LIAP Black Music Month

Established by former President, Jimmy Carter, June is dedicated to commemorating the contributions and appreciation of African-American Music in the United States. Join us, as we celebrate these African-American Music Icons.

Deuce Tyrell, a Rocky Mount, NC native is a Producer, Rapper, and Engineer. As a teen, Deuce started producing and rapping recording himself, and built up his buzz in Rocky Mount, NC, and soon all of North Carolina and Atlanta GA.

After high school, Deuce attended Elizabeth City State University where he was a radio personality and videographer through college. Post-graduation, Deuce focused on mixtapes and music showcases. Soon after he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the Art Institute for production and engineering. After that, he released the single “Wright Won” which Quickly Garnered notoriety streams.

He finished His latest EP “For The clout” featuring his band “NEW BAND ON THE BLOCK” at Patchwerk Studios in Atlanta GA. Deuce Tyrell has produced from the likes of Carolina favorites such as Lillian Blanche, Teia Elaine, JooseLord, and Nun Afterhours all the way to the likes of Young LA.

Deuce also serves as director and lead producer of 4phones Ent. View his latest project, “Fandemic” today!

​Raised in a small town in North Carolina, Kim Person’s grandparents knew she was destined to make a difference in the music industry. From the age of 2, they set her on a cement block and let her minister to crowds in song. She quickly became known as, "the little girl with the big voice".

Kim Person is a Billboard-charting award-winning artist. 5-time Stellar Award nominee for New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year. She's a 4-Time Apollo Award Winner, 3-time NC-Gospel Announcers Guild Female Vocalist of the Year, a Shirley Caesar Music Outreach Award recipient and Rhythm of Gospel Artist, and CD of the Year recipient.

Kim is an entrepreneur, praise and worship leader, singer, songwriter, wife, and mother who loves God and loves people.

 Applauded for her vocal range, melodic sensitivity, and ability to evoke the presence of God through music, she is making tremendous strides in touching the hearts of many who need a WORD FROM THE LORD! Find out more about Kim’s latest project, “Wonderful” and get connected at kimpersontheartist.com!

Born and raised in Clinton Hills, Brooklyn, N.Y., Eternal The M.C knew he had a message to deliver to the world. He began to really work on his craft while studying psychology at Shaw University in North Carolina. His industry influences include both local and national hip-hop artists like Rakim, Jay-Z, Biggie, Yasiin Bey [Mos Def], Jeezy, Skyzoo, and Kendrick Lamar. When he realized his passion, he became serious about picking a stage name.

He noticed people gravitated toward his music and his words. “I thought long and hard of a name to exemplify how far I’ve come and where I plan to go, hence Eternal was born. I proclaimed myself Eternal because I want to live forever through my body of work.” He aspires to make music to cause conversation and touch people’s souls. “I want my music to be able to invoke change for the better. I want my music to connect to the greatness in every person."

Throughout his 10+ years of experience, he has toured with Justus League Co-Founder Cesar Comanche, curated my own tour, performed alongside Casual of the Hieroglyphics and Stalley [formerly of Maybach Music Group], and has lectured at North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Raleigh Boys and Girls Club of Durham. 

Find out more about Eternal’s latest projects and get connected at eternalthemc.com.

Regina Skeeters is a native of Conway, SC. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, educator, worship leader, and motivational speaker. She is a member of the All Nations Church in Columbia, SC. Ms. Skeeters is the founder of a non-profit organization and performing arts camp entitled Blend Out Loud which encourages people ages 5-25 to be their best selves. 

Regina has also had the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as CeCe Winans, Jonathan Nelson, The Gatlin Brothers, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kim Burrell and Fantasia to name a few. She has been graced with the privilege of being featured in Ebony Magazine as Miss Benedict College. Her work has also been displayed on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel with Dorothy Norwood. She has had the opportunity to travel across the United States of America and beyond relaying a message of hope, love, and empowerment. Her goal is to simply be a walking billboard for Jesus Christ and to change the world one life at a time.

Learn about all things Regina Skeeters at reginaskeeters.com

DJ Magic Mike, CEO and Founder of Magic Sounds Production is an experienced DJ and producer in the Greater CSRA and Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan area.

This Augusta, Georgia native is a well-respected member of the local DJ community for more than 20+ years. He began learning his craft while working with his father, Antonio Brown, who is also a DJ as well. Magic Mike is no novice to music theory and composition, he, too, is a skilled musician as a trumpeter. Magic Mike currently works as a mobile DJ with experience in nightclubs, weddings, private events, festivals, and original tracks and remix production.

Get connected with DJ Magic Mike at magicsoundsprod.com!

Recording Gospel Artist and producer, J. Locke has been influential in the music industry for over two decades. His unique and eclectic sound can be heard on several gospel radio stations and online gospel music outlets across the country. He’s best known for blending Hip Hop sound and bringing it straight to the church with a hint of Neo-Soul. This combination can give a daily word as well as an uncontrollable initiation of waving hands in the air.

