Mixed and Mastered

O’Neal McKnight

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, O’Neal McKnight pulls back the curtain on a career that spans styling, music, film, and cultural impact. From his roots in South Carolina to interning at Motown and working alongside his late cousin Andre Harrell, O’Neal shares how he went from dressing stars like Usher, Jessica Alba, and Jermaine Dupri to becoming one himself. He breaks down the creation of Kosher Soul, producing TV specials with legends like Stan Lathan and Cedric The Entertainer, and the rise of Pass the Mic. Plus, why ownership, mentorship, and financial literacy matter more than ever in the business. This one’s packed with hustle, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extra Credit: Terrell Jones

Send us a textHere's your Extra Credit episode with Harlem’s own Terrell Jones, aka Terrellish. He took DJ Khaled and Fat Joe and made them fashion icons. Twenty years in, Terrell dresses stars and is putting hip-hop style into luxury fashion. Our bonus questions for Terrell:
Artist You Wanted to Style
Three Favorite Designers
Fashion Movie Recommendation
Favorite Vacation Place
Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Markman

Send us a textOn this episode of Mixed and Mastered, we kick it with Rob Markman—Brooklyn-bred storyteller, journalist, and artist—as he rewinds to his roots in hip hop’s golden age. From bumping Ladi Dadi on cassette to catching inspiration from CL Smooth’s T.R.O.Y., Rob shares how the culture raised him and why storytelling remains the heartbeat of his music.He opens up about navigating the grind—from freelancing for Vibe, Complex, and The Source to launching XXL’s digital presence and leveling up at MTV. With Bronx family roots that run deep—shoutout to his great uncle Willie Bobo and cousin Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill—Markman breaks down how legacy shaped his vision and fueled his path to becoming an artist in his own right.We talk Genius, podcasting, media politics, and the pressure of public opinion—but more than that, we dive into what it means to keep hip hop honest. Whether he’s writing bars or crafting platforms, Rob stays focused on impact, mentorship, and building a future where artists can speak freely and fans can truly connect.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extra Credit: Vivian Scott Chew

Send us a textThis quick-hit Extra Credit episode finds Jeffrey Sledge volleying rapid-fire prompts at industry trailblazer Vivian Scott Chew, who fires back with stories that prove a great A&R ear is equal parts instinct and heart. She recalls the one artist who slipped through her fingers, reflects on the eclectic mix of acts that still give her chills, and names the producers who defined entire eras of sound.Vivian’s tales jump from surprise arena moments to late-night overseas after-parties, all threaded by a single belief: music’s first job is to make you feel something real. Her behind-the-scenes perspective—especially as a woman who’s spent decades championing other creatives—turns this bite-size conversation into a masterclass on passion, purpose, and the magic that happens offstage.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shanté Paige

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, we sit down with powerhouse executive and producer Shanté Paige for an inspiring, no-holds-barred conversation about her journey through the entertainment industry. From her Bronx roots and Silver Spring upbringing to her formative years at Howard University, Shanté takes us through the hustle, the heart, and the hard lessons that shaped her career.She shares behind-the-scenes stories from managing artists in the early days, to building her rep at Jive and Volcano Records, and eventually helping to revitalize Motown. We dive into the iconic Scream Tour, the magic of Kedar Entertainment, and her bold pivot into television and film production — including working with Tyler Perry and leading campaigns for major brands.Now as the founder of She’s A Movement Media Group, a transformational speaker, and a mentor to rising talent, Shanté reflects on what it really takes to build a lasting career in entertainment — and why giving back is always part of the mission.🎙️ Tap in for a masterclass in vision, resilience, and reinvention.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extra Credit: Faith Newman

Send us a textIn this Extra Credit episode of Mixed and Mastered, Faith Newman shares some unforgettable stories and insights from her legendary career in the music industry. From the artist she desperately wanted to sign (but couldn’t) to the wild experience with Public Enemy and some unforgettable concert moments, Faith’s journey is packed with amazing memories. Tune in to hear more about her life in music and the unforgettable moments that shaped it.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Angelique Miles

Send us a textFrom A&R meetings to ab workouts, Angelique Miles has lived many lives—and in this episode of Mixed and Mastered, she’s telling all. Join us for a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation as Angelique takes us from her roots in Queens, NY, to the boardrooms of Warner Chappell and Universal, where she helped shape the sound of hip-hop and R&B alongside legends like Michael Jackson, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes.But the journey doesn’t stop there.Angelique opens up about navigating personal loss, the shifting tides of the music industry, and how she boldly stepped into a new chapter as a wellness and lifestyle influencer. We talk beauty, balance, the art of the pivot, and why being over 50 is just the beginning. Get ready for a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and staying real in a world that’s constantly remixing itself.Hit play—you don’t want to miss this one.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extra Credit: Whitney-Gayle Benta

Send us a textClass is back in session! In this bonus episode, we hit Whitney-Gayle Benta with three rapid-fire questions. From the tracks that first lit her fuse to the wildest “you-had-to-be-there” label moments, Whitney pulls back the curtain on the soundtrack of her life and the lessons she’s learned shepherding superstar careers.Craving the whole story? Queue up our earlier full-length convo with Whitney for the deep dive on breaking artists, building bridges, and surviving the music biz with style.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joseph Patel

Send us a textOscar-winning filmmaker, producer, and journalist Joseph Patel joins Jeffrey Sledge for a deep, honest, and inspiring conversation about music, media, and finding your true voice.Patel shares his journey from growing up in the Bay Area to becoming a key part of the college radio and underground hip-hop scenes at UC Davis—where he connected with legends like DJ Shadow and Blackalicious. He opens up about his rise through the industry, from early music journalism to producing groundbreaking content at MTV, including the acclaimed My Block series.Joseph also talks about teaming up with Questlove to create Summer of Soul, the award-winning documentary that unearthed the lost history of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival—and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.Now, he's turning his lens toward the next chapter: directing a documentary on the legendary J Dilla.🎧 This one’s for the culture, the creators, and anyone chasing the real.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Damon DeGraff

Send us a textIn this episode, Damon DeGraff joins host Jeffrey Sledge to trace his journey from his musical roots in Bermuda to the heart of New York’s nightlife and DJ culture. Damon opens up about the early influences that shaped his sound, the rise of celebrity DJs, and the challenges he faced building a career in music management and nightlife. They dive into his experiences at Cheeba Sound, pivotal industry connections, and the evolution of DJ culture in the social media era. Damon also shares insights on mentorship, the power of cultural growth, and finding purpose beyond the spotlight.Listen now and get inspired by a true pioneer.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices