibes. Over 2 or 3 days Guz, MXL, & I were in the studio and we wrote 3 to 4songs a day. That’s really how ithappened. Everything flowednaturally. Many of those songs made thecut for the project. Many…MANY latenights but it was cool. We eat, sleep,breath our craft.”

What are you working on now? Canwe get an exclusive?

“We’reworking on another Miscellaney project. That’s a constant everyday thing for us. I may be dropping a couple singles soon just to leave a taste in yourmouths. So stay tuned!”

Who would you like to work with? What producers or vocalists?

“I definitely have a nice list of people. As far as DJs and producers, definitely Hype Jones, AfroJack, and Dr. Luke. As far aswriters go, Calvin Harris, David Guetta and vocalists Eva Simons, and Dev.”

The future is bright for you and your team. What are you looking forward to most?

“The biggest thing I’m lookingforward to is shows. I love the energyof the project and the crowds. The vibeis going to be NUTS! The crowd is goingto be even MORE nuts! I love being onstage and feeding off of the audience.”

Miscellaney seems to be the groupto watch! Let your eyes and ears listen!

EXCLUSIVE! D. Jackson Releases "Private Dancer" Official Video

2012-02-20T08:12:00.001-08:00

Check out D. Jackson's official video for "Private Dancer" featuring Jayda Starr the debut single from his upcoming album Room 222!

DJ GMoney: Getting Personal With Mr. 8000 Himself!

2012-02-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

"The best advice I would give is to stay humble."

Gary “DJ GMoney” Hawkins hails from South JamaicaQueens, NY. Staying humble and keepingcool on the scene he has been DJing for 13 years. Extremely hard working and passionate GMoneyhas DJ’d everything from Sweet 16 birthday parties and clubs to fashion showsand weddings. He was recently featuredDJing for the 20^th Anniversary celebration for the movie Juice. Don’t sleep on his skills!

Whatdo you do in your spare time?

“I'm very big onmovies. I love to watch movies I’ve never seen before whether its comedy,action, romance, etc. I also love basketball. I’ve been playing since before Iwas a DJ. Another thing I got into heavy the last few years is bowling. Itry to bowl like once a week if time allows.”

Areyou involved in the community? Mentor programs, etc.?

“Well, I was apartof a of company called "Life Camp," which is a program that giveschildren a vehicle to help them see a different aspect on life and help thempursue their dreams of being an artist, poet, or just a business person. I wasa mentor for that program for about 4 years. Now I will be working with asimilar company called "King of Kingz Foundation" where we will begoing into the schools and I will be holding a workshop with the students andspeaking about ways I started my business as a DJ.”

Whoinfluenced you the most? Any mentors? Other DJs that you've seenover the years?

“The biggestinfluence for me was my dad & and the movie’ Juice.’ I say my dad becausehe grew up DJing as well. He was a highly known DJ from Queens back inthe day so I used to always hear his old tapes of him mixing at parties and hewould tell me all the stories from back then and it drew my interest. Themovie ‘Juice’ because that’s what really got it started for me when I saw theDJ battle part in the movie I went crazy!

So I told myparents, "For Christmas this year I don't want any video games I just wantDJ equipment," and they got it for me. As far as mentors, most ofthe Radio DJ's on Hot 97 and other stations influenced me because I used tolisten to them and think, "I could do that and do it better!" So, Iwould go home and try it. But my parents both are good with music so they weremy MAJOR mentors. Anytime I would be in the house DJ'ing and I mess up theywould come in the room and give me that "You messed up" face.”

Whendid you fall in love with Hip-Hop?

“I always was abig fan of Hip Hop and music. When I was little, any parties that I wentto I was always the kid who wanted to dance and take center stage. I used to performfor the family all the time whether it was Michael Jackson or Usher or me doingthe Harlem Shake. My family loves music so we would dance and make aparty whether it was 2 people or 200 so that energy just rubbed off on me as aDJ and now as an artist.”

Howdid you get into DJing?

“What got me intoreally being a DJ was just people asking me to do parties. I used to bring myDJ stuff out for family events only just to have music and people used to comeand ask me to do other parties. At first I told them no because I didn'tsee myself as a DJ but then my Dad told me to try it out and I did and the restwas history.”

