Today we’d like to introduce you to George “Mikey” Ransom Turner III.
Hi George “Mikey”, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is George Ransom Turner III—also known to many as PartyPlugMikey—and I’m the founder and federally recognized trademark owner of the Orange Crush Festival. I was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, specifically in the Cloverdale neighborhood on the city’s Westside. Growing up in Savannah gave me a deep connection to community, culture, and creativity—things that have defined everything I’ve built since.
My journey started in the early 2000s, throwing local events and promoting spaces where our people—especially students and young creatives—could celebrate freely and safely. Over time, I saw how major cultural events like Orange Crush were being misrepresented and stripped of their authenticity. So I took it into my own hands. I trademarked the name “Orange Crush Festival,” secured the brand on a federal level, and began building real infrastructure around it—turning a chaotic spring break tradition into an organized, purposeful movement rooted in education, culture, and economic empowerment.
From that point forward, it wasn’t just about events. I created Orange Crush University, a nonprofit focused on HBCU engagement, veteran empowerment, and civic leadership. I launched CRUSH Magazine to give a platform to real stories, student voices, and Black-owned businesses. And I introduced Crush Coin, a blockchain project designed to make cryptocurrency education and financial literacy part of the same movement.
Throughout it all, I faced legal fights, financial challenges, and pushback from institutions that didn’t want to see this kind of independent, grassroots power structure thrive. But I never stopped. My vision has always been bigger than a party—this is a cultural restoration project, a blueprint for ownership, and a platform for the next generation of leaders.
I’m proud to say we now operate across the state of Georgia, collaborating with universities, city officials, and corporate partners. The Orange Crush ecosystem is alive and growing—from the beaches of Tybee to classrooms, stages, and digital platforms around the world. And we’re just getting started.
MEET THE FOUNDER
GEORGE “MIKEY” RANSOM TURNER III
George “Mikey” Ransom Turner III
Founder & Owner, Orange Crush Festival | Entrepreneur | Veteran | Musician | Blockchain Innovator | Educator | Activist | Organizer | CEO | President | Father |
⸻Board Of Directors (Lead)
George “Mikey” Ransom Turner III is a multifaceted and unstoppable visionary whose unique blend of military discipline, athletic excellence, artistic creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit defines a new generation of leaders. As the founder and owner of the federally trademarked Orange Crush Festival, Mikey has built a dynamic cultural and business ecosystem that spans live events, education, media, and blockchain innovation.
Personal Achievements & Recognition
• Calvary Day School Basketball Champion & Captain
• Holder of multiple leadership roles in music, nonprofit, and blockchain sectors
• Recognized for veteran-owned business excellence at local, state, and federal levels
• Committed to fostering youth leadership and cultural preservation through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and civic organizations
Military Service & Athletic Excellence
A 100% Permanent & Total Disabled Veteran, Mikey proudly served in the U.S. Army with a distinguished career in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) defense, including deployments to combat zones in Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. His time in service was marked not only by courage and dedication but also by exceptional athletic achievement — as an All-Army basketball starter, leading scorer, and assist leader, representing the military at the highest competitive levels.
His academic, athletic and community service earned him Wendy’s High School Heisman Award and Proof of Record Ownership earned him a prestigious Tom Joyner Scholarship to attend Clark Atlanta University, where he further developed his leadership and academic foundation.
Technology & Crypto Innovation
George Mikey is a skilled IT developer and blockchain architect, pioneering the development of the Crush Coin DAO LLC — a Wyoming-based decentralized autonomous organization designed to merge festival commerce, education, and community finance on a secure, transparent blockchain platform.
His forward-thinking approach to cryptocurrency and digital asset management ensures that the CRUSH ecosystem remains scalable, sustainable, and inclusive.
Sales & Executive Expertise
An elite sales executive currently for his own companies and in the past for multiple Fortune 500 companies, Mikey leverages his extensive experience in relationship-building and strategic growth to drive consistent success across all his projects. His professional skills extend beyond sales to operational leadership, sponsorship development, and high-impact partnership negotiations.
Entrepreneurial & Business Leadership
Mikey’s business acumen is exemplified through his founding and leadership of multiple successful ventures, including:
• Orange Crush Festival — An annual, federally trademarked spring break beach music festival that celebrates vibrant culture, student engagement, and live entertainment with a focus on HBCU communities and broader audiences.
