The concept is that there is value in branding 105 Recordings Limited without any artist and/or musical production affiliation and not having it confused or diluted by other interest,” Lloyd W. Sutton, 105RL’s president and COO, told the DC based publication Slantress Magazine while being interviewed for their Man Of The Month August 2012 issue. “My music industry friends have all been very supportive. I didn’t make this move without consulting with those I respect and have worked with over the years, they all were understanding. Frankly, without them we wouldn’t have been able to make as much headway as we did. I completely understand that my network determines my net worth.”

105 Recordings Limited was founded in 2007 by Sutton (but didn’t open it’s music division until May 2010), and for those who know him understand that it was simply a small cut-out pasted on the vision board, certainly not the most important objective. Sutton admits, he never made any real money doing music despite incurring major debt. “I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on photoshoots, music production, promotions, studio rentals, producer tracks, getting sample clearances, in addition to traveling the country to various music events and showcases. All the things it takes to make an artist successful. To be honest with you though, I had a two to three year plan with it anyway. It wasn’t something I was gonna do forever without any real success. I had already said that if I didn’t have a viable and profitable act signed to the label by a certain time period that I would walk away. That time has expired, so I am shutting the doors closed with no regrets,” he says smiling. What’s next for Sutton? Well, it’s simple and doesn’t involve any great business ideas at all,” he states proudly. “For the first time ever I am experiencing true love. How to give it, as well as receive it. All I desire in a lifetime companion, she is.” While he won’t give us a name, he’s quick to uplift her, “She’s beautiful inside and out and that’s all I ever wanted. I need to put more of my time and energy into that relationship. We’ve known each other for years and have always kept in touch despite being in different states. I wanna marry her soon and focus on having a family and living a prosperous life that way. A family in harmony will prosper in everything.”

Closing the label for the sake of improving his personal life and family structure is an interesting strategy, chasing that music dream will have you totally blind to real life and real responsibilities he says. “I was homeless, sleeping in my car for nearly ten months trying to film tv shows and promote artist who didn’t share the same vision nor have a consistent work ethic. There was a ray of hope on the label however, I had a kid R&B act (Odjkni Simmons) who had the ‘it factor’, two major-indie labels really liked him but things never panned out,” Sutton says. “Music entertainment by far is one of the hardest ways to earn a living. I just want a more simple life now. I can’t continue to chase something that’s not realistically there. Millionaire dreams are cool but I am a reallionaire too,” he says laughing. And he should be, less than 4% of those who are in the music industry as artist or executives actually make a living within the business.

105RL itself is a subsidiary of Nuera Media Group Holdings, which houses Dyoll Publishers Lounge (Sutton’s publishing company). It will operate solely as a consulting firm going forward but only working with select acts. Shutting the music company’s doors pulls him away from the everyday operational duties of a label and creates the opportunity for the brands return to it’s primary aim. Sutton now can put the focus on his spiritual and personal development at the same time, work with less while accomplishing more. “Stabilizing the future of my family takes precedence over everything,” he adds, “it’s okay for me to sleep in the car but not my family. I can’t afford to throw money away on music anymore. That’s called being irresponsible.” His true desire and purpose is to continue to build himself into a better man so that he’s able to successfully lead and prosper his family. Not recording artist.

Life without a purpose is a languid, drifting thing; every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves, ‘This day let me make a sound beginning, a true purpose is the difference between making a living and making a life. Hence, 105 Recordings Limited Music Group is no longer in concert. Elvis has left the building.

How can your target listeners remember who you are amidst the clamour of enthusiastic shouts?

One way to help differentiate yourself is by building a brand. As a marketing and branding professional, this is something I use to help new companies every day. It took me a while to realize that I needed to apply my own instructions to me!

Everything you do, whether it’s blogging, tweeting, or video promotionals, should contribute to your brand. What is a brand? In the corporate world, it’s a recognizable sign, name or symbol that connects you straight to the product. In the business world, I’d argue that the owner, as the ‘seller’ of the ‘product’, is the brand.

So how do you begin to develop your brand?

First of all, I believe your brand should reflect your product. For example, I am an ex-convict who came into the business world with just a dream…no money, little trust and a long criminal record but still I had a dream & loads of passion to work the dream. In everything I do, from blogging to Facebook, I try to incorporate those elements. I keep things fun and upbeat, talk about vision and dream building alot, and throw in some humour when I can. Ideally, your brand should reflect some element of your personality, so it comes naturally. Otherwise, it may feel forced, and people can usually see through it. Of course I don’t always feel positive, but I choose not to write about any negativity publicly; I save all my whinging for my lucky chosen few! It’s important to be consistent if you want your brand to be remembered.

Secondly, think about the ‘look’ you want to create for your brand. From book covers, blog templates, and business cards to your website, everything should tie in. Remember, the more alike things look, the more it will stick in your target readers’ mind. The look you create should also tie into your message & mission ladies & gents.

Don’t know where to start? Think about three words you’d want your listeners to use to describe you, and go from there. For me, it would be visionary, funny & driven. Then, filter those adjectives into everything you do!

In other words, if all you know is “sell more” you’ll only choose that as your answer. Or “do something crazy” as the only thing that sticks, then you’ll choose that. Yet, branding has a lot of tools that fall underneath its broad umbrella. So knowing the breadth of branding is vital unless you like hammering a lot of nails (and patching up a lot of leaky holes). Which is why businesses like Apple, Harley Davidson, Dyson, Under Armour, and other brand leaders do what they do, leaving their competition scratching their heads in bewilderment.

The company that seeks the ROI without the “I” demonstrates only a surface understanding of doing business today. Yes, you need the monetary investment, but you also need the committed investment of the company into that brand promise and culture.

Design is the alignment, reorganization, and fusing of aesthetics with judgement, tenacity, a touch of rebellion, and the know-how to keep a vision alive and relevant. Kind of the approach Dyoll Publishers Lounge/Beyond Words Publishing is taking with it’s new author and personality Lloyd W. Sutton. Yes, it’s going to take nearly 4 to 5 years to make Sutton a household name, but creating a foundation to stand with the best is what’s most important. Building a quality foundation for the new brand is key leaving the stable. Not following the norm and getting caught up in saying ‘YES’ to everything and everybody. It’s also the art of saying, “No” and knowing when to implement that right. Merging those skills and disciplines correctly while adhering to the fact that branding is “the art of differentiation” and you can end being the next Apple of your industry. “I had far too much going on in my life that took away from the more important things. I have since condensed.” Sutton says.

Another key point is knowing when to change your operating basis as pointed out by Einstein: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Just kidding….sort of. He was the executive producer, creative director, created the entire brand and the concept of recording the reality show but professionally he says, “it was just time to move on. I wish them well.”

He’s back with the team he started with in 2007 and these days he’s busy touring with different rock bands, prepping the re-release of his first book, ‘Convicted But Not Convinced: From Bars to Ballads.’ And working on two new film projects, ‘AIDS IN BLACK AMERICA’ and ’8.26.79.’

He’s co-producing both films with Sebastian Urrea of Motion Picture Family, but gets really bubbly when speaking about the focal project ’8.26.79′, an 8 episode documentary-series about his life. It channels his up and down again relationship he has with his father, finally re-visits the prison he was incarcerated at for nearly 2 years, 10 months being homeless and sleeping in his car, his small-town religious upbringing and even shows us a glimpse of his ever private personal love life. “I am really excited about her, so I decided to allow that part of my life to be public for the first time ever.” Filming started a few weeks ago. “I still have some major personal life issues going on right now too. I want to share them with the world. So I am gonna be really honest about my walk as a dreamer in this film,” he says. Either way, saying adios prematurely to the reality show thing has been fairly easy for Sutton. “Initially I wanted to be the first show producer to air a gospel reality tv show but that can’t happen anymore and I knew that heading into the end of last year. After I heard from a source in LA that MaryMary had signed the deal with WeTv, (Marvin Sapp has a new reality show airing soon as well) I knew my idea wasn’t going to come off as grand as I projected it would back in late 2010. Pulling out was the smartest thing to do. I would have been considered a generic carbon copy. I didn’t want that to happen at all.” he says. “Not to mention RadioOne (MCFADDEN sings quartet gospel music) isn’t even playing traditional gospel music anymore. They have completely taken it out of rotation.” And he’s a smart man if you ask the 3 million weekly viewers that watch The MaryMary Show faithfully on We. Lloyd W. Sutton may be a bit outlandish, arrogant and everything else he’s called, but he’s certainly not ignorant nor is he a fool.

Watch ‘Our Real World Mcfadden’ reality show trailer here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd7GNA7R5c4

Lewis was born on June 24th, 1980, to the parents of Keith A. Lewis, Sr. and Deborah Murray Lewis in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised in a middle class family home in Southwest Atlanta with his parents and younger brother, Kendrick Lewis.

Keith Sr. and Deborah Lewis always maintained a strong family support system around their children. However, despite their efforts, Lewis’ strong desire to short cut his way to success lead Lewis down a spiraling path of delinquency and criminal activity. He admits that he lacked direction as a pre-teen and because of it, continued to seek trouble for the thrill. Lewis was expelled from high school his junior and continued to revolve in and out of the justice system door as a teenager. By the time Lewis graduated high school, he had been arrested 3 times. His quick-scheming hustle mentality soon lead him to the streets, where he sold drugs to make a living and was even shot multiple times. However, even after coming dangerously close to death, Lewis’ neglected to cease his criminal activity. His addiction to the fast life continued until it ultimately landed him in state prison.

Lewis found himself the victim of an ever-present vicious cycle, which so many young black males fall prey to. It was in prison, however, that Lewis realized the awesome forgiving power of the Lord and sought to redirect his life according to God’s plan. It was his prison experience, accompanied with the birth of his first child that motivated him to live a more God fearing life. His story of redemption is one that illuminates God’s great mercy, love and forgiving nature. It is this universal thread that causes his unique story to be relatable to people everywhere.

After overcoming much adversity, Lewis is passionate about sharing his story of the Lord’s redemptive power and readily encourages others to walk in God’s divine plan and purpose for their lives. Through much prayer and direction from God, Lewis has dedicated his time and his talents to serving others- particularly young black males, and strives to help them become all God has called them to be.
He speaks candidly about his past life-changing experiences, which qualify him to speak on topics such as; juvenile delinquency, drug addiction, incarceration, entrepenurship and the importance of giving back.

In 2006, Lewis formed Jump Right Organization Inc., a non-profit organization that helps to provide ex-offenders with necessary economic and financial resources to be properly rehabilitated into an ever-evolving society. A situation that Lewis became very familiar with after he was released from prison. Jump Right Organization Inc., also facilitates a mentoring program for youth- particularly young men, between the ages of 16-25, who are at a high-risk for juvenile delinquent behavior.
In 2009, Lewis co-founded Another Level Productions, a production company that works with music artists to turn raw untapped talent into recognizable brands.

In 2011, Lewis established a sport and entertainment marketing and management firm in Atlanta, GA, where he cultivates fresh, young talent. L.E.W.I.S. is an acronym that stands for- Leaving Everyone With Individual Success. It represents the essence of what Lewis strives to do in both his business and non-profit. Lewis is a man who dreams in color, and believes that all things are possible through Jesus Christ. Lewis is passionate about empowering today’s young people and helping others reach their God given destiny.

One scripture that keeps Lewis free from his past and gives him the motivation to walk boldly in all God has called him to do is Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things thorough Christ who strengthens me.

In his spare time, Lewis enjoys spending time with his two children, eating healthy vegetarian meals, and watching football

Brian Americus, lead designer of Unique. Natural. Inspiration aka U.N.I Clothing Co. has begun a new venture to shed light on his unique sense of style with the launch of Brian Americus 4 U.N.I. U.N.I caters to young teens and adults who are confident and not afraid to turn heads. U.N.I also uses positive and abstract images to infiltrate the culture with a message of “Peace, Life, and Love”. Brian Americus 4 U.N.I is more of a moderate luxury brand which will offer limited edition pieces. Lloyd W. Sutton is a perfect representation of the lines and its message.

“I’ve always had a passion for fashion. And I am very grateful to Brian Americus & the U.N.I team for this opportunity,” says Sutton. Brian adds, “The inspiration for the jacket idea came after a chance meeting in Washington, DC. I noticed Sutton’s style and his natural ability to attract people to him immediately. He’s a trendsetter even at this level of his career and soon others will get a chance to see it too. I wanted to design something really unique and trendy for him, yet keep it simple because that’s how I see Lloyd’s style. My current designs are edgy and meant to compliment each person’s physique.”

“We’re really excited about Lloyd coming on board with the new line and the plan to expand in the months and years to come. We were really impressed once we talked to Sutton over the phone but was even more impressed once we were able to sit down to interview him in person and learn a little more about his story. He has already built -in-confidence and the drive to prove that he believes in what he stands for and our company alike.”

Despite launching a new company in a down economy, Brain Americus is already catching the attention of key industry buyers who have stated that everything they thought could be done with denim had already been done, until now. Wanting something new, Brian Americus started with the hopes of creating a niche market. By the looks of things Brian is doing just that. With his creative brand and the acquisition of Lloyd W. Sutton, it’s sure to be something interesting in the making.

U.N.I consists of several products made up of custom denim jackets, t-shirts, crewneck sweat shirts, and snapbacks available in different styles and colors. Brian Americus 4 U.N.I consist of unique cut-n-sew products designed and manufactured in the USA.

Visit U.N.I at www.uniclothingco.com (Brian Americus 4 U.N.I site coming soon).

1. Physical

Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even. –Muhammad Ali

Whether competing for food, fighting hand to hand, or challenging each other in the sporting arena, mastery of one’s own physical abilities is an important part of being a man. The most primitive, yet still one of the most prominent traits, a man’s physical capability affects everything from self-preservation to mating preferences. The health and virility of a male make him an appealing candidate for partnership with the opposite sex, while his strength and stature still prove to be influential factors in both the social and business world.

2. Functional

“Happy the man who, like Ulysses, has made a fine voyage, or has won the Golden Fleece, and then returns, experienced and knowledgeable, to spend the rest of his life among his family!” — Joachim du Bellay

Throughout time, a man’s ability and desire to provide for those that depend on him has been central to his masculinity. While utilizing a combination of physical ability, wit, savvy and ambition to succeed, his role as the breadwinner is what drives a man to achieve. No matter the geographic location or social situation, men work primarily to feed and create an environment of comfort for their wife and family. This is the commonly accepted role of the man within the social system and proves a formidable challenge that every man must accept.

3. Sexual

“I have always thought that every woman should marry, and no man.” — Benjamin Disraeli

When it comes to partnership, the man is perceived to be the less affected of the genders. Traditionally, it has been more acceptable for a man to remain a bachelor later in life compared to a woman. The desire for independence and freedom from the command of others is typically a masculine trait.

A man’s role as the aggressor in finding a mate is frequently recognized in most cultures, leaving him to seek out and pursue his interest. Although this sounds like an archaic and primeval practice, it is still a very large part of the courting process in modern society. In fact, this image of man’s independence has become so accepted, and even glorified in mainstream culture, that married men often feel compelled to follow this independence still. So, before marrying, ensure that you recognize the challenges that will come your way no matter what, and that you both have a firm commitment to make it last.

4. Emotional

“Feelings are not supposed to be logical. Dangerous is the man who has rationalized his emotions.” –David Borenstein

The denial of ones emotions is ingrained in men from a very early age. The phrase “boys don’t cry” about sums it up. Whatever his position, a man must manage without regard to the emotional effect that issues have on him. The ability to suppress personal feelings enables men to maintain an objective view of the circumstance and carry on. A man is then able to make rational decisions whether in a situation as small as an interpersonal debate or as catastrophic as a bloody battlefield. That said, it is necessary and healthy for men to have someone that they can confide in – a mentor, a brother, a friend – and let the old guard down once in awhile so that stress isn’t bottled up to the point of exploding.

