Check Out Corey Mekell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Mekell.

Hi Corey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I initially got my start in the industry being discovered by the rapper Lil’ Zane’s former manager (Frank Hagans). He introduced me to a lot of the button pushers around Atlanta, DTP’s Ludacris, and Chaka Zulu (who wanted to sign me, but at the time I didn’t have much studio experience and he wanted to hear what I sound like on an actual record. That prompted my then manager to place in artist development which meant that I would be joining a boy group, founded by Marvin “Marvelous” McIntyre (Boyz II Men, Keith Sweat & New Edition). We performed for a lot of industry execs, radio personnel, etc. Within the first 5 weeks of grueling hrs and rehearsals, dancing under paint lights in velour sweat suits, we managed to put on a special Mother’s Day performance for the city of Atlanta and Hot 107.9 announced that we would be opening up on tour for Chris Brown and Neyo. Extremely excited about the opportunity, for whatever reason it fell through and we didn’t get a chance to have that experience. The group went through 2 years of rotating members and I got exhausted during the process because we rehearsed so much, yet I felt very stagnant. So I decided to leave the group and find my way solo, uploading videos of me singing on YouTube garnered millions of views and a ton of subscribers. A lot of trial and error with that experience led me to trying my gifts and talents out on LA.

So I drove all the way across the country by myself on faith, in hopes of living out, if nothing but a small portion of my dreams. Little did I know what I would be embarking on. I’ve now worked with and written for some of the industry’s biggest names. Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Usher, Diddy, Pleasure P, Chingy, Rodney Jerkins, Hit Maka, Hit Boy, Raven Symone, Jordin Sparks, Amber Riley, Xscape’s Latocha Scott, just to name a few. Now working on my debut EP with two of the industry’s heavy-hitting producers Harmony Samuels (Ariana Grande, Ciara, Major, Chris Brown, etc.) & Rey Reel (Beyonce, Drake) I’m beyond excited about where my career is going. Outside of that, I’ve been bitten by the acting bug as well, signing with Kia Todd Talent agency I’ve done three films over the past year, my first feature film, “Pay the Lady” was recently the #1 Thriller on Tubi, with multiple auditions under my belt as well. Exploring every creative side I have to offer and sharpening my tool daily, I’m extremely excited about what the next chapter of life in LA looks like for me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to where I am today has been any and everything but smooth. From stepping in the industry being extremely green and people preying on your ignorance, taking advantage you, heavy on the manipulation. However, I’ve learned to no longer lead with my heart because this industry is not set up for you to win navigating in that way. Multiple setbacks, questioning if I really have what it takes to truly succeed in such a dog eat dog, cutthroat industry.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Artist, Actor, Singer, Songwriter Host, and Vocal Producer. I’ve garnered much of my notoriety from for work I’ve put in with many commercial artists to date. My most proud moment would be relocating to Los Angeles and trusting that my gifts and talents would make room for me.

What does success mean to you?
Success to me is waking up every single day and being able to do what it is that you love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @coreymekell
• Facebook: @coreymekell
• Twitter: @coreymekell
• Youtube: @mekell19
• SoundCloud: Corey Mekell