Iknow you've been featured on BET's hit video countdown 106 & Park. How did that come about? Do you book everything yourself or do youhave a team behind you? Tell me about that experience. Did you callyour folks like, "Yo! I'm on 106 & Park!"

“My publicrelations firm, REP Media PR, got me on the show. The show was dope! It’s a nationalshow so it was a great look for my career and I had a good time doing the show.I book most of my events myself though, yes. I do have some teams, TeamG$Money, Shutdown Brothers, Team Lean, Power 5, and Co-Star Ent. Co-Star Ent.is my label me and friend Basco Rebenga started back in about 2005. TeamG$Money is kind of like my street team so to speak. Power 5 is a managementcompany I recently got a part of. They manage DJs. Team Lean and ShutdownBrothers are both DJ crews I'm a part of. Did I call my folks when I wason TV? (GMoney laughs) Well, they knew because I waspromoting it all day before I was on so they kind of called everyone and told themI was going to be on!”

You'vealso been heard on Hot 97 & Power 105.1. What was that like? Was itcrazy in the studio?

“I had a few of mysingles on those stations; "Twitter Dat", " Ya Know Dis," "MartinLawrence," and "Queens and It’s Crazy." I went up to Hot97 a few years ago though when DJ Mister Cee invited me up there to exchangemusic. He called me up there because he heard about one of my records and hewanted to play it on the radio.”

You'rea busy man! What else do you have up your sleeve? Anyone you'reexcited to be working with? Any other projects?

“Right now I’mworking more with music and recording and trying to produce. I'm working on amixtape right now where I will be featured on a lot of the songs and producingsome of them as well so look out for that!”

Whowould you like to work with?

“As far as DJing Iwould LOVE to work with DJs like Kid Capri & Jazzy Jeff. With music Iwant to work with Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, Black Eyed Peas, and Kanye West.”

Ilove how we can keep up with you through your YouTube channel and Twitter! You have some heavy hitters getting behind you. How was RussellSimmons?

“Ah man that wasdope! I think he did the funniest drop for me ever!!! He was cooland real supportive!”

Iknow that you've been on your grind for a few years now. What has beenyour greatest moment/experience thus far?

“I think the BET106 & Park appearance is one of my best achievements so far along with meDJing for the 20th Anniversary for the Movie ‘Juice.’ I also DJ'd for a"Salute the DJs" photo shoot for Dr. Jay’s alongside Big time DJ'ssuch as Kid Capri, DJ Premier, DJ Prostyle and DJ Whoo Kid just to name a few.I was in the photo shoot as well.”

Whatadvice would you give aspiring DJs?

“The best advice Iwould give is to stay humble. Also, if you’re going to start DJing you shouldlearn from turntables the original way and just always promote and market yourself.”

Want to keep in touch with DJ GMoney? Make sure to follow him via Twitter, Youtube,and Facebook! Want DJ GMoney for yournext big bash? Book him here: bookdjgmoney@gmail.com!

Photo courtesy of Gary Hawkins

Black HistoREAD: Looking Towards the Future

2012-02-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Byron L. Cogdell is a product of the amazing Department of MassCommunications from the great Bethune-Cookman University where he studiedpublic relations and advertising. Hailing from Fayetteville, NC, Cogdell has always had a great interestin the advancement of the community. Byron is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and serves aspublic relations specialist at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, FL.

What does Black History month mean to you?

“Black History Month means a lot to me! I havealways observed it to the fullest because I appreciate why it was created. Itry to make the most out of acknowledging Black History all year round, but tohave a month that is known by the world, as Black History Month is outstandingto me. It has created a platform for African Americans and Americans of allraces to learn more about the importance of African descendants inAmerica.”

Which pioneers in the Black community do you admire most?

“The person I have admired the most is Mr.Paul Robeson. I admire him for several reasons but mostly because he setseveral goals for himself; many of which were not related, but he was awesomeat all of them. He was able to become a successful athlete, writer, scholar,actor and singer in one lifetime. That defines a man that defeats all odd in myeyes. I see that same thing in myself sometimes.”

I see you're doing your best to make sure we continue to create newhistory each day. Tell me about your Black HistoREAD month effort.

