Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Stover.
Michael, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Everything began in Cleveland, Ohio. I am originally from there and have moved here about five months ago. I guess you can say I hit the ground running as soon as I got here. Boss Made Productions consists of a few different brands including my music. I am what you call a jack of all trades. I began as an emcee about ten years ago after my younger cousin died in a car accident. His name was Rayshon “