Black History Month is a time of reflection. We honor those who came before us and sacrificed to open doors for future generations. Yet, as we look back, we also gain a greater appreciation of those who are still pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for themselves. For this year’s Black History Month, Yellowbrick highlights black student success stories in entrepreneurship. In this installment, we’re looking at a few of our Music Industry Essentials graduates making their own lanes in the music industry.
Jaelin Phillips
Company: No Rivals
No Rivals started as a sustainable streetwear brand for modern creatives. In 2018, Phillips expanded on his vision and started No Rivals Records. Dubbed the anti-label record label, No Rivals Records provides the services of a traditional record deal without the constraints of a contract. Instead, the label puts music first, allowing artists to retain full creative control and ownership of their work.
Follow No Rivals on Instagram @NoRivalsShoP.
Derrick Mckinney
Company: L.O.U.D. Muzik
“I wanted to become a better CEO for my label,” explained Derrick Mckinney when asked why he chose to enroll in Music Industry Essentials. His company, L.O.U.D. Muzik (which stands for Living Out Ur Dreams) is more than just a record label. It’s a full-service entertainment firm providing artist management, publishing, live show production, and A&R. Mckinney has also tapped into sports marketing and management. Still, music remains the key focus of L.O.U.D. Musik. “I’ve been able to use some of the information I learned in Music Industry Essentials to make adjustments on release strategies. I’ve also been able to share knowledge with my artists when it comes to their live shows.”
Follow L.O.U.D. Musik on Instagram @officialloud.
Charles Taylor, a.k.a DJ Chase
Company: Worldwide Soundz Records
DJ Chase wears many hats. He’s an award-winning DJ, musician, podcast host, and founder and CEO of Worldwide Soundz Records. His label provides production, publishing, label services, and sync licensing for independent artists. In addition, DJ Chase is a voice for all indie artists — his Spotify playlist, DJ Chase Radio, is a source for up-and-coming new artists in hip-hop.
Follow Worldwide Soundz Records on Instagram @worldwidesoundzrecords.
Isaiha Fields
Company: Time Inc Agency
Isaiha Fields started Time Inc Agency, a full-service talent agency, in 2019. He enrolled in Music Industry Essentials to become a more well-rounded entrepreneur. “I wanted to increase my knowledge, skill set, and credibility,” said Fields. His hard work has paid off as Time Inc Agency grows, adding divisions in podcasting and eSports. Fields attributes part of that success to his time as a Yellowbrick student, “I was able to gain industry insight from successful professionals with experience. As a result, I’ve been better able to explain certain processes with my clients.“
Follow Time Inc Agency on Instagram @timeincagency.
Rew Retro
Company: Syrve Records
Retro Rew is a Music Industry Essentials graduate and entrepreneur. As a producer and artist, he started Syrve Records to release his own material. Retro Rew has also expanded into streetwear with the launch of Syrve Styles.
Follow Rew Retro on Instagram @retrorewofficial.
For more information on careers and other opportunities in the music industry, download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Music Career Guide.
Read more about students who have taken a Yellowbrick course and how they applied it to form their own success stories.