“Black HistoRead Month is a project that Ihave started with a friend of mine, Simona Peppers, to work towards enablingAfrican Americans to read more. We have noticed the correlation between readingand success and want our community to be able to reach the things that havebeen hidden from us for so long. Black HistoRead is a project that urgesAfrican Americans to increase their amount of leisurely reading per day inhopes to enrich the community with knowledge and power.”

How did you come up with the concept?

“I came up with the concept after having adiscussion about an article that was written by a college professor thatexclaimed that "Blacks are still enslaved... not by chains but byignorance." It made me want to help others release the chains that theymay not even have known were on them by enriching their minds with knowledge. Ifigured there was no better time to do it than Black History Month.”

What do you hope to achieve with your efforts towards Black HistoREAD month?

“I would just like to see more AfricanAmericans spending their "free time" reading. Studies show thatindividuals that read are more successful in business, trade and careeradvancement. Although it is a long road of correlation, I think knowledge isthe key to our success and it will give us the power to create, improve andperfect our communities.”

How can we get involved?

“Visit out Facebook page, 'Black HistoRead Month’ for now... but there will be more to come.”

Photo courtesy of Byron L. Cogdell

Don Cornelius Dead of Apparent Suicide at 75

2012-02-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Don Cornelius, long-time host and creator of the music show ‘Soul Train’ was found dead in his California home this morning. He was 75.

According to the Huffington Post, police found him dead witha self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in his Sherman Oaks home at 4a.m.

Cornelius succeeded at creating an African-American versionof Dick Clark’s influential music show ‘American Bandstand.’ ‘Soul Train’ premieredon August 19, 1970 and ran up until 2006 making it the longest runningsyndicated show in history.

Don Cornelius is survived by two sons, Anthony and Raymond.

Condolences to his family. Love, peace, & sooooooooul!

Photo courtesy of bvnewswire.com

The Real D. Jackson

2012-01-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

“If youdon’t understand what making love is, I create the music that helps you findout.”

Look out ladies & gents! D. Jackson is coming to a bedroom near you! Okay, not literally, but this Cleveland, Ohionative is nothing to sleep on. Amultitalented young man, Drake (better known as D. Jackson), has proved himselfin more ways than one. With his YoungFly & Flashy team behind him he is sure to kick the door to the game down.

Who isDrake Jackson?

“Well, there's a difference betweenDrake Jackson and D. Jackson; Drake is the personality behind D. Jackson. He iswhere D. Jackson pulls his emotion. He's a lot more shy and laid back than D.Jackson is as well.”

Howdid you get into music?

“I honestly don't remember. I'vebeen around music for as long as I can remember. My Granddad was a composer anda pastor so it's pretty much in my blood. Music has always been the friend andlover I've always leaned on.”

Tellme about your music. What is your sound? What are you bringing tothe industry?

“My music is a mixture of manydifferent sounds and genres. My sound is like an old school futuristic sound.Like topics the Isley Brothers would speak on mixed with the music maybe R. Kelly or Rico Love would produce. And that's only the beginning of my sound. I’malso a fan of Texas music so you hear a little bit of that style as well. Onething I definitely bring "back" to the industry is love. We've grownso far away from being in love or understanding what it feels like. Everythingnowadays is about sex sex sex. That's cool and all but let’s talk about thelove that should lead up to sex. If you don't understand what making love is, Icreate the music that helps you find out.”

Whatinspires you to write your own music?

“Anything from the way the windfeels when it blows against my skin to a serious heartbreak from the love of mylife. Music to me is easy. Nobody can tell my story or experiences like me, soit inspires me to do so.”

Yourecently did a show, how does it feel when you hit the stage?

“Yes, I did a show out in Tampa, FL.It's like an out-of-body experience to me. I become the artist, the emotion, andthe experience when I'm performing. It's funny to me because as soon as I leavethe stage I turn into regular old Drake all over again.”

Drake began laughing in spite of himself

Whatis your favorite part of performing?

“When people enjoy what they see andhear. When I hear the screams or see the smiles or heart felt facialexpressions. Really, when I finish and people run up to me and ask for CDs,autographs, and pictures. That really does it for me! It feels good.”

Do youthink you're a sex symbol? I'm sure the ladies love D. Jackson!