In addition to music, J. Locke is the owner-operator of Alpha by J. Locke, a fashion, accessories, and men’s care store, located in Triangle Town Center in Raleigh, NC.

Be sure to support J. Locke’s project, Grateful, or pay him a visit at Alpha by J. Locke! Visit jlockesmg.com to stay connected to all things musically J. Locke!

Sisters, Sherry Dawson Williams and Lenora Dawson Lassiter make up gospel recording music duo, Mercy & Grace!

Sherry is a dynamic speaker, implementation strategist, and creative cultivator. Having nearly two decades of professional experience in Social Work and management, Sherry has developed the skills to build human connections, solve problems, and the compassion to provide unbiased services to diverse populations, regardless of their socioeconomic status. When she is not serving as the Minister of Music, Sherry serves as Chief Operating Officer of Lenora Pours by Lenora Lassiter, where she oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization.

Lenora is a Career Readiness Expert, Workforce Development Consultant, and Real Estate Agent, People Builder, served in capacities to help many obtain career and education opportunities. While serving as the Founding CEO of Lenora Pours by Lenora Lassiter, Lenora has mentored and coached individuals in transition, which for some, is one of the most tumultuous times of their life.  A seasoned vocalist, minister of the gospel, and passionate speaker, Lenora reverberates a message of hope, success, and resilience.  She believes, “you were born for a purpose and that purpose is to pour into the lives of others.”

This is the bedrock of motivation for this dynamic People Builder and Life Shifter.  

Learn more about these powerhouses at lenoralassiter.com as they inspire others to share their narratives in pursuit of their dreams and goals.

World Class DJTY loves the challenge of “rocking any crowd” and specializes in old-school hip-hop, R&B, reggae, rock, and top 40. With over 15 years in experience, his accomplishments include hosting events for companies like Monster Energy drink and Nuvo. With the greatest of these accomplishments, World Class DJTY continues to show his support for community ventures by volunteering and advocating for organizations such as the: National Down Syndrome Network, Autism Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Governor Morehead School of the Blind, and the Durham County Public Schools. 

World Class DJTY started his own company named RocThaSpot Events, which serves the Virginia, Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro-Triad areas. This world class business venture offers a variety of services such as wedding and corporate event planning, graphic designs, photography, event DJs, and premiere sound system rentals. RocThaSpot Events has something to fit everyone’s needs. The company’s motto is “There are no events too big or small, we Roc them all"

Visit worldclassdjty.com to learn more about him and the services he provides.

Kevin L. Staley is a professional musician and recording artist that has received honors for academic and musical excellence from various professional organizations such as The Intercollegiate Music Association, Percussive Arts Society, Music Educators National Conference, The National Black Music Caucus, and many others.

His performance credits span the genres of gospel, classical, jazz, and everywhere. Kevin has been privileged to work with artists such as The Award-Winning Benedict College Gospel Choir, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Jessica Reedy, Donald Lawrence, The Augusta Symphony Orchestra, The Brubeck Brothers, The Augusta State University Jazz Ensemble, and many others.

Musicians that have come under the tutelage of Mr. Staley have gone on to study music at prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Temple University, Augusta State University, and Morehouse College, and perform professionally abroad.

Kevin is the CEO and Founder of Musical Journeys Mobile Music Lessons, the Parent Company for Staleys Music, and A New Day Media providing everything from music education, music ministry consultation, and levitical training to special events planning marketing, and promotions. Contact via email to learn more about the various services that Kevin and his organization provide.

Rodney Rashad is a multitalented creative hailing from North Carolina, who is an African American actor, vocalist, and musician. He’s been acting as since he was a kid. His debut skit “3 fat ladies and a donut” tickled the stomachs of his parents at the age of 8. Rodney Rashad has had most of his work in theatre but has within the last year set his sights on television. He can most recently be seen on Fox’s “Our Kind of People”.

 Musically, Rodney Rashad has been singing all of his life and attributes his sound to the likes of John P. Kee and Musiq Soulchild.  Additionally, he is a percussionist and saxophonist, and occasionally, he writes as well.  

As a social media influencer, Rodney shares his creative skills and thoughts regarding social dynamics, creativity, and health.  Connect with Rodney Rashad via email to learn more about him and the services that he provides.

Nikki Webb a.k.a. Ladi Bounce is an Intervention Specialist and Special Education Coordinator, DJ, and Co-host of the Fly With Us Podcast. She is a proud Daytonian and community advocate. Ladi Bounce is also a graduate of Central State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.~ Intervention Specialist. Ladi Bounce is a 2019 recipient of the Ambition Award presented by Ambition Magazine.

Ladi Bounce has always had a knack for sensing the needs of others and trying to fulfill those needs. The people on this Earth with the greatest needs are children. She brings her areas of knowledge and expertise in brain science and Self-Care to each episode to enhance the lives of others. A ‘natural born teacher’, Ladi Bounce has a strong desire to share her ideas and inspire those around her. She takes her commitment to her students and their families very seriously. Her favorite quote is by Maya Angelou; “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something”.

