Talent You Should Know Podcast

 I am so excited to start off season 2 with  #IAMCJ (@iamcjmusic).  To me, she is part of what this platform is all about.  Talented, unique and up and a force.  I discovered her music through none other than Richard Murphy and was immediately transported into a different world of beautiful arrangements, unique harmonies, unexpected notes and all from one source.  IAMCJ writes and produces in a way where she commands the performance.  I was excited to learn about her journey, her process and the way her faith has played a part in it all.  With a new Album coming with the first single "R&B Meets Scripture" out now, this is an artist you want to get familiar with.  Welcome, to Season 2 of Talent You Should Know

While coming into music may have been an "accident" , there is no question that it is his purpose.  Fresh off of releasing their new single "Holy Water" from their upcoming EP KL.Z (@kl.zmusic) is a duo that will give you vibes of Phil Collins and Maroon 5 but with a fresh distinction that makes them oh so unique.  I sat down with one half of the (now) duo and discussed the beginning, the process and hope for the future with this young man and I have no doubt that longevity is part of that road.  Take a listen and make sure that they are in your rotation.

Lucky Church - Global Liaison and Dir. of Client Relations at Mungo Creative Group... really needs  no introduction but I am privileged to have the opportunity to do so.   Working with the likes of Billy Porter, Fat Joe, Nike, Wu-Tang Clan,  BET, Universal Records, DJ Khaled and many others he is the go to "super-connector" behind the scenes.  From humble beginnings,  working his way up through the industry as an artist and slowly honing his talents as a manager and eventually becoming the publicist to be reckoned with - he is one of the most genuine and intelligent people I've had the pleasure of speaking with.  So much so - there were moments during our interview (and research) that I had to take a pause... and exhale.  With such insight as "Don't pray for what you're not willing to maintain" and taking the time to " Understand the path from Pain to glory" - he is teaching everyone to show up for yourself before anyone else.  But while doing all of these things - he has remained humbled, been a part of some of the most creative campaigns and guided some of the most influential creatives we know - while being one himself.  Come on this journey with me... and I guarantee you will take away much more than you expected but all that you needed and more.

Dasmyn "Daz" Grigsby, an Atlanta, GA native, is a Grammy Award winning musician, professional percussionist, drummer, producer and clinician. As an experienced performer in traditional style marching percussion and orchestral percussion, Dasmyn brings a high level of creativity, energy, and enthusiasm to every performance.  Performing for the likes of Beyonce (Homecoming), Ciara (Dose), Doug E Fresh and scoring an award winning film he is one of the most talented people I have had the pleasure of speaking with.  He took a step out on faith from his corporate job and from there it was not long before he was on stage at Coachella and started his own company Xclusive Percussion (xculsivepercussion.com) helping kids learn percussion instruments and performing at events. Now performing on the drumline for Atlanta Braves, Hawks and United he is continually honing his craft.  Take a listen as we go from start to present and see why we can't wait for more!

Camille Evans began her career in brand marketing and entertainment 20+ years ago with a repertoire that has included tenure at Sony Records, Noise Marketing, Jive Records, Arista Records, Universal Motown, Roc Nation Records and currently as EVP Media & Brand Communications at Cinematic Music Group. Camille oversaw the marketing and promotion of various releases including legendary hip hop icons Cypress Hill, Mystikal’s breakthrough CD “Let’s Get Ready”, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 Chart, Outkast’s “Greatest Hits”, Toni Braxton, Sarah McLachlan, Bowling For Soup, Petey Pablo’s debut platinum CD, Casanova, Jaden Smith, Lil Wayne, Yungeen Ace, Luh Kel, Abby Jasmine, and Smoke Dza to name a few. I was humbled, inspired and grateful for this interview...

Hailing from Bedstuy Brooklyn - @takeoverinc artist @keemapatra has been surrounded but everything you can imagine that she took to infuse in her music.  While we understand that some of the most influential hiphop artists have come from Brooklyn, the message is - they still are.  With her unique flow, ever changing style and sincere lyricism there is something not only enchanting about Keema but undeniably genuine and relatable in a way that makes you want to hear and know more.  I was really inspired by her music and felt genuinely happy just to be talking to her.  She has a presence and a gift that will grow faster than even I think she knows.  Tune in and get to see Keema Patra Shine... 

Tanya Kersey is passionate about showing aspiring, beginning and seasoned filmmakers how to master the business of successful moviemaking so they can share their vision with the world! While being widely known as The Filmmaker’s Success Mentor, Tanya is proba­bly best known as the Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) which she launched in 1998. Through the film festival, Tanya has helped discover and launch the careers of nearly 1,000 independent filmmakers from over 25 countries around the world!

Ghanaian native and Denver local Mawule (which means only God knows) is  not just a singer and songwriter but a producer and educator.  He has made it a point to not only educate in the school but through his music covering difficult topics that hit home.  He touches on subjects that call for acknowledgement, understanding and a path to healing.  While creating his own path he is guiding other musicians to accomplish their dreams.  Quoted as saying “Music was always my outlet and my form of healing, but I wrote more as empowerment for others. I knew that I wasn’t alone..."  He has definitely touched people through his music but also even with a brief interaction. All the while having a calm and laid back demeanor... he is creating a powerful movement with his music

Jenelle has traveled the world sing and acting and still there's more to come.  Starting off as a young girl in dance and singing classes - she's always known what she was destined to do - perform.  From Off Broadway and performing in Japan to guest appearances and voice over work on well known shows she is on a path to even more success.  In this conversation we discussed the highs and lows in the acting world, following your dream and what happens when you put fear behind you.  This... was a different kind of interview - and I am thankful to Jenelle for sharing this space and her story with us.