Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Yates Jr.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1989, I was born in Compton California, in the early 90s my grandparents left the west coast and my mother and a few other relatives followed them to Georgia around 1993. The short time I lived in California and Nevada I became a big fan of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg my favorite song was “What’s My Name” by Snoop and Dre. That small influence of the west sound followed me to the South as I became accustomed to the different customs and language used here it allows me to stand out. I later followed my passion of music after serving in the military and started my own production company and clothing line.
Great, 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?
Absolutely not lol! but God has blessed me. The majority of my life I’ve lived-in low-income housing, such as projects, trailers, and section 8 apartments. I did not have a relationship with my father until I was 25 and my mother left me with my grandmother for four years when I was 13. During this time, my close cousin still in LA was murdered and his brother was shot (5) times. Four years after that after working hard to try and make it out of the life I was forced to live around such as drugs, the fast life, gangs and financial instability and unstable housing my close friend who taught me how to use audio editing software, introduced to other talented artists, and taught me how to write my music in bar form instead of paragraphs fell victim to suicide as we know it in 2007. Afterwards, I got accepted into West Georgia University in 2007 but couldn’t afford to keep going so I joined the military which later allowed me to get my BA in Audio Production from the Art Institute of Atlanta, my Masters in Technology Management from AIU, purchase my first home after sleeping on twin sized beds until I was 20yrs old and to start my two businesses. SBZ Sound LLC and Kroo Apparel LLC
Please tell us about SBZ Sound & Kroo Apparel.
SBZ Sound derives from pure Audio production only. The longer I worked in the industry I developed a love for Photography and Videography. I began to study them heavily and provide services in that realm when I felt I could deliver what clients were searching for.
In short, I provide Media Production: Video Editing, Drone Piloting, Photoshoots, Photo Editing, Audio Recording, Audio Editing, Website Building, Logo Creations, the whole nine.
I specialize in convenience and personal relationships.
I’m known for being trustworthy, dependable, and motivating others.
I’m most proud of following my passion, leaving the military after 8 years of honorable service and starting my career of choice knowing nothing on the professional side and finding my way to work with BET, Under Armour, ESPN and a list of celebrities, government projects and small businesses within such a short time of 1-4 years after leaving service.
What sets me apart is pure tenacity and humbleness to get where I know I am called to do.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Of all memories, I will never forget the pure love and rawness of my Grandfather before he passed around 1995. He was a jack of all trades and he truly loved us all and taught us so much. I mean he was my first best friend and we would go everywhere together and even work out in his field and farm before the sun would rise and I was only like 4 years old.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sbzsound
- Email: sbzsounds@gmail.com
- Instagram: @therealslimbeatz
Personal IG: @therealslimbeatz
SBZ Sound IG: @sbzsound
Kroo Apparel IG: @krooapparel
Image Credit:
All photos were taken by myself except for the Funky Town Graphic which I did not make or edit. I am listed on that graphic for the Audio Production portion along with Videography
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