Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2012

B.A. Communications - Media Production: Radio, Television, & Film.

Honors

Order of the Golden Fleece Honor Society

Town of Chapel Hill Hometown Hero Award 2021

Relevant Experience

BUSINESS

Director, Arts & Culture

Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership June 2020 - Jan 2022

Responsible for facilitating, planning and execution of all art and music related events and installations in Downtown Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Created the “Save the Music” Outdoor Concert Series, featuring 4 to 5 bands performing live every weekend during the pandemic. Co Planned the 2021 “Juneteenth”Celebration, curated and executive produced “We Rise As Allies” for the TRACKS music program via Chapel Hill Library. The project featured the best local musicians from the greater Raleigh - Durham area. Helped redesign the official Chapel Hill town logos to be reintroduced this Summer.

NXTNOW LLC Co-Founder, Creative Director, VP

UNC LAUNCH Innovation Incubator Feb 2021 -

Co-founded and created NXTNOW, a new music based social media platform. Designed to connect independent artists, music lovers and brands at the intersection of discovery, commerce, and creativity. Functioning as a Linked In for musicians, our app based platform is here to put the power of the music industry into the palm of your hands. Created in Feb 2021, we entered, evolved and graduated from the UNC LAUNCH Innovation Incubator in Sept 2021. We are currently continuing development, with primary focus on the MVP version of our prototype to be launched in Beta mode soon.

Co - Owner, Founder

VibeHouse405 Studios

March 2017 - March 2020

Owned and operated the critically acclaimed VibeHouse405 Studios, a 2 story 2,000 sq. ft. creative hub dedicated to the creation of music, art and media. Featured a fully operational recording studio and art gallery. Hosted events and exhibitions for local creatives. Maintained 2 locations, one located in Downtown Chapel Hill and one in Downtown Durham up until the pandemic.

Co- Owner, Booking Agent, Marketing

LOCAL 506 MUSIC VENUE & BAR February 2019 - January 2020

Co-owned and operated, Local 506, the legendary music venue located at 506 W. Franklin St. Was responsible for booking, marketing and promotion of the club as well as all hip -hop related events.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Board Member

MUSICAL EMPOWERMENT

Mar 2018 - Mar 2019

Proudly served on the Board of Musical Empowerment, a 501c non profit dedicated to changing the lives of youth through music and mentorship. The organization especially focuses on students who need support due to financial and family related hardship, helping build confidence and providing positive reinforcement toward reaching their goals.

Board Member

ORANGE COUNTY ECONOMIC ADVISORY BOARD

Mar 2021 - Jan 2022

Served on the Orange County Economic Advisory Board, helping curate and distribute grants and funding for entrepreneurs and businesses in need in Orange County North Carolina.

Co-Founder, Board Member

Chapel Hill- Carrboro Chamber of Commerce

BLACK BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Mar 2021 - Present

Proudly helped establish the first ever Chapel Hill Carrboro Black Business Alliance, to serve and represent the interests of black entrepreneurship and advancement in the Chapel Hill - Carrboro business community. Designed the logo.

TV & RADIO

Executive Producer/Co-Creator/Host

“HIP HOP NATION” NBC Television Series 2001-2003

As an employee of media company Zoomculture, Inc. I was responsible for the creation, script writing, on-air hosting, voice overs, editing and executive production of the weekly television series “Hip Hop Nation” sponsored byUniversal Records. The show featured the latest in interviews, performances, lifestyle and culture with today’s most popular artists. The show began at NBC-17 Raleigh, and expanded to 8 other NBC affiliates, and then an additional 150 cities via national syndication with the African Heritage Network.

Executive Producer/Creator/Host /Editor

“VIDEO BOOMBOX” Television Series 2011-2012

Responsible for the creation, production, editing, voice overs and hosting of the weekly television series “Video Boombox.” The show features music videos, performances and interviews with North Carolina’s best up and coming talent. The show aired on public access in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte.

Host/Entertainment Contributor NBC17 “MY CAROLINA TODAY”

MORNING SHOW 2014 - 2016

On Air Entertainment Host for the Emmy Nominated NBC17 Raleigh - Durham “My Carolina Today” Morning Show. Responsible for providing all information on upcoming music and events in the state.

Indy Weekly Magazine TV

Personality of the Year Nominee 2016.

Production/ On Air

K97.5 FM Raleigh - Durham

May - Dec 2012

Produced, edited and performed voice over work for commercials and ads airing on Raleigh Durhams #1 Hip-hop station.

Executive Producer/Creator/Co-Host

“INTELLIGENTLY RATCHET” Facebook Live/Podcast Show

2017 - 2020

Creator of Intelligently Ratchet, a Raleigh-Durham based Facebook Live show covering politics, news, music, and pop culture for the hip-hop generation.

Averaged a 1.5k weekly viewership, with as many as 7k live in one episode.

3x nominee for “Podcast of the Year" by Independent Weekly Entertainment

Magazine.

Executive Producer/Creator/Host

“INSIDE VOICES” Radio Talk Show WCHL 97.9 FM

June 2020 - Sept 2021

Created and hosted “Inside Voices” an informative hour - long talk show dedicated to topics, stories, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, inequality, social justice and entrepreneurism for BIPOC. Featured special guests and served as a platform for the community. Contributed to WCHL 97.9 FM winning North Carolina News Station of the Year 2020 - 2021.

Creator/Writer/Producer

“Urban Survival Tip” So-So Def’s “BALL ABOVE ALL” DVD 2001

Creator, writer, producer, editor and voice over talent for the “Urban Survival Tip. segment featured on So-So Def’s platinum selling, “Ball Above All” DVD executive produced by Jermaine Dupri.

MUSIC

Founder, Hip-Hop Nation UNC- Chapel Hill 1996

Created the student organization dedicated to the performance and expression of hip-hop art, music, and culture on the campus of UNC- Chapel Hill. This platform provided an outlet for student artist shows, established an on campus studio, and the development of music and entertainment skills.

Recording Artist/Founder, SOUL DOJO RECORDS 2003

Chapel Hill based Independent record label. Released KAZE “Spirit of ’94” LP, KAZE “Enemy of the State” mixtape, the critically acclaimed KAZE “Spirit of ’94 9.0” LP produced by 9th Wonder, and the KAZE “Word on The Street” mixtape.

Recording Artist, Rawkus Records 2007 - 2009

Signed to the label made famous by artists such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Pharoahe Monch. Released the KAZE “Block 2the Basement” LP

Recording Artist, SRC Universal/Motown Records

2009 - 2011

Recording Artist (hip-hop) Signed by Steve Rifkind, the person responsible for signing Wu Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Big Pun, Dead Prez, and Akon. Released KAZE & DJ Whoo Kid “First In Flight” mixtape.

Recording Artist/ Founder, Sound of the Culture/VibeHouse

2007- present

My SESAC based writing and publishing company. Released KAZE “Jersey In The Rafters” LP, and 2012‘s KAZE “Black Kennedy” mixtape. “A Thousand Shades of Black” 2020.

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

1998 - present

I have performed and/or toured with Ghostface Killah , GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Redman, Dj Premier, Pete Rock, Little Brother, Keith Murray, KRS-One, Nas, Common, De La Soul, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Ludacris, Fabolous, The Clipse, Royce the 5'9", Souls of Mischief, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Nappy Roots, and more. I have performed for big crowds at such events as UNC Homecoming (2x), CMJ in NYC (4x), SXSW in Austin (2x), A3C in Atlanta (6x), Scribble Jam in Cincinnati, Rocksteady Crew Anniversary in NYC (2x), Hip-Hop Memorial Day Weekend in Miami, most recently the 2013 UNC ConvergeNC Music Festival, and co-headlined the 2013 Durham Hip Hop Summit.

Toured in Europe 4 times, performed in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic @ Hip Hop Kemp International Music Festival.

5X MC Battle Champion.