Ladi Bounce is doing her ‘something’ every day to make those in her care a little better, stronger, smarter, and a little more ready to take on the world. She can be seen and heard playing your favorite songs from 8 pm-12 am at The Barrel House on the third Friday of each month for “Fenom Friday”. The Fly With Us Podcast is a podcast about simple things and ways to take better care of yourself and your mental wellness. The weekly episodes can be found wherever you get your favorite podcasts, social media, and YouTube. Fly With Us Podcast was the winner of Dayton’s Best Podcast 2021 in the Best of Dayton Competition.

J.B. and Rashad are the co-host and creators of Stupid Flow, a creative rap competition show based out of Raleigh, NC. During the competition, they take two individuals who have never rapped before and put them in a booth for the first time. Each contestant will have to complete three 45-Second Round Freestyle Challenges!

J.B. is a native of Aurora, NC, and one of the dopest Hip Hop Artist on the scene! With nearly a decade of music experience, J.B. is excited to bring his songwriting, producing, and performing skills to the next level of service. Naturally, a servant at heart, he is honored to help others to chase their dreams. J.B. is also happily married and the father of one.

Rashad is a native of Henderson, NC, and the proud father of two. He is an avid music lover and an encourager of dreams.

Get connected with these talented brothers at stupidflow.com.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, F’Lana was raised in the church, singing in the choir. At the ambitious age of 12, she immediately began to cultivate her musical gifts by singing and creating unique arrangements for local artists. Her tremendous credits include a solo career with an independent label deal at 21, Producer Focus… (aFam Records), a publishing deal with Chrysalis Music Publishing in 2007, and in 2009 Rebel Made Music. Working with award-winning producers gave F’Lana a real hands-on experience in the music industry. However, after 18 years in the industry, F’Lana made up her mind to fully pursue her God-given purpose and calling. In her own words, “I just want to sing for Jesus”. In 2011, she released her first Christian single 2nd chance and in 2016, she released another single “Unstoppable”. F’Lana has been featured on several songs including “I will” by Mouthpi3ce and “With Everything” cover with Montell Jordan. She is set to release her next single on November 8th, 2019 entitled “Signs and Wonders” with Mantle of Judah Music.

F’Lana has served in various capacities in ministry and in 2017, after years of seeking God’s face, answered the call to move her family from Georgia to California. She had a desire to be involved in ministry in a greater capacity. She prayed and asked the Lord for a job where she would use the gifts He placed in her to bring Him glory. God did just that. F’Lana is currently the Worship Director at Rock Church San Marcos and continues to spark a revival in the body of Christ. She is determined to share her testimony of deliverance and usher countless souls into a realm of worship and freedom. For more information visit theflana.com.

Gorganus w“stronger together,” uses his music to motivate and bring people together.  This idea has stayed with him from St. Kitts to New York and now to Augusta. He is true to the original roots of Hip Hop by incorporating its elements into my work: lyrical skills, wordplay, content, and storytelling.

Gorganus began his musical journey as a member of St. Kitts’ first local rap group called X-Bass Clan, now known as Sound Core. The group was 10 members strong till the passing of our reggae/rap artist and leader of the group, Tony-T (RIP), who was also Gorganus’ best friend. was our leader and my best friend.

His rap style is a touch of the new school but mostly old school with an accent. It’s highly influenced by the true legends from the ’80s and ’90s.  He provides a verbal onslaught of lyrics, crushing any competition. He believes that the beat tells the story and his lyrics magnificently flows on the track. His influences in hip hop are Sean Price, Canibus, Slaughter House, Tech 9, and so many more, too many to name.

Gorganus’ latest project, ‘The Voice of Real Hip Hop - Gorganus' album is out now on all musical platforms - (iTunes, Google Music, Spotify).

Royal Reign Mas Band is a Raleigh, NC-based Carbimask Dance Company. Understanding their history, by the beginning of the 18th century, there were already a large number of free blacks in Trinidad mixed with French immigrants, earlier Spanish settlers, and British nationals (the island came under British control in 1797).

This resulted in Carnival's transformation from an implanted European celebration to a more heterogeneous cultural froth that included traditions from all ethnic groups. With the end of slavery in 1834, the now completely free populace could outwardly celebrate their native culture and their emancipation through dress, music, and dancing.

These three elements, dressing in masquerade, music, and dancing, remain central to Carnival celebrations, whether it be at an elaborate French ball or steel drums in the streets, with costumes, masks, feathers, headdresses, dancing, music, and drums all part of the scene, along with raucous behavior.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Royal Reign Mas Band, please visit royalreignmas.com.

Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and an educational 501c3 organization, who provides character, social, and leadership development to those who desire value-based education, reflective storytelling, and the promotion of personal acceptance through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory.