Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Taylor
Hi Terry , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into music began in adolescence, influenced by a household full of music. My mom played a lot of Prince, Rick James, Michael Jackson, MC Lyte, and the SOS Band—soul and funk music that shaped my early passion. My older brother exposed me to a broader range of artists, from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and 2Pac to No Limit, N.W.A., Twista, common cashmoney snoop and Trick Daddy. I became so infatuated with music that I recorded songs off the radio using a cassette tape recorder. At just 7 years old, I even won a bundle of CDs from a local radio station in Orlando, which further ignited my love for music.
By the age of 12, my older cousin, who was making a name for himself in Central Florida, had a profound influence on me. Watching him create music and hustle in the industry gave me the confidence to pursue my own dream. He introduced me to the basics of hand-to-hand sales and marketing around 2005-2006, and I spent the next several years refining my craft.
In 2012, while in college, my cousin helped me put together my first demo. He used an agent from his network I signed a contract with Cry Girl Ent at the time and she flew to New York, where she met with labels like Def Jam, Atlantic, and G-Unit to shop my demo. It was a surreal experience, and the feedback I received from labels, particularly Atlantic and Def Jam, fueled my passion even more.
In 2015, I moved to Atlanta and reconnected with my cousin, who had been working with industry professionals like Kaneisonthebeat and Grammy-nominated Keith Brown. I spent time shadowing Keith and learning about the music business, which shaped my understanding of the industry. Two years later I released my single Money Callin’, which gained traction in both Orlando and Atlanta, thanks to DJs like DJ Deceptacon DJ Too Wavy, as well as Dj Consistency.
The year 2020 brought personal challenges with the passing of my father. In his honor, I decided to rebrand myself as Fleetwood Jr., drawing inspiration from his legacy. That same year, I launched a clothing brand called Fleetwood Customs, which was well-received. Later, I transitioned to creating my brand Stillare Iussi, meaning “drip” in Dutch it’s a statement of confidence being fly per say when you wear it . It’s also reflection of my journey toward self-awareness and the importance of individuality.
In January 2022, my podcast journey began unexpectedly. Frustrated with how the media often pushed negative narratives about artists, my co-founder and I decided to create a platform that celebrated artists’ achievements entrepreneurs actors personal brand coaches photographers filmographers singers chefs fitness coaches artist management promoters media
Personalities and shared their stories. We’ve been going strong ever since, with over 100 episodes and 100+ guests. We’ve even had a sit-down show in Atlanta with an A&R who owns over 100 labels and recently hosted a giveaway for our supporters.
Between August and December 2024, I focused heavily on music, performing live, releasing singles, and working on my upcoming project, Return of Da Underdawgs. During this period, I won two major contests: WEFAMATL (with my single topping the charts in just one week) and HitFactoryRadio954, where I had one of the hottest songs of the week. By December, I received distribution offer from DVD Global Empress (A&R at Empire) where I established underdawgs worldwide LLC and partnership opportunities with NoxBond, who owns over 100 labels.
I also ended the year by appearing on Industries Most Wanted with Tampa Mystic in Atlanta, capping off a year of growth and success. It’s been a long journey, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all I’ve endured so much from losing my dad to dealing with a child in the hospital to in my early adulthood just figuring life out living on edge not having much support , mental health is important im way more well rounded as I’ve aged those moments helped shaped me if it wasn’t for those moments I don’t think I’d be who I am right now. It’s been so many potholes I’ve parked my car a few times and just took the longer route by walking just so I can take my time to get myself together and identify the problems and solve them along the way .
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a music artist, entrepreneur, and podcast creator, known for blending diverse genres like soul, funk, and hip-hop R&B . I specialize in creating authentic, music and content that connects with people. I’m most proud of my consistent growth in the industry, rebranding as Fleetwood Jr. after my father’s passing, and launching my clothing brand Stillare Iussi, which promotes individuality and positive affirmations. As well as establishing my record label underdawgs worldwide offering distribution deals through empire for independent artist.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach combining music, fashion, and my podcast, where I highlight creators’ stories and shift the narrative in the industry. My authenticity and commitment to staying true to my vision are key factors that differentiate me from others. Understanding the principles and importance of unity and teamwork and actually applying it.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Collaborating with me if it’s either for an podcast a song feature or anything overtime I’ve built the communication skills by having so many conversations. With people from all over I would consider myself a master of that skill I just say to anyone who wants to work or have any ideas feel free to DM me or email any inquiries to underdawgsww@gmail.com and far as support it doesn’t cost anything to share a post and or word or mouth is free I do the same for others and I’m enjoying seeing everything full circle!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Underdawgsww.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underdawgsworldwide?igsh=MXQybGVpdjNmMXRjOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15NRSLJovu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@daunderdawgspodcast?si=zK_LCepCWp702SIz
- Other: https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134192759
