Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Appleberry and Lemuel Velazquez.
Raymond and Lemuel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
3 Kingz Empire was founded on May 18, 2018. Headed by Parker Road Entertainment & Co. President/CEO & Co-Founder (Raymond A.P. Appleberry) Lab Music’s Founder/ CEO (Knowl3dg3 Velazquez) and American Monster Guild’s Founder/ CEO (Devon Brabham). These three gentlemen and their companies all came together to create a platform that supports the independent artist in DFW and the United States. 3 Kingz Empire now offers a host of services from booking shows/performances, digital promotions, music production, and much more. To date, the 3 Kingz Empire has worked with over 100 independent artists around the country. We believe that we can give our clients quality service at an affordable price point; while experiencing professionalism, integrity, and respect from all of the 3 Kingz Empire staff and their associates.
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?
The road has not been a smooth one to navigate. If anyone says that running a business is easy, my response to them would be that making a mountain is just as easy. What I mean by this is simple; you go make a mountain, and I will start my business, let see who will be more successful. A business owner goes through so much red tape just to get their business off the ground. The average person would take one look at all the tasks that have to be accomplished and say “I’m done with this dream of mine, or you’ll have fun with this, I’m going to work a 9-5 because this is too hard.” With that said, I know that I have had my share of hard times. I have been ready to throw in the towel, but there has always been something inside of me, telling me you can do more, and that voice never lets up. It only gets louder.
Back in 2011, I (Raymond) was running Parker Road Entertainment out of my house. I had no budget, no directions, and ten artists all clamoring for my attention. After taking a step back and accessing the situation, I came up with a plan to release a mixtape that would feature each of the artists and showcase their talents. However, this would require the artist to promote the mixtape by selling ten copies at $10. If each artist did this, we would meet the $1000 goal I set for the company. Unfortunately, our goal was not met. Some artist sold CD’s but kept the money, some artist was in awe of just being on a mixtape and did not sale one CD, some artist gave it away, and some did not bother to promote the CD in any form. This was my first glimpse into running a business, and through the lens, I was looking through it was to not good.
While there are many stories I can tell you about, the challenges and obstacles I encountered as president of Parker Road Entertainment and still do, I want you to now that each challenge I’ve experienced helped me grow into the leader/professional I am today. As John C. Maxwell so eloquently states: “everything rises and falls on leadership.” Every business owner or leader I know has failed at least five times, but the most important thing is that you get back up, dust yourself off, and learn from the things that knocked you down; and what the best way to find out if you have learned your lesson? Never repeat the same mistake twice.
Please tell us about your business.
3 Kingz Empire now offers a host of services from booking shows/performances, digital promotions, music production, and much more. We specialize in booking platinum-selling /award-winning recording artist to perform at historical venues in Dallas, TX, Memphis, TN, and Las Vegas NV. We then provide independent artists all across the country a platform to showcase their talent alongside these well-respected artists. 3 Kingz Empire has successfully booked Pual Wall, Lil’ Flip, Li Will, Lil’ Keke, Tum Tum, Big Tuck, Lil’ Ronnie and may more. We believe that we can give our clients quality service at an affordable price point; while experiencing professionalism, integrity, and respect from all of the 3 Kingz Empire staff and their associates. Simply said; “We Just Do It Better.”
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The future is very bright for the Empire. 3 Kingz Empire recording artists STR33T KINGZ is set to release several projects this year. The first project they will be a video and single entitled ON EM featuring platinum recording artist LIl’ Flip. They will also be performing with Interscope recording artist Moneybagg Yo @ Gas Live Monkey Live in Dallas, TX Friday, April 17, 2020 @ 8:00 pm.
STR33T KINGZ is a dynamic duo which styles range from crunk, trap, smooth and soul. The talented tandem composed of Memphis’ very own A.P. Appleberry and Puerto Rico’s KNOWL3DG3 AKA (Yella Gorilla) brings forth a rarity not only in the musical range but also in the theatrical showmanship they displayed anytime they step on a stage. Their explosive energy can be felt as their performance send shock waves through the crowds as every song is delivered like it’s their last. STR33T KINGZ lyrical content and felicitous flow is reminiscing of the great eras of rap! The diverse list of legendary artists they continue to work with along with their authenticity and originality cannot be matched; without question, this is why Appleberry & KNOWL3DG3 are regarded as STR33T KINGZ! We will also be recording, producing, managing and promoting a host of new clients.
Pricing:
- 4 Hour Studio Block ($200.00)
- 1 Hour Studio Block ($60.00)
- 4 Hour Office Space Rental ($100.00)
- 1 Hour Office Space Rental ($40.00)
- Office Rental Space Month to Month (Starting at $800.00)
- Office Rental Space Leasing (Starting at $700.00)
- 1 Hour Music Consultation ($50.00)
- Mixing Song ($75)
- Mastering Song ($75)
- Graphic Design (Starting at $50.00)
- Video Production Starting at ($600.00)
Contact Info:
- Address: 211 N Ervay St Ste. 1500, Dallas, TX 75201
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/Threekingzempire/
- Phone: 214-699-7797
- Email: threekingzempire@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3kingzempire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Threekingzempire/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/3Kingzempire
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
