ABOUT OUR TEAM

Def Jam- What is now one of the largest labels in the world was initially a two-man operation featuring the forefathers, Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. "Def Jam meant to the music industry as much as Stax, Atlantic and Motown meant to their respective music," said rapper Chuck D "It started from the same humble beginnings that all of those other companies started, very small, but very much passionate about the music. "When Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons joined forces to co-found the label, their business savvy -- combined with their love of rap -- resulted in a company that, despite changes in the music business and the label itself, retains a notable name. Max Gousse, now an executive with the Island Def Jam Music Group, was a young man in the New York borough of Queens when he first fell in love with the tunes of Def Jam artists such as LL Cool J, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys. "Def Jam became a household name in the music industry. Def Jam Records’ recording artists have committed to giving back to the community by participating as mentors, entertainers, judges and guest speakers.

Since 2006, New Start Foundation, Inc. (NSF) a non-profit 501 © 3 grass root organization has been committed to meeting the Employment, Educational, Social, and Developmental needs of struggling youth and young adults both adjudicated and non-adjudicated in the community. In 2007, NSF Project Build Up has visited schools & recreation centers in the City of Philadelphia with Law Enforcement Agencies, Artists against Violence and other companies to empower, educate, support, encourage and motivate youth in many topics relating to effective living skills. Together, they tackled issues from dropout prevention to practicing abstinence, conflict resolution, flash mob intervention and interests in higher education. With career development being their primary concentration, volunteer’s ages 18 to 30 years has joined NSF to capture youth attention through the arts which include poetry, dance, positive rap, R&B, spoken word, open youth forums and comedy, thus showing them with education, hard work and determination you can do the impossible.

Who's Next Entertainment- Assisted PAYTHIA Jenkins, CEO of NSF with creating the Philly Artists against Violence. Bomani Taylor, poet was instrumental in school and commuity activities since the conception of the movement.

Express Urself Inc.- a collaborative partner of Philly AAV visualizes using his music studio to reach youth and adults.
About our graphic art - Sean “Heru” Holland volunteer to make fliers, logos and help aritsts with their music.

Reading PA- Denisha McFarland- Healing Hearts organization has joined PAYTHIA & the NSF Artists against Violence out of Reading PA to empower her community to stand up and fight against violence.

Current & Past Artists- The History of Philadelphia Artists:  Will Smith, Music Soul Child, Jill Scott, Boys II Men, Brandy, Jasmine Sullivan, Pink, State Property, Meek Mill, Frankie Avalon, Bahamadia, Charlie Baltimore, Frankie Beverly, Bilal, Cassidy, Cool C, The Delfonics, Eve, Floetry, Phyllis Hyman, Vivian Green, Ms. Jade, Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Roots