Drake laughs shyly

“I never looked at myself as this"sex symbol" until recently. But yeah, I think I'm the sh*t. No, but for real I think that women love art,they love a man who can sing and make they're hearts feel what he is singingabout. They love that kind of attention and that's what I give them. I say thethings in my music that they wish a man would say to them. That's what makes mea "sex symbol".... And to top it off, I’m kinda good looking.”

He goes from straight face to laughing aloud

Whowould you like to work with in the music game?

“There's such a long list. But offbat I would love to work with new comers in the game or under rated artistssuch as Jhene Aiko or Dom Kennedy. I listen to a lot of West Coast music.”

Youjust released a project, "Bedroom Melodies." What's the story behindthat?

“Bedroom Melodies is my 1^stEP. It's really like a sneak peak ofwhat my album will be like. It was just a little something to leave a taste ofwhat I sound like in people's ears. It's definitely something you can get the lovein your bedroom poppin’ with!”

How doyou spend your time outside of the studio?

“To be honest, my mind is on aconstant work clock. I'm always thinking of new song ideas. But I love rollerskating, bowling, and I'm really big on go-kart racing. I'm the champ when itcomes to that! Anybody that wants it, come see me!”

Do youhave any other things going on? Any outside ventures?

“I have analbum dropping on February 22^nd, which is my birthday, titled ‘Room222’. This album will definitely be a must listen. There's something on it foreverybody! I'm always doing collabs. I'm shooting about 3 videos that arecoming out really soon. I'm working, working, and working. Not much sleep goingon with D. Jackson. Anyone can check out my music and videos on my website.”

Photo compliments of Drake Jackson

whY Fame?

2012-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

“When you ask me ‘YFame?’ I’ll tell you thatthe MUSIC is the answer. The musicspeaks for itself.”

Born in Philadelphia now residing in New Jersey,YFame (also known as “Famey” or “Famey Miscellaney”) is the quintessentialindependent artist. The emcee,songwriter, music producer, and graphic designer puts everything into hismusic. Complete with original beats and catchy hooks, YFame’s honest lyricsresonate with anyone who has ever felt like a Somebody-Ish Nobody. Don’t mistake him for an average urbanrapper! He makes it clear that he is no“gangster” and refrains from rhyming about the clichéd materialistic,hypersexual, and violent topics often found in mainstream rap. With a repertoire of R&B, Soul, and Popsounds, and a huge heart for the arts and community, this self-made artist hasa style all his own.

Since the tender age of ten, music has played alarge role in his life. The versatilerising star has put more into his grind with the inspiration his father leftwith him after his death in 2009. Nowhis life is his music.

Howdid you get started in music?

“It's always been an interest ofmine since I was little. At the age of 3 my favorite group was Kris Kross. Inthe summer of 2001 (Age 11) I wrote my first rap. It was a 16 bar verse. Shortlyafter, my mom went and bought me my first "ZOOM" dumbox. I beganmaking beats. Christmas 2002 I received DJ equipment, so DJ'ing came into thepicture. I enjoyed it but it came to an end in 2004. Music production hasalways been my passion since that faithful summer. I made my first song in '01and I’ve been addicted ever since.”

Why"YFame?" Where did it come from? What does it mean?

“Well "Fame" was just oneof those teenage nicknames. I gave it to myself in 2003. A year later it became"Young Fame". Around the time when everybody was putting"Young" or "Lil" in front of their names, I realized the"Young" was played out. So I got the idea of removing the"oung" and keeping the "Y" and "Fame", and makingit a question. So when you ask me "YFame?" I’ll tell you that theMUSIC is the answer. The MUSIC speaks for itself.”

Whenyour audience hears "YFame" or your music what feelings do you wantto evoke?

“Music wise, every feeling emotionpossible. I simply want to connect with everybody. I have music for everyone.Some record executives will say that NO artist has music for EVERYBODY. I thinkthat's a false statement, because I do. I have angry music, sad music, happymusic, music for lovers, music for Hip-Hop heads, music for go-getters, musicfor thinkers, music for wounded hearts, so on and so forth. I'm out to capture everyone’sear.”

It’sclear that you have been blessed with many talents. How do you apply them to your craft?

“Well ofcourse I use my writing and wording skills. I also incorporate a lot ofcommunication skills. I have a very good sense of timing. I'm very good when itcomes to channeling emotions within myself for a particular song I’m workingon. I have no problem with re-living a bad experience in my head, for the sakeof a good song. A main reason for that being, I know that someone out thereprobably went, or is going through the same thing.”

Howmuch time do you spend on your craft?

“My LIFEis music, so there's not a day where I’m not creating. I'm always writing an ideain my memos, or recording a potential melody for a song in my phone. There havebeen times where I stayed up for 3 days straight just to perfect one song. Themore time you spend on your craft, the greater the reward.”

Whatare you currently working on?

“As ofright now I’m working on a mixtape with Jerry Wonda, the Grammy award winningproducer, which doesn’t have a title yet. I'm just recording and selecting thesongs for it. I'm also in the process of shooting videos that everybody willsee soon. I'm excited about those. Other than that I’m doing a bunch of shows,blogging and building my brand.”

Tellme about 'Miscellaney'. How did it come about?

“Miscellaneyis an organization / music group which consists of artists, music producers,songwriters, graphic designers, poets, talented speakers, etc. Our goal is toopen people's eyes and ears to a greater experience of music and art. I justwanted a place to house all of the talent and talented people I knew. I felt asthough the talent should be heard, or seen. We are jacks-of-all-trades and donot have to exit our circle for anything, for we are fluent in several fields.We are also out to serve our community, to motivate, to inspire and show theworld that there is way more to life then just "getting by." It'sabout doing what you love to do before you leave this earth.”

Whatdoes "Miscellaney" mean?

"'Miscellaney' is a slang twist on the word miscellaneous; Having various qualities, aspects,or subjects. Consisting of members or elements of different kinds; of mixedcharacter. Jacks-of-all-trades.”

Howdid you and all the members get into partnership?

“This isone of the most important things about Miscellaney. We are all friends. We allcame together through friendship, through walks of life. That is why our bondand chemistry is so strong. I always say, "The formula for a long-lastinggroup of artists is good music, goals, and friendship”. We have all three.”

Who are the members and what are their roles in 'Miscellaney?'

Emperor Guz - Vice President, songwriter, graphic designer.

Jo'von St. Cloud - Dance/Pop singer, songwriter

Kevin Poison - R&B/Pop singer, songwriter

MXL - Music producer

J-TABB - Music producer

Tos - Rap artist, songwriter

Lu Torres - Computer Tech

Whomanages you? Do you do it all yourself?

“Though Idon't have a manager set in stone, I don't do it all by myself. My good friendLu Torres and the rest of Miscellaney help me with a lot of things. From emails/ email blasts, to finding shows, to making phone calls, to contacting blogs,everybody's a big help. Another big help is Jerry Wonda and the Wonda Musicteam. When I reach that status of a "well known" artist, these peoplewill be behind it.”

Whatadvice do you have for other independent artists?

“StayHUMBLE, stay HUNGRY, and NEVER give up. Believe in yourself, or else nobody willbelieve in you. Work hard at your craft. Put blood, sweat and tears into whatyou love to do, and everything will be worth it. Don't just dream it, pushpeople out the way, and MAKE it happen. Control YOUR destiny.”

Tim Burton Has Topliner in Mind For Live Action Pinocchio

2012-01-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

One of my favoritecreative minds, Tim Burton, is getting serious about tackling a live actionversion of Pinocchio which was first published in an Italian children's book byCarlo Collodi. This version of the classic tale is being developed withWarner Bros.

Burton’s topline choice to play Geppetto is none other than Robert Downey, Jr.

Being the brilliant mind he is I am sure the vision he has for Downy and the live action film will be just as amazing as his work with Alice and Wonderland among his other achievements.

Downy nor Burtonhave deals with Warners but sources say Tim Burton is keen on directing thefilm and has begun talks with the studio. The question at hand is will Pinocchio be his next film? He has his eye on an adaptation of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children at Fox among other projects.

In this version ofPinocchio, written by Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), Geppetto ventures off toreunite with his missing marionette. DanJinks (American Beauty) is producing.

Tim Burton isrepped by William Morris Endeavor (WME) and Ziffren Brittenham. Downey is repped by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Hansen Jacobson.

Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

'The Voice' Has New Advisors!

2012-01-07T01:33:00.000-08:00

NBC's 'The Voice'has sealed the deal by adding eight amazing new advisors to its roster. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Robin Thicke, andKelly Clarkson among five others will be joining coaches Christina Aguilera, AdamLevine, Cee-Lo Green, and Black Shelton during Season 2 of the singing competitionseries.

It was reportedthat each of the coaches brought in a pair of advisors. Shelton with his wife Miranda Lambert andKelly Clarkson, Adam Levine will be paired with Alanis Morissette and RobinThicke, Christina’s team will consist of Jewel and Lionel Richie, and Cee-Lo’steam features Edmonds and Ne-Yo.

Season 2 of ‘The Voice’ will premiere in the post-Super Bowl time slot Sunday, February 5 at 10p.m. and will return to its regular time the following Monday, February 6 at 8p.m.

Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Motown Philly Back Again! Boyz II Men 1st on Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2012

2012-01-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

The iconic, talented, and influential group received one of the most distinct honors any entertainer can dream of!
Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Michael Sean McCary (no longer with the group), and Shawn Stockman were the first to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. The group broke records that belonged to Elvis Presley and were named the most successful musical act of the 90's.

The ceremony included producers Michael Bivins, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis.

PAY HOMAGE!

EXCLUSIVE: Yucaipa Aquires AGI

2012-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

“We’re all looking forward to the next several years together.”

-Dennis Arfa, CEO

Yucaipa Companies’newly formed music and entertainment vehicle, Y Entertainment Group LLC hasacquired the leading music booking agency Artist Group International(AGI). AGI’s client list includes LinkinPark, Motley Crue, Metallica, and Hollywood Dead among others. The announcement was first reported byDeadline New York.

Dennis Arfa foundedAGI 25 years ago and will continue to spearhead the agency as CEO. AGI is rated among the top five musicagencies in the business according to Billboard Boxscore and has been and hasbeen up for the Billboard Touring Awards Top Agency award several times.

According to Arfathe entire New York based AGI staff will remain intact and will continue to runindependently under the new found ownership. He declined to divulge the sale price to Billboard.biz.

Rick Stevens,longtime entertainment, management executive and investment banking CEO, willhead Y Entertainment Group LLC.

What will theirstrategy be under their new ownership? Let’s see what the future holds.

Kristopher Crayton: Artist Manager Nya Head

2012-01-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Sleep G (L) Kristopher Crayton (R)

“Itwas my outlet from everything I dealt with and it slowly became a hobby thatgrew into so much more. I fell in lovewith it from that moment on.”

Kristopher Crayton a native of Indianapolis, Indiana who now resides in Central Florida isthe Co-Founder and CEO of Nya Head Entertainment. A Mass Communications student of the greatBethune-Cookman University who studies Broadcast Production Technology thisyoung man is no stranger to the entertainment and media industries.

Beginning hislove for music in his adolescent years he began playing various instruments andat the tender age of eight years old he began writing songs as a hobby.

What do you do as an artist manager?

“As an artistmanager I'm constantly working and networking with club promoters, A&Rs,and DJs. The team I have right now is just a handful of people therefore I wearmultiple hats. I play the producer roleas well. Every day I'm working to findnew avenues and different ways to promote my artist, Sleep G’s, brand of music.”

How do you feel about your role as manager?

“I love it! I'm actually a person that loves all fascistsof the music industry, from the production of the music to planning thepromotion and the execution of the plan. I'm in love with the day-to-day grindand the hard work that goes into it. I couldn't see myself doing anything elsein this world. This has been my dream since I was eight years old. How many people can say that? I just love it.

I really feelthat my artist Sleep G has the potential to make it. I love to see some one come into their ownwith their music and voice their opinion or tell their story and just grow andmature as time goes by.”

Where do you see your role as artist managertaking you?

“I see it openingup doors to a lot of things. Music is my passion and the foundation to a biggerpicture that I want to accomplish. I believe that as long as I can stay focusedand stay on my grind I can go very far.”

Well, there youhave it folks! I have had the pleasureof knowing this young man and having the honor of calling him a dearfriend. I know he will do great thingsin the future.