HOSTING

Owner/Host/Creator

“MICROPHONE MONDAY”

@ Local 506 (2003-2005)

“SUNDAY NIGHT SESSIONS”

@ Jack Sprat (2010-2011)

Creator and host of two of the Triangle’s longest running weekly Hip-Hop/R&B talent showcases, featuring talent the likes of J.Cole, and 9th Wonder.

Host, RED BULL “THREESTYLE”

DJ COMPETITION 2011

Selected to host the Red Bull Threestyle DJ Competition in Charlotte, a battle between 8 DJs for a chance to compete in the National final.

Host, ART OF COOL FESTIVAL EVENT w/ JUST BLAZE 2017

Selected to host The Art of Cool Festival Afterparty for over 2,000 patrons @ Durham Armory with legendary DJ/producer Just Blaze. Just Blaze has worked with the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Beyonce’.

Host, “WILMINGTON ON FIRE” Movie Premiere 2017

Hosted the area premiere of the critically acclaimed/award winning documentary “Wilmington On Fire” produced by Speller Street Films/Full Frame Film Festival’s Christopher Everett @ Cats Cradle.

Host, BEN AND JERRY’S “CLIMATE FOR CHANGE” EVENT 2016

Hosted a social awareness/petition drive event for Ben and Jerry’s at Cat’s Cradle, and provided marketing and promotion for their new “Brown Salted Caramel” flavor.

ACTING

Supporting Male Role “Ricky”

HYPE : SEASON ONE

February 2018

Dir : Holland Gallagher

Durham, NC

A 5 episode streaming series. I played the Supporting character “Ricky”, the manipulative manager of the male lead rapper.

Lead Male Role “Michael”

A SUCH THING AS TOO LATE

April 2022

Dir : David Williamson

Greensboro, NC

A 35 minute short dramatic film, I play the Male Lead role “Michael Thompson”, an abusive investment banker with a dark past.

Supporting Male Role “Sir”

T

May 2022

Dir : Jermaine Jackson

Washington, DC

A short film based upon the life of the DC Sniper. I play the Supporting character “Sir”, the militant father of the male lead, radicalizing his son to dohis bidding.

Supporting Male Role “Tyson” MANIFESTED BLISS

April 2022

Dir : Naomi Bonman

Atlanta, GA

A full length dramatic film, I play the Supporting character “Tyson”, the married boyfriend of the female lead character.

Lead Male Role “Mr. Abigor” BETWEEN THE BLACK KEYS

April 2022

Dir : Aaron Brewer

Nashville, TN

In a future where emotions are illegal, Mr. Abigor must awaken the minds of as many people as he can in a mind controlled dystopian future.

Lead Male Role “Dante Williams” COLLATERAL INTEREST TV SERIES

March 2023

Dir : Yaw Agyapong

Miami, FL/Los Angeles, CA

Dante gets in trouble with the cartel, and ends up owing them $18 million dollars. They take his little brother for ransom until they get the money.

Lead Male Role “Jason Patten” REBORN DREAMS

October 2023

Dir : Andres DiBona

Miami, FL

Retired Special Forces Jason Patten is pulled into a conflict between the corrupt oil tycoon who runs the town, and a group of tech saavy kids determined to expose the truth.

Lead Male Role “Jeff”

THE LAST PATIENT

November 2023

Dir : Yaw Agyapong

Hartford, CT

I play the role of Jeff, an abusive alcoholic father must confront his inner demons before they destroy him and his family.

Lead Male Role “Mr. Dice”

486 : THE SERIES

January 2024

Dir : Logan Furtej, Jared Hoffa

Los Angeles, CA

Mr. Dice controls the 100 floor tower that contestants must climb in order to win in a futuristic game of life or death.

Lead Male Role “Kenny”

WHEN YOU HEAR LOVE TALKING

Februrary 2024

Dir : Carrah Faircloth

Wilmington, NC

In an already difficult relationship, Kenny tries to get his wife to return to her normal self after the devastation of losing a child.

Lead Male Role “Agent Noah Hawke” SHADOW UNIT TV SERIES

May 2024 -

Dir : Alissa Knight

Las Vegas, NV

In 2053, I play Agent Noah Hawke, a federal agent determined to help bring down the five families that control the cybercrime underworld.