We were lucky to catch up with Michael Rayner II recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I’ve personally always been creative , and resourceful in chasing my dreams! However, at a time when we(SQUAD.) were peaking creatively within making music and performing, we missed several opportunities to expand on branding and further solidifying the vision for our “label”. It was established more-so as a family ran operation on the principle of love and service that was fully entrenched in the art of sound. These days , having had experience as teacher , being able to mature in our fields from the past as well as adjust into new areas that are beneficial to our operation, has been tremendous to our growth as men, creatives and entrepreneurs. Entering the entertainment spectrum with a list of notable hours invested into Writing, Recording, Mixing, Mastering our music, we now have two production companies subsidiary of our SQUAD. brand that house unique and homegrown sound. It’s my belief that relying on our own production sooner would have been key to us stamping our own take on the evolution of Memphis hiphop and music in totality at a time when the city was bubbling with a variety of talent and inspiration.

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

My name is Michael Rayner II. Im blessed to be an Artist as well as CEO of SQUAD. Business Entertainment, LLC. We liken our Brands inspirations to include the 90’s Bad Boy Era of fun , authentic , and refined vibes. Dreams of a booming independent record label as Master P’s No limit Records. There’s so many more culturally relevant even more importantly entertainment and generally known impactful influences as well such as these, that serve as the motivations behind our passion. I’ve been involved in music at the level of recording myself and performing live beginning around 14 years ago. Im most proud that our brand has a solid past but a brighter future. TraQRoQ Productions & BeatsbyYZA. create the opportunity for us and others to have a different and notable sound as it relates to various forms of instrumentation. Were pursuing licensing opportunities now for chances to be some of the sounds and instrumentation you’d hear on shows on Tv, or streaming platforms such as Netflix. Aside from music, I want readers to know we also create our own merchandise and also exclusively collaborate with a local black owned shop to produce garments for our website. This was another attempt to house our skills and resources to extend our brands viability and logo worldwide, out of our own studios. We are expanding into fashionable and trendy items soon , to increase our catalogue beyond shirts and hoodies, so stay tuned.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Despite being a small business owner , until I can fully rely on the independency of my dream and the success it bears, I’ve maintained a steady day job that’s provided ample opportunities for growth. Ive been promoted within the company and taking on the challenge of a proper balance has been fruitful in everything I do. It’s natural though to me, that I can switch “hats” and seemingly compartmentalize my efforts for each individual obligation or interest. I feel that being consistent in anything you do, and listing your own goals no matter how lofty can always serve as a reminder of a need to gain balance. ” Pivoting” operating what I feel is best for business investments , being a family man, a son, brother as well as industry professional can seem overwhelming and certainly takes its toll. However, balance and understanding when to take care of yourself mentally and physically along the way is key to any journey.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being free to my own standard. There’s often societal pressures to be everything other than that of your true self, and I feel that while living within this element of time I have to engage and exist living in my truth and loving perspective of the world. Being an Artist? Creative allows you a canvas of sorts to highlight and illustrate and profoundly notate experiences and connections and the processes of both. Most importantly , It inspires individualization. The freedom and thought of speaking from one’s own perspective in a time where we can be easily goaded into a “popular idea.” I, We, are expressive and connected to our culture and stories and people , whom we love and that love us, to be ourselves and lift our voice if we consider if a gift. Share our perspectives and open healthy dialogue.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.SQUADBIZ.NET
• Instagram: Ricache9oh1
• Linkedin: Michael Rayner II
• Twitter: SQUAD.Bizent
• Youtube: SQUAD.Bizent

Image Credits
Fanci Fotography LLC