• Crush Magazine — A digital and print media platform chronicling cultural highlights, music innovation, and community stories connected to the CRUSH brand.
• Crush The Label — An artist management and music promotion company that supports emerging talent with comprehensive industry expertise.
• Orange Crush University (501c3 Nonprofit) — An educational initiative aimed at empowering students through blockchain education, cultural programming, and civic engagement, operating with a strong veteran-led leadership.
His entrepreneurial vision integrates cutting-edge technology, including blockchain and cryptocurrency, positioning his ventures at the forefront of innovation.
Artistic Identity: “PLUG NOT A RAPPER” “PARTY PLUG MIKEY”
Under his artistic moniker “PLUG NOT A RAPPER,” George “Mikey” Turner has carved out a powerful and authentic presence in the music industry, distinguished by his fusion of raw storytelling, innovative production, and genre-blending soundscapes. His music transcends traditional rap, drawing deeply from his life experiences — from military service and community activism to cultural celebration and personal resilience.
As PLUG NOT A RAPPER, Mikey’s artistry serves as both a creative outlet and a cultural statement. His work elevates voices often underrepresented in mainstream music while connecting with diverse audiences through compelling lyrics and fresh sonic textures.
Creative Vision
Each project under PLUG NOT A RAPPER reflects George Turner’s dedication to crafting music that is trendy, meaningful, motivational, and memorable. His sound pushes boundaries while respecting the roots of hip-hop culture, making his work both timely and timeless.
Beyond music, Mikey integrates his artistry into broader cultural initiatives — from festival production to educational programming — ensuring his creative legacy impacts lives on multiple levels.
Civic Leadership & Advocacy
Mikey is a passionate political activist and community leader, dedicated to advocating for veterans, students, and underserved communities. Through his platforms, he champions education, social justice, and economic empowerment — integrating philanthropy with pragmatic business solutions.
Connect with George “Mikey” Turner
As the driving force behind the Orange Crush ecosystem, George “Mikey” Turner continues to innovate at the intersection of culture, technology, and community empowerment.
Reach out: OrangeCrushFestival.org
Email: info@orangecrushfestival.org
Facebook: George Ransom Turner III
INSTAGRAMS: @Party.Plug.Mikey @PartyPlugMikey
Alright, 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?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. But every obstacle shaped me and made the Orange Crush brand stronger. I can recall organizing the events with Tybee Mayors and Chief of police via phone email and zoom meetings from Iraq & Afghanistan while in combat zones during multiple years and military deployments and coming home to being treated less than favorable by the same administration of the island I was supporting and protecting.
One of the biggest challenges has been protecting what I built. Despite federally trademarking the Orange Crush Festival name, I’ve had to constantly fight against unauthorized events, false narratives, and individuals trying to hijack or profit off the brand without any connection to its roots or original mission. That kind of legal and public battle takes a toll—not just financially, but emotionally.
Another major hurdle has been gaining respect from institutions that didn’t understand our purpose. I’m a 100% disabled veteran, a Black business owner, and a product of Savannah’s westside—I didn’t come from wealth or privilege. So when I walked into rooms to talk about permits, partnerships, or blockchain integration, I wasn’t always taken seriously. I had to earn that respect the hard way—by being consistent, by showing results, and by knowing my rights inside and out.
On top of that, building multiple entities at once—a festival, a nonprofit university, a media magazine, and a cryptocurrency platform—all while managing my own life and veteran status, hasn’t been easy. There were financial setbacks, political games, and moments where I had every reason to give up. But I didn’t. I kept going because I believed in the people this movement represents.
Through it all, I’ve learned that smooth roads don’t build strong leaders. The struggle sharpened my focus, made me more protective of our culture, and gave me a mission that’s bigger than just one event. Every challenge taught me how to turn pressure into purpose—and now we’re building something that will outlast trends and politics.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a creator. Whether it’s through music, events, media, or visual expression, everything I do is rooted in storytelling and purpose. I specialize in building platforms that give voice to culture—from organizing large-scale events like the Orange Crush Festival to writing articles, producing music, curating magazines, and even sharing personal stories through poetry and painting.
I’ve always believed that art isn’t just something you perform—it’s something you live. My journey started with music. As a DJ and performer, I learned how to move a crowd, how to connect energy, and how to speak through rhythm. That love for sound evolved into songwriting and recording, where I poured my life into lyrics that reflect the struggle, the love, and the hope I carry.
But I didn’t stop there. I also found comfort in painting and poetry—ways to express what couldn’t always be said out loud. My spoken word performances became my therapy. My brushstrokes became prayers. And over time, I realized that everything I created was a way of healing, not just for me, but for others who saw themselves in my work.
That led me to build CRUSH Magazine, a platform dedicated to telling our stories—real stories from the streets of Savannah to the halls of HBCUs across Georgia. I’ve written articles, produced student spotlight series, and helped others share their voices in a world that often silences them. That’s what I’m most proud of: using my platform to elevate others while staying true to my own creative vision.
What sets me apart is my willingness to be raw and vulnerable while still being strategic and impactful. I create with my heart, but I lead with my mind. I don’t just chase trends—I create movements. And I’m not afraid to merge love, art, activism, and even pain into one unified voice.
Even in relationships—whether romantic or professional—I believe in creating connection, depth, and meaning. My art is a reflection of my truth, and my truth is layered. I’ve lived through heartbreak, loss, triumph, and rebirth. I lost my mother at just 8 years old. I’ve experienced betrayal, been falsely arrested, and fought through systemic barriers—but I turn all of that into art.
Every beat I make, every article I write, every event I organize, every love I’ve felt, and every truth I speak—it’s all part of one canvas. And I’m still painting.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe we’re going to see a major shift across every industry I touch—events, music, education, media, and technology—and the walls between them will continue to break down. Everything is becoming more interconnected, and brands that thrive will be the ones that build ecosystems, not just products.
In the festival and live event space, we’re already seeing a demand for more culturally meaningful, purpose-driven experiences. People aren’t just showing up for music—they want impact, education, community, and ownership. I believe festivals like Orange Crush will lead that evolution by integrating financial literacy, civic engagement, HBCU empowerment, and emerging tech like blockchain into the culture. It won’t just be about the party anymore—it’ll be about the platform.
In media, the future is hyper-local and hyper-authentic. Platforms like CRUSH Magazine, which tell real stories from real people, will have more influence than traditional outlets. People are tired of being sold lies—they want vulnerability, realness, and reflection. We’re going to see a rise in grassroots journalism, independent creators, and culturally specific publishing powerhouses that push stories mainstream from the bottom up.
In the music and creative arts industry, I think we’re entering a new renaissance—especially for Black artists and creators. With AI, streaming, and Web3 tools, we now have the power to own, monetize, and distribute our art without middlemen. That means more self-managed artists, more decentralized labels, and a whole new class of creators who control their brand from start to finish. Crush Coin and our DAO model are ahead of that wave, preparing us to be not just participants—but pioneers.
Education will shift, too. Traditional systems are already being questioned, and I see nonprofits like Orange Crush University bridging the gap between real-world skills and outdated institutions. Over the next decade, HBCUs, blockchain academies, and veteran-led learning models will challenge the status quo—and we’ll be right there, building it.
At the heart of it all, the biggest trend will be this: ownership. Cultural ownership, intellectual property protection, and economic self-determination. The next era belongs to creators who know how to protect what they build and uplift the communities they come from. And I plan to be at the front of that movement—helping lead it.
Pricing:
- Presenting Sponsor – $50,000+, Flagship Education Partner – $25,000+, Gold Sponsor – $25,000+
- Campus Sponsor – $10,000+ , Silver Sponsor – $10,000+,
- Local Community Partner – $5,000+ , Student Impact Sponsor – $2,500+
- CRUSH MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING RATES • Full-Page Ad – $1,500 • Half-Page Ad – $750 • Quarter-Page Ad – $400 • Student/Local Feature Slot – $250
- Certified Vendor Fee – $1,000 , Creative Brand Onboarding – $1,000+ , Event Partner Integration – $2,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://OrangeCrushFestival.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/party.plug.mikey?igsh=dXNmZGY0OTZqNzI5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WEhRk9c1A/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/VblPNcWYePM