5. Intellectual

“To me, being an intellectual doesn’t mean knowing about intellectual issues; it means taking pleasure in them.” –Chinua Achebe

Men are seen to rely on their intellectual capabilities rather than on emotion or intuition. Utilization of reason and logic enable men to view situations objectively and thus respond to them in a rational way. Only factual information is considered, while “feelings” are deemed unsuitable evidence on which to base decisions. Education and the acquisition of knowledge are viewed as important factors in male development

6. Interpersonal

“A true man hates no one.” –Napoleon Bonaparte

In interpersonal relationships, men are prone to adopt leadership roles and take the initiative to act on the other’s behalf. This can manifest itself negatively in the form of dominant behavior, by suppressing the will of others in the name of self-interest. However, this leadership can also be utilitarian. It is highly effective in the family model, as the father is able to establish order in the household. Giving direction and acting as a disciplinarian are common functions of men as a result.

7. Other

“The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion… It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider – and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation – persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree.” –Alexander Graham Bell

Among some of the other characteristics commonly attributed to men are ambition, pride, honor, competitiveness and a sense of adventure. These are not necessarily the attributes possessed by the perfect man. Rather, they are displayed to varying degrees, in one way or another, in most all men. They may reveal themselves differently from man to man, as one may use his power and influence for selfish interests, while another will strive for the greater good. Each man must assess his own strengths and weaknesses and find the best use for his vital characteristics.

Signing Off,

Lloyd W. Sutton

lws

Unsustainable Change

When you look around today, do you see many men leading powerful lives transformed?  There are some inspiring exceptions, but for the most part we don’t.  Most men lead tepid, lukewarm, defeated lives.

If I asked you, “Why aren’t more men leading powerful, transformed lives?”  What would you say? I would say because guys like to “fix things,” our answers gravitate to a list of things a man “ought” to do.  You know the list, and you can no doubt add to it.

• § You ought to be in a small group. What kind of group?!?!?!?
• § You ought to read your Bible more.  After I do that, then what?!?!?!?
• § You ought to be in an accountability group.  I say, for what?!?!?
• § You ought to be in church.  Church is just a building.  Nothing more.
• § You ought to go on a mission trip.  Nope.
• § You ought to work at the homeless shelter.  They just want a roof and food.  Nothing more.
• § You ought to stop smoking. What is that gonna solve?!?!?!?
• § You ought to stop drinking wine.  Everybody drinks wine.  That’s the smallest past of the problem.
• § You ought to not look at pornography.  Stop watching porn?!?!?!!  Child Please!!
• § You ought to be more humble.  Now that’s a start but it takes much more than that.

I can say without hesitation that while these may be great ideas, they just don’t work by themselves.  Telling men what they ought or need to “fix” about themselves is not powerful enough to bring about true transformation.  Many of us get the impression that if we just do the “right things” then they will be okay.  Oh, this may work for a while—even for a few years but it will not last forever.  You can shame men or challenge men to live “better” for a time, but that lacks transformative power.  Eventually the man who relies on his own desire or effort to live up to his potential will fail.  It is unsustainable.  Unless a man is drawn to his disciplines and good deeds by a compelling desire to love, know, and be responsible for his private sector as well as the communal, he will always burn out and fall away.  It is an iron law.

Clearing Up Men’s Confusion

Men, and especially younger men, have become one of our largest neglected people groups.  Men are confused about what it means to be a man, much less a man of great faith and honor.  How did we get so confused?  I could go biblical here, which after going to church for 8 days a week for 19 years, I’m sure I could delve into the word, lol.  But…well…maybe I should a little…and just a little for real…(religious jargon just isn’t my thing)

Many say we as men are running the wrong race (Galatians 5:7).  As a result, we have conformed to the values and customs of this world (Romans 12:2).  As a result, we are being held hostage by hollow and deceptive philosophy (Colossians 2:8).  That yeast has worked its way through the whole batch of dough (Galatians 5:9).  As a result, we have exchanged truth for a lie (Romans 1:25).  And now it has become a crisis.   Okay, enough of the biblical references.  I just wanted to show you all that I could take it there if I so wanted to, lol.  But how do we clear up this confusion?

Some men really just don’t know how to live their lives.  Many of us don’t have the knowledge to grasp what it means to evolve into leaders, to stop following trends but to set the trends, we must learn to lead.  I’m a freethinker.  I don’t watch much tv, don’t really listen to the radio much…don’t gossip to others and don’t allow others to gossip to me.  I only take out trash, I don’t bring it in. I speak my mind, and mind what I speak…let me explain.  It’s simple, if I put my mind to it, you can almost believe I’m going to get it done, somehow, someway.

For others, they already know what they need to do; that is not the problem.  Our problem is that we lack power to do what we already know we should do.  The problem is that we do not fully embrace our authority, furthermore, know the influence and power that we have over our girlfriends, wives, children, and our community.  MEN we are some powerful creatures.

So why aren’t more men leading powerful, transformed lives?

First, “We Must Understand What Our Purpose Is As Men.” One of the most practical things we can do is disciple men to understand who and what we are.  The core reason men are so confused is that they have never been discipled how to be men, husbands, and fathers.  Let me again give my father his just due.  I speak in my new book, ‘CONVICTED BUT NOT CONVINCED: From Bars to Ballads’ openly about my grievances and our fall outs as father and son, but my dads’ upside was his unyielding leadership ability.  He was a beast at teaching and showing that he would stand in the gap for his wife, his children and others when needed.  And while I don’t have either or at this point in my life.  I’m working my ass off to rid my past criminal image and give my unborn children a great example of what a man should be and creating a platform for them to stand upon.  After all, who else is going to make sure they prosper.

For most part, young men don’t have a good “picture” of the ideal man in their mind.  It is far too common nowadays to see women raising boys alone.  However, I am a firm believer that a woman cannot show a boy how to be a man.  She can do her best to give what she is able to give, but it is our job to show and prove our value.  To teach by way of our actions young boys how to be good men.

Anyway, I have to go my friends…I’m about to eat some hot wings covered in Texas Pete hot sauce and drink some sugary tea that I just fixed.  Yall,  I used a half of a bag of sugar for this pitcher of tea.  But anyhow, high blood pressure is another whole conversation…

A great opportunity stands before the male community like an elephant in the living room.  This is our moment.  The cause is great!  The stakes are high!  The battle is fiercely contested!  We must not fail!

Although they are still too young to know, my nephews and even my unborn children are counting on me to get this right!

Signing Off,

Lloyd W. Sutton

lws

At one point dreams woke you up early, had your heart beating fast and your vision was so clear. A disappointment here, broken spirit there and eventually a complete loss of zeal sets in. You look up and no longer know what it is to imagine, improve, and most importantly dream.  As lost as you may feel, bigger aspirations linger and hang on to the hopes that you will come back to the safe haven of making better out of your life.

Dreams are God’s reminder that there is always something bigger and safer than the storms you may be experiencing on the outside. It is what pushes us when we are too worn out to even pull ourselves up. The same way two people can hear a song or watch a movie and walk away with different meanings, dreams are developed and acted upon in the same sense with human beings. It doesn’t make anyone’s dream less important nor does it mean that some people don’t dream, but most times we are held back by things that were meant to motivate but end up deterring us from our true potential.

No one can put a value on the bigger picture you paint for yourself. That first sign of progress that seems so minute to some can be what you have been praying for the strength to do for years. Regardless of the naysayers you have to remember it is all about progression. Sometimes dreams are destroyed by the words or deeds of others, even harsher are the dreams we destroy ourselves. Allowing life to dictate when and where we should try again, instead of remembering that which was put inside of us is always ours.  Many times, we see other people completing college, finding love, or accomplishing something that seems out of the norm because of their age, why not draw from that if they have the will and power, why don’t we?  Being realistic is a part of dreaming in some sense, but even when things seem out of reach that doesn’t mean they are impossible.

In the busy hustle and bustle of everyday life we usually have some sort of to do list. Be it daily or weekly, we check things off and we feel more focused and ready for the next task. Each small step we take in life or towards our dream make us better regardless if it leads to a perfect outcome.  There was still effort put forward, positive energy put out, and a stronger belief in oneself to go after our soul’s gift of doing what is seemingly unrealistic. In other words, a dream can be simply put on your heart because you need a one on one lesson on how to dream.  So there is always a bright side, always a reason to let the dream live on.