Meet Derrick Thomas-McKinney: CEO/Founder – Culture Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derrick Thomas-McKinney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derrick, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I live by 2 quotes! 1. If you stay in your lane, you’ll never miss your turn. That means stay focused on what I’m doing, and don’t get distracted by looking around at what others are doing. If I stay focused on my job, I’ll get every opportunity I’m suppose to get. 2. You can’t be afraid to starve. In the entertainment business as an entrepreneur you can’t be afraid to not have money, comfort, access, and so many other creature comforts we may desire or be use to. You have to be able to go without sometimes, to get where you want to be.

What should our readers know about your business?
Derrick McKinney began his career in the music industry at the young age of twenty when he got the opportunity to work with FUBU as their Regional Marketing Rep. From there, McKinney’s talent for strategic marketing led him to consult with labels such as J Records and Interscope Records, as well as fashion lines like Akademiks Clothing and Makavelli Branded. In 2005, he became the National Marketing Director for Headgear Sportswear. During his tenure at Headgear the company had a growth from 8 million dollars a year to 22 million in three years. McKinney also served as the A&R/Marketing Director for RND Distribution, overseeing new releases and securing relationships with national retail outlets & music buyers across the country. Additionally, Mr.McKinney has worked alongside
 many reputable artists to enhance their projects.
 He was instrumental in the 2016 release of the
 Iconic R&B super star R.Kelly’s album, Black
 Panties. He created the marketing strategy, social
 media blueprint, tour marketing, and record
 servicing for the album leading to the project being RIAA Certified Gold. Multi-Platinum, award winning producer London On The Track secured the digital marketing & social media services of Mr. McKinney for his critically acclaimed release Whatever You On, #WYO, feat. TY$, YG, Young Thug, and Jeremih. The single quickly spread, and has become another hit for London On The Track, and for Derrick McKinney. Under the leadership of Mr. McKinney, recording artist and producer T!M NED has seen successful song placements with CSI NY, Love & Hiphop ATL, Nipsey Hussle, R.Kelly, and a host of thriving indy artist. T!M has successfully released multiple singles, an EP, and is set for an international tour heading to Japan, & the UK. L.O.U.D. Muzik is also developing the singer/rapper/songwriter Khody Blake who is rapidly gaining popularity online and in the Houston music scene. We’ve also added R&B/Hiphop/Pop artist Skyrah Bliss. The Label is also managing the career of iconic Southern Rap Legends Z-Ro & Lil Flip 20 year successful sales history and proven track record for making hits has the southern rap industry in a choke hold and doesn’t plan on letting up anytime soon. Most recently, Mr.McKinney was chosen by Black Enterprise as one of the top 100 Men of Color in the country for their Modern Men of Color campaign

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d go to all the Houston hot spots like Top Shelf Cajun, The Breakfast Club, Turkey Leg Hut, and Day 6 coffee shop. We’d grab some cocktails at the Mona Lisa in City Center, and probably catch some music with Dj Staso or Dj Hillo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shout out to my Wife & kids, my entire family, and my L.O.U.D. TEAM including David Kuti, Bradley Johnson, Stacy “Dj Staso” Cotton, Kareem Richards, Dwayne Davis, O’lu “Blyss” Odunaiya Hillis “Dj hillo” Roberson, Chris Vega, Myles McNair, Walt DaSilva, Director 9k, & Myoshi McDaniel . These are the people who motivate me, and help me out on a day to day.

Website: www.LoudMuzik.com
Instagram: @DerrickMc
Twitter: @DerrickMc
Facebook: Derrick Thomas-McKinney
Youtube: Youtube.com/Loudmuzik2011
Other: www.LoudfestHtx.com, www.NexLiquor.com, www.GreatStateOfTexasFoodTruckFestival.com