Meet Michael Rayner II

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Rayner II.

Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our story, Mine in particular, begins with my meeting Denario Dodson through a mutual friend we shared at the time. That meeting opened doors (literally lol) and access to his recording studio (apartment closet by the University Of Memphis lol) for me to hone my craft. At that time, I wasn’t recording, just stacking up on material, and “Yayo”, as we call him (stage name YZA) had a situation by the name of Point Blank Entertainment that he’d organized, and I was instantly drawn in. Inspired definitely being the word, in hindsight. Yayo rapped, recorded and mixed the music. Taught me to as well. There were a lot of artists around, always…& this energy and environment led me to get familiar with Quake, or Marquez, whom was ALWAYS there recording in the apartment, and noticeably very skilled. To this day, it’s hard for me to name an artist I’ve met or come across that I feel to be naturally as or more gifted than Quake. Our bond begins there. That was 2010-11. I eventually grew into a role that saw myself, as well as several others performing at awesome events regularly, most we self-booked and promoted, establishing ourselves as a force throughout the local scene. I released my first project, Cope with the Consequences, with DJ Space Age, on our “Point Blank Entertainment “ imprint. A short time after, we renamed our label and group SQUAD. Which still operated under the PBE label name. That initial run was magical. A great time on the local scene, our peers and artists like Preauxx, Knowledge Nick, Royal T’ (now Lukah ), & Virghost, we’re on fire. We were one of the first to hold an event at Purple Haze downtown (now closed ). Rocking stages like Hi-Tone cafe, Newbys, Growlers, The Hard Rock Cafe as well as our mainstays, Juicy Jim’s and The Daily Planet, we tried to be as consistent as possible being seen and giving people reasons to support or show interest.

After some time spent away… and adjusting to life’s demands, we’ve rebranded the SQUAD. name repurposed and reenergized. Now focused on the Business side of Entertainment, hence the addition to the name. Today, & countless shows, and musical releases later, we are a product of the experience we gained in between then and now, growing pains, maturity, life in general. The “wins and losses” have defined our new focused path. It’s provided clarity and peace for us, fortunately on this journey in music together, in an industry that’s often confusing and relentless for expectation. The 3 of us Sharing a brotherhood also makes the process a genuine experience. My latest project, “Baggage Claim Vol. 1,” is a sonic extension of the results and process of the journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The difficulties we’ve experienced, or perhaps speaking for myself, I’ve navigated through, have been the “ industry politics”. Just being where we are locally, and the demand for a “TYPE” of music or vibe that’s considered “popular “ amongst our community and culture as a whole, that’s Memphis Hip-Hop and musical legacy. Wanting to honor our past, acknowledge our present, and also pave a way for growth in sound and how we interpret ART to be… for the future. We want to be a part of the mix and feel we are, a part of the generation, THIS generation that says, “Hey we’re Memphis too, and Memphis can SOUND like this also.” We have all the historical elements and influence here to be considered a hybrid hotbed of talent. From blues to rock and hip hop to jazz, Memphis houses so many inspirations and we feel we just want to showcase that side or the city’s impact. Another would be just having the opportunity meet preparation, and when it didn’t, create your own opportunity. That’s when I learned to book my own events for myself and others instead of waiting on someone to put me on their show. I’m forever grateful to people like Jason Da Hater and Sleepy J Barksdale for lending a hand when it came to my ambitions to get myself on stage and rock the mic.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well. I do whatever is necessary. I write music. I record music. I mix music. I book/ organize / curate / promote live events. I make merch as well as handle our social media promotions. I specialize in successfully learning anything that can benefit me and my team’s success. The more I feel I can learn and be effective with, the better I feel our chances are to achieve whatever we want. These days I’m most proud of my patience. Ability to communicate. My leadership intangibles as well as my understanding the power of listening. Establishing a better human interaction with people begins with the work that WE ourselves are as dedicated to, seeing the progress of ourselves individually. So I’m proud I can have the most honest conversation with myself and adapt and adjust to change before it’s even required of me. My gift of foresight, this vision I have…is what sets me apart, is what I’m eternally grateful to god for. I can trust it. I can lean on without questioning “WHY” I do anything. I’m secure in knowing how talented I am and that we are. It’s now about getting the world on that same page. Aside from my actual ability and gift of rap and all things music, how I process everything and how natural it feels to me is what I can’t take for granted. I’m known for being Michael. Being Ricache’. Being real. Being consistent. Being someone of the people and for the people. And hopefully, someone who made a difference and a real impact when it’s said and done.

Alright so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can collab or support by visiting our site, www.SQUADBIZ.net, and whatever information or resources being sought can be found. There, we have access to our music, music videos, merchandise, booking and tour information and much more. Social media links and all, it’s literally our hub for all things SQUAD. Business.

My Fiancé Ashley has her own company under our SQUAD. Entertainment umbrella called “Fanci Fotography “ as well. So tapping into the media game for promotional entertainment services or general professional quality photography has been our latest venture.

We’re looking to broaden our community support and outreach as well by measures of events that assist in kids back to school efforts and resources, families in need regarding holidays and resources, Breast Cancer Research, Suicide Prevention and measures against Gun Violence and Domestic Abuse Awareness. Everything that’s played a part in our upbringing or traumatic stigmas associated with rap or music in totality has to be affected by change and enabled a procession of progress for the betterment of our future.

Pricing:

• Shirts $20
• Hoodies $25
• Live Booking fees are determined based on event / inquired time fulfillments. Minimum 15 mins slot. Maximum 30 mins.
• Fanci ‘s Fotography services are per hour with affordable pricing also based on event type or inquiry request.

Contact Info:

• Email: mrayner90@gmail.com , SQUADBIZ2012@gmail.com
• Website: www.SQUADBIZ.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricache9oh1/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.rayner.927
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCHL1-SPZxmGlrph5chDCqtQ

Image Credits
Fanci Fotography SQUAD. Business Entertainment LLC