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Meet Ezell Waddell II of Connect Squad Entertainment in Westend

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ezell Waddell II.

Ezell, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was a zone 1, West End, First Baptist (hospital), Atlanta born kid from Morehouse Drive with an undying necessity for creativity. Suits of armor made from paper was my first debut at only two and a half years old. I grew older only to notice that the urge would greatly intensify. My social and self-awareness highlighted the scarcity of positive outlets and how far out of reach they were. I grew more frustrated as time passed completely ignorant to the fact that my life is preordained. Music and I were formally introduced at roughly four years old with Fela Kuti’s sociopolitical “Sorrow Tears, and Blood”. The music incited feelings of refuge, happiness, sadness, and anger. I was enthused to find a past time that made me feel such a variety of emotions but feels nonetheless. Concluding that if I could identify with relevant lyrics others may be able to identify with mine. I finally found an outlet and music was one of them. Realizing that in order to use music as an outlet and a platform I needed to delve into other promotional aspects of art. Influenced by Dark House 415, a local group from Macon, GA with personalized apparel and their own billboard, I too yearned for my own personalized apparel. Dreams of becoming galactically renowned, I started drawing my ideas on plain white tees and wearing them. My lyrics though painting a vivid picture was not at optimal precision without visual aid. Branching out into other aspects of art, I noticed that I loved videography as well. I elevated from drawing on white tees with Sharpies, taking pictures and videos on a camera phone, and “jacking” and leasing beats to purchasing apparel printing equipment, professional-grade cameras, and building a professional studio. I not only grew fond of executing these tasks for the promotion of my artistry but saw my abilities as a lucrative business opportunity as well. Welcome to Connect Squad Entertainment.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road but that was never expected. I faced and still face skepticism on whether or not I will be successful from some of the closest people to me. One of the most prevalent obstacles is dealing with people who you have to pay and then beg as well. It is also difficult to balance domestic, social, and professional life. The biggest obstacle of all that I faced is trusting and believing in myself and realizing that ultimately I am responsible for my success or failure. If I Don’t, Who Will?

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Connect Squad Entertainment is a network-based business centered around relationships. I do whatever needs to be done that could range from physically printing shirts myself to making my own beats to taking my own pictures and shooting my own video to writing, recording, and editing my own songs, specializing in each. Connect Squad Entertainment is known for quality work and a product that a proud business owner and happy customers can stand behind. As a company, I am most proud of the growth and great relationships. My work ethic sets me apart from others. I take the steps that most are unwilling or unmotivated to primarily because I love my work, secondly, I owe my customer a premium product.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very introverted with many associates but I knew that my passion called for me to practice being a people person. More often than not, I was told that I had made this trip before. My interests were music, drawing, painting, singing, rapping, photography, playing piano and snare drum, clothing design, and being an inventor.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Luke Usry

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2 Comments

  1. Empress of Art

    October 25, 2019 at 5:20 am

    What a beautiful piece. I’m blown away by your intellect and your passion behind your art. It is evident to me that you are committed to your craft and that’s inspiring. I’m so proud of you.

  2. Uncle T

    October 28, 2019 at 2:59 pm

    I love this Nephew, I am very very proud of you ✌🏾❤️

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