Rich King Ent. Group
On a cloudy Sunday morning, at a garden apartment bungalow, I met Dwayne Barnes and Malaku McCray. They’re the founders of the newly established RICH KING ENT. GROUP. The mood was calm as Dwayne readied himself in preparation for our interview in a living room lit with only light that shone through the thick clouds in the sky. In walks Malaku. His mood seemed as sedate as the thick clouds outside. He had just gotten in from a long night at the studio with one of their artist, and was a little worn, as we all can be, after a long day, or nights work. As we began to settle into our seats, the energy was beginning to change in the room. Neither the light, nor the clouds had changed outside, but the light from these two men began to warm the room as they verbally illustrated for me a picture of Rich King Ent. Group.
Dwayne from Detroit, MI., and Malaku from Oakland, CA met in the Hollywood social scene, and discovered that they shared some of the same passions, and career paths. Both had worked as actors, singers, songwriters, screenwriters, and directors. They’re similar in not only careers, but also in life. Although they were miles apart, their lives endured some of the same experiences that have touched many our lives, and those in our families. Physical abuse, Drugs, alcoholism, and poverty are experiences that affect a family in such a way that stunts the growth of anyone’s hopes of being intellectually, or creatively enriched. This was not the case for these men. Instead, their experiences caused them to move to a direction that would foster their intellectual and creative minds into creating Rich King Ent. Group.
Inspired by LA & Babyface, Terry Lewis & Jimmy Jam, Aaron Spelling, Merv Griffin, Tyler Perry, Will Smith, and Jay-Z, artistic and creative people who not only perform, but who are also business savvy, Barnes and McCray started pooling their resources together to make a artistic difference.
The 1st project was a successful club in Los Angeles called “Celebrity Undaground”. Their spot was well received, and provided a venue for hot talent to showcase their gifts. It attracted many interesting guests, such as India Arie, and performances by comedian Cocoa Brown, and Koch recording artist Latoiya Williams.
After “Celebrity Undaground” ran its course, Malaku and Dwayne decided to expand and form Rich King Ent. Group. “Knowing our experience and creative wisdom, industry acquaintances, striving to up their game, sought our advice, so we decided why not make a business out of it, as well as continue to make our own, personal, creative dreams develop and nurture in the process.” Malaku says.
Where did the name Rich King Ent. Group come from you ask? “We wanted two names that would inspire us and others, as well as, always remind us of the truth that we felt we were. Together we had been through so many harsh life realities we knew that we had earned the title, Rich King.” Dwayne said. “And rich in character and substance, not just money,“ Malaku added. Yes, the brothers are deep, in a charming, laid back way.
Rich King Ent. Group is a company that you will be happy that you’re reading about, and will want to, in some way, be touched by in the future as I was today. The current focus of the company is directed towards Television/Feature Film/Music Development & Production, Artist and Producer Management, Consultation, as well as each of their own personal creative goals.
Throughout our conversation I discovered that Dwayne is what he calls a “vocal stylist,” director, writer, film producer and actor. He’s guest-starred on over thirty television shows, including hits such as C.S.I, Cold Case, and Monk. Dwayne says he’s just released his own music project title “Soulful Motivations (Mind Medicine)” now available on Itunes & cdbaby.com, which he refers too as a series of soulful motivational cd’s designed to push others to live their dreams. And a soon to be released book, “How I Became The Richest Man In The World: A Biographical Guide To Achieving Success Beyond Odds.”
I found out that Malaku is a writer, director, singer and he even produces film and television. He’s also currently working on a hip, and edgy electronica cd, "Confession of a Socialite" that he says will show those who know him a whole new side of him. “We’re about freedom, empowerment, fun, and creative expression,” Malaku says.
In their Artist Management Division, they‘re currently working with an artist that they’re very excited about Taseen Kayven, a sixteen year old, rapper, producer, and actor.
Staying true to their desire to give to others the freedom and space to flex their creative muscles, the Consultation Division is where they consult and guide artist, from various areas of the entertainment industry (actors, recording artists, models, musicians, producer's) in their creative choices. The resources supplied in this division range from styling, video conception, music choices, performance choices, acting coaching and more. Currently they’re working with Koch Records recording artist Latoiya Williams and Grammy award winning songwriter and recording artist Gordon Chambers. In the past they’ve worked with Usher, Kirk Franklin, Mario, Shanice Wilson, and Brownstone.
The Music Producer Management Division, “Dream Element Music” is currently working with a hot production team out of NY called Nex-us. The team includes Prestige, Jamal B, T. Bass, Mike Blitz and Alex Starr. Malaku stifled himself as not to reveal the exciting projects that will come out of this division. The look in his eyes titillated my imagination as I unsuccessfully tried to unmask the projects brewing.
Their Television/Feature Film Development & Production Division is currently developing reality and scripted televisions shows, and feature films including their most recent project “Stranded In The Motor City”, a docu-drama about Dwayne's family.
“We’ve also just added a musical to our arsenal of projects.” Malaku said. “We want to take it to Broadway,” Dwayne added “Why not shoot for the stars. It’s possible.” I don’t want to spoil it for you by teasing you with what they have in store. Rest assured that the ideas of these shows/films will become favorites that you program into your Tivo or rush to New York for.
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What stood out for me during this interview was when Malaku stated that “While helping others on their intellectual, spiritual and creative paths to success, we are actually helping ourselves spiritually and creatively”. Dwayne echoed this with a simple, but true statement. “Life rewards action.”
They share the vision of creating opportunities to educate the youth of today. Many of our youth today are not aware of their worth. “We want to be an example of how “where you start does not determine where you end,” Malaku said. Dwayne chimed in, “We started basically on the bottom of life, and it feels good to know that we’re headed to the top.”
A prevalent message in this interview was Dwayne and Malaku’s desire to make things better for everyone, by creating balance and value in what is viewed as entertainment. “But, we’re still going to have fun, and do some “out there” things, we like to be out the box in our concepts.” They collectively stated. Their hope is that through this company they will inspire development and growth, and in so doing, show the world the possibilities of us all.
This risk-taking duo that balances each other in personality is destined to fill the void of creative thinking and self-worth for the young and the young at heart.
By Douglas E. Nowling
11/07/07
