Today we’d like to introduce you to Joslyn “Inkwell J” Beard and David “DJ Shooow” Ables.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Inkwell J: I’m a rapper from Long Beach, CA. My father has been a producer and had a recording studio in the house for as long as I can remember. He taught me how to count bars after I wrote my first rap. I went away to college and did some music and event planning but jumped back into the rap game after graduation. I released my first mixtape, Linden Ave., in 2015.
Most of the tracks were produced by J. Proof (Usher, The Game, Jill Scott) and my father. I began performing with legends like YoYo, The Lady of Rage, Twista, Ja Rule, and even recorded with Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. I love to rap, and I always knew I would be bigger than just rap. I just had to tap into another part of me. Meeting DJ Shooow and creating this platform just made sense.
DJ Shooow: I was a member of Swag on HD, we were right behind YG and Nipsey Hussle. We even performed with them during our run. I always rapped, but I eventually got into radio. I created Plan-A as an outlet to cultivate positivity. Ink and I met in 2016. She heard about my dream, and I heard about hers, and we clicked.
We always knew it was bigger than rap. She was looking for a service she could provide, and we made our radio station happen. She’s a whiz on the computer, she just picks up and goes. I loved that. We work well together, so we were able to create this platform for indie artists that helps them gain exposure on a huge level.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not hardly. We’ve both experienced losses.
Ink: I’ve had a bunch of ups and downs. In college, I was wrongfully accused of a crime I did not commit. I was humiliated by my peers and ostracized by the sorority that was supposed to uplift us and provide sisterhood. It was mortifying. I had to go to jail and was on probation. My family and I suffered a lot during that time.
DJ Shooow: I feel like the hardest part was having the idea and needing a team. I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I struggled to bring my vision to life. Assembling a team has not been easy at all.
People will lie on you, take advantage of you, and literally steal from you to keep you from progressing. I’ve experienced it all. (We were literally just robbed this morning). But having faith in God and always operating out of love has made us strong through the struggle.
Please tell us about Plan-A Radio.
Plan-A Radio is an independent radio platform designed to help artists and small businesses gain exposure and networking opportunities through advertising, social media management, and worldwide promotion.
Our highlights on 2018 include:
• Hosting performance opportunities for artists during All-Star Weekend 2018 which included three performances, interviews on our platform, and heavy promotion of our artists on our social media platforms.
• interviewing independent artist, Kevin Kent, who was signed thanks to and following our interview
• hosting and directing The Kraylist with the legendary Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at Dash Radio
Plan-A Radio is different from other radio platforms because we’re authentic. We are open about our opportunities. We provide equal opportunities for all our artists to gain exposure… We provide transparency including frequently (and publicly) auditing our own followers to prove the authenticity of our support.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. It’s going exactly as it should. God has us at all times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.planaradiostation.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @inkverywell / @therealdjshow / @PlanAradio
- Twitter: /inkverywell /therealDJShow /PlanARadio
Image Credit:
King Kof, “Bishop” Harris
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
