We were lucky to catch up with Michael Steven-paul recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael Steven-Paul, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on would have to be my new Christmas film “A Christmas Lost A Christmas Found”. I have always wanted to be part of a Christmas film in some form one way or another. Christmas is my favorite holiday. Although Christmas is my born day, it has always been my favorite holiday. I remember the first time i seen films like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, Miracle On 34th Street and Its A Wonderful Life, these films made me want to make my own holiday film.
I came up with the concept for
A Christmas Lost A Christmas Found during the pandemic. I remember laying in my bed watching the Hallmark Channel and became inspired to write down my ideas and the storyline henceforth A Christmas Lost A Christmas Found was created. Unfortunately due to the lockdown and the coronavirus i couldn’t go into production so i shelved it until a later time. Fast forward a few years i began the casting process and scout locating and soon went into full production mode. I have to honestly say that the film came out great. The talent was beyond exceptional and the film itself has received some noteworthy reviews.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those whom may not be familiar with my name or my face or both i am a two time Grammy nominated recording artist and music producer. I’ve received 13 Music Awards as well as 49 honor awards for philanthropic contributions to the communities across America as well as for my music and my films.

Although i am a successful rapper and music producer, I’m also an accomplished Actor, Executive Film Producer, Film Financier, Director, Writer, and film Producer. In 2016 i became the benefactor for the “St. Jemuel Family Day Care Group” and in 2017 signed on as the benefactor for “A Start Of A New Home Day Care.” In 2015 i became a key sponsor for The African American Women IN Cinema Film Festival. A am also A Civil Rights Activist. In 2021 & 2022 i was honored at the Radio & Records Awards as the 2021 filmmaker Of The Year and was awarded the 2021 Multi Media Person Of The Year at the Journey Awards. It is safe to say that i am more than a mainstream rapper and actor or producer and director or mogul, but i am also a leader in taking guns off of the streets of New York & New Jersey as well as mediating and dissolving tensions between gangs and the youth via my organization “Dynamic Artists 4 Peace”. Even til this day i continue my anti drug campaigns as well as mentoring the youth.

I utilize my platform as a celebrity and entrepreneur to deter the youth from making the wrong choices that i myself have made as a youth and even in some of my adult life. As the spokesman for the NAACP’s Bronx branch and the face for their “411 On The Five-O Campaign” i speak at forums across the country educating citizens, especially the youth how to interact with law enforcement officers. As a United States Peace Ambassador i instill peaceful solutions to communities in distress and advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.

On December 8th 2023 i was honored and presented with the “PRESIDENTS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” in New York City at the Boricua College by Dr. Renee’ Perry and on December 10th 2023 i was honored and presented with the title of LORDSHIP along with the 2023 filmmaker of the year award by The Black Men Rock Image Awards in Suffolk Virginia.

I live in my truth and i do not hide my past which i utilize as a platform to deter others from becoming statistics and falling victim to the streets. Paying it forward is of the utmost importance to me and i live by my moniker “Behind every success story there’s an empowering story” I am not just a story i am THE STORY.”

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

A non creative would never comprehend the struggles that we as creatives endure. Non creatives only see what’s on screen. They don’t know what it took to get the film to the screen. It’s not cookies and milk. It’s not easy. You have to deal with different personalities from different casts. You have to deal with inclement weather conditions. You have to deal with the safety of your cast and crew as well as your own. Is it easy to write a script and get it to an actor whom is worthy? Sure it is but then you have those actors who just do too damn much. They try to rewrite your script. They want to outshine their castigate. Everybody wants to be a star without wanting to learn the qualities to be a star. They have to comprehend that they are not the chief on the reservation and if they can comprehend and accept that fact then they’ll go a long way in the industry.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal and or mission for me is to continue to make the best films that i can with the talent, skills and abilities that I’ve been blessed with. I will always do my due diligence when it comes to writing, producing and directing. I will never bring the public anything less than amazing. I just want the public to be entertained, informed and educated at the same time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: MokeyJayNYC
• Facebook: Lord Michael Steven-Paul (Mikey Jay)
• Linkedin: Michael Steven-Paul
• Youtube: AIGNE AFG
• Soundcloud: Mikey Jay

Image Credits

Bella Rae Bond