Music Industry
From Songwriter to A&R: Adam Ikner’s Purpose-Driven Career
Adam Ikner's career trajectory isn’t a typical climb—it’s a deep-rooted, almost tribal journey. From the age of 13, while most of his peers were...
Joshua “J1” Raiford: Redefining Music Programming in the Streaming Era
Joshua "J1" Raiford has emerged as a pivotal force in the evolution of Black music programming within the streaming landscape. From his beginnings as...
SKYSCRAPERS: Keke Palmer: Redefining Stardom with Entrepreneurial Vision
From her earliest days on screen to her current powerhouse status, Keke Palmer—born Lauren Keyana Palmer—has never been content to fit anyone’s mold. Once...
From Velvet Hammer to Sony: Clark Adler’s A&R Story
Clark Adler's journey through the music industry is a story of resilience, relationships, and unwavering passion. From his humble beginnings at Velvet Hammer, where...
Championing New Voices: Brett Dismuke and the Future of Black TV
Brett Dismuke is a seasoned entertainment executive and producer with over 30 years of experience spanning marketing, content production, distribution, and leadership in the...
Da’Shawn Vinson: The A&R Exec Who Puts Relationships First
Da’Shawn Vinson’s journey through the world of music is anything but conventional. From burning mixtapes in Seattle to making waves as the go-to A&R...
How Ari Gelaw Elevates Black Creatives in the Music Industry
In an industry often consumed by the rush for the next big deal, Ari Gelaw is a refreshing reminder that success and purpose can...
From Hustle to Legacy: Jamin Whatley’s Impact on Hip-Hop
In the rhythm of Black Music Month, I had the chance to sit down with Jamin Whatley, a confident yet humble force at Sony...
From Philly to LA: Lauren Munroe’s Inspiring Path to Music Success
Lauren Munroe’s story is a journey shaped by grit, resilience, and an unshakable love for music. From singing in the church pews of Philadelphia...
