Born in July 1973 in Louisville, Kentucky, and having spent most of my early life in Atlanta, my journey has been anything but linear. I received a 4-year scholarship from Army ROTC to attend Howard University, where I graduated in 1996 from the School Of Architecture. My career began in architecture, working in Detroit and Minneapolis, but my passion for music and culture eventually led me to a completely different path. I served in the Army Reserves for 14 years, and I am a veteran. My military service has been a defining part of my life, providing me with experiences and a sense of discipline that have been invaluable in my career and personal development.

I've always been fascinated by the intersection of different disciplines. My architecture history professor at Howard once described architecture as "Frozen Music," a concept that deeply resonated with me and perhaps foreshadowed my eventual career pivot. While working as an intern for a cable access music video show, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with artists, igniting my interest in the music industry. Despite my love for architecture, I couldn't ignore my growing passion for music and community engagement.

My involvement in volunteering for a local community radio station, KFAI, in Minneapolis, was a turning point. I co-hosted the station’s long-running show, “Groove Garden." In 2006, I made the leap from architecture to radio when I was approached by the new Milwaukee radio station 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. I'm now the Director of Digital and program director for HYFIN, Radio Milwakee Urban Alternative station.

As the program director for HYFIN, I'm steering the course of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee's Urban Alternative station, which launched on Juneteenth Day, June 19, 2022. HYFIN is a vibrant platform that celebrates the full spectrum of Black music and culture, resonating with the heart of the Black community in Milwaukee and beyond.

HYFIN's mission is a symphony of purpose: we embrace the vast universe of Black music, from jazz to hip-hop, house to electronic, soul to Afrobeats, and Amapiano. We're dedicated to showcasing underrepresented Black artists and fostering creative spirits in music, arts, entrepreneurship, and all professional realms. We spotlight Black-owned businesses, honor professional achievements, and preserve the legacies of our musical heritage while championing social progress.

In 2005, I launched Rhythm Lab Radio on Minnesota Public Radio's station The Current, a show that has since become a national sensation. As the host and producer, Rhythm Lab Radio is a trailblazing weekly program that shakes up the urban music scene by blending genres like jazz, electronic, hip-hop, and soul. Known for its dedication to musical diversity. About to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, Rhythm Lab Radio is now nationally syndicated, resonating through cities such as Philadelphia on WXPN-FM, Chicago on Vocalo-FM at WBEZ, Chapel Hill on WUNC, Norfolk on WHRV-FM, and Baltimore on WTMD, bringing its eclectic urban sound to a wider audience and redefining what urban radio can be.

I'm also a contributor to NPR Music's All Songs Considered. As a contributor to NPR Music's "All Songs Considered," I've had the opportunity to share my insights and passion for music on a national platform. My role involves discussing new music releases, highlighting albums and tracks from diverse artists, and contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds that NPR Music is known for. For instance, I've talked about new albums from artists like Björk, ShyGirl, The Bad Plus, and more, bringing my unique perspective and expertise to NPR's audience. This opportunity allows me to extend my reach beyond Milwaukee, engaging with a broader community of music lovers and sharing the sounds that resonate with me.

I also produced several events in Milwaukee, including a series I created called Unlooped. Unlooped was an innovative event series I created to foster new collaborations between musicians, with electronic music as its foundation. This series is designed to explore and celebrate the intersections of diverse music genres, bringing together artists from various backgrounds to collaborate, create, and perform in innovative concerts. These events often feature genre-blending performances that challenge traditional music boundaries, showcasing everything from electronic, hip-hop, and jazz to classical music.

In 2011, "Unlooped vs. Dilla" paid tribute to the legendary producer J Dilla, reimagining his work through live collaborations and performances that celebrated his profound influence on hip-hop and beyond. We showcased his timeless beats and compositions in a new light, blending various genres and styles.

In 2014, "Unlooped vs. Marvin Gaye" focused on the soulful and groundbreaking music of Marvin Gaye. This event brought together musicians to reinterpret Gaye's classic songs, blending contemporary sounds with the rich legacy of his music. We aimed to honor Gaye's artistry and the impact of his work on music and culture, creating a unique and immersive experience for audiences.

Through Unlooped, I've aimed to promote musical diversity, pushing the envelope in music curation and presentation.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I've pursued my interests in cooking and sake, becoming a certified sake professional through a course by John Gaunter. I aim to make sake more accessible, especially to a diverse population. I've also partnered with Northwestern Mutual to develop a gaming festival for their Fall Experiment a few years ago and hosted a podcast for 88Nine called Diverse Disruptors. "Diverse Disruptors" is a podcast that delves into the stories of leaders who have paved their paths to innovation with a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility. It addresses the significant underrepresentation of people of color and women in the tech, startup, innovation, and entrepreneurship sectors.

I also co-host Milwaukee's longest-running culinary podcast, This Bites, with Milwaukee Magainze's Ann Christenson.

I'm also working on launching my clothing brand called bloom late in 2024.

My Passion for Tech and AI

My fascination with technology and AI is not just about the tools themselves but their potential to transform how we live, work, and create. At 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, I've had the privilege of leading initiatives that leverage digital platforms to amplify voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.

In 2018, I founded 88Nine Labs, a platform that significantly influenced Milwaukee's tech scene through a series of dynamic and groundbreaking events. We hosted an unforgettable tech talk with Jasmine Crowe, the trailblazing founder of Goodr. This event illuminated the pressing issues of food waste and hunger. Jasmine shared her experiences as a woman of color in tech, her venture capital journey, and how her startup leverages blockchain technology to combat food waste and hunger. Inspired by the talk, 88Nine Labs hosted a hunger hackathon.

We also had the pleasure of hosting Keisha Howard, the founder of Sugar Gamers and a renowned 'Geek of All Trades.' Keisha's talk emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion within the tech and gaming industries, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for underrepresented groups in these fields.

Our events, including hackathons and tech talks, addressed urgent societal issues like food insecurity while fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech community in Milwaukee. 88Nine Labs aimed to inspire and engage participants through these initiatives, encouraging them to leverage technology for positive societal change.

One of our standout events was the 88Nine Labs Music Hackathon which was , powered by Capitol360, on November 9, 2018. This event, a collaboration with Capitol360 Innovations Center, brought together developers, designers, musicians, and concept developers to create innovative solutions for the music industry. Participants had the opportunity to work with the 7digital API and access tracks from the Capitol Records library, aiming to enhance music discovery, distribution, and fan engagement.

My work in digital strategy and innovation is driven by a belief in the power of technology to foster community, enhance creativity, and democratize access to information. The advent of AI technologies like ChatDev, which is capable of writing its own computer code, represents an exciting frontier for creativity and productivity. I see AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a collaborator that can extend our capabilities and inspire us to tackle new challenges. Whether it's automating mundane tasks or enabling more people to learn the art of coding, AI has the potential to unlock a new era of creative and intellectual exploration.

Harnessing the power of AI, I've recently spearheaded an exciting development at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. We've partnered with Super Hi-Fi to create a 24/7 online version of my show, "Rhythm Lab Radio." This AI-driven technology enhances the listener experience by providing seamless scheduling and automation. It's a pioneering move in public radio, demonstrating how AI can revolutionize traditional media and create engaging, personalized content for our audience around the clock.

My Love for Cooking

Cooking, much like architecture and technology, is an art and science that captivates me. It's a realm where creativity meets precision, where cultural traditions blend with personal innovation. My journey into the culinary world has been one of discovery, from mastering the basics to exploring the nuanced world of sake. As a certified sake expert, I've delved into this traditional Japanese beverage's rich history and complex flavors, eager to share my knowledge and passion with others.

I even participated in a cooking challenge on Wisconsin foodie in 2022.

My Digital Garden

This is not only a blog but a digital garden. My digital garden extends my multifaceted interests and commitment to sharing knowledge, personal reflection, and connecting with like-minded individuals. It's a space where I explore and document my passions for AI, coding, gaming, cooking, sake, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Here's a glimpse into the categories that define my digital garden:

  • AI and Coding: Sharing insights and projects that bridge my technical skills with creative expression.
  • Gaming: Discussing game development, reviews, and the cultural impact of gaming.
  • Cooking and Sake: Exploring culinary arts and sake to demystify these for a broader audience.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Documenting my journey and the lessons learned in the ever-evolving digital strategy and innovation landscape.
  • Design and arts: Sharing my love and passion with where it all began for me at Howard University studying architecture.
  • Music Supervision: In past couple of years, I have been fascinated by the world of music supervision and how it plays roles in movies, games, advertising and more.

The purpose of my digital garden is not just to share knowledge but to foster a community where personal growth and collective learning thrive. It's a place for introspection, exploration, and connection, reflecting my journey and the collective journey of those who join me in this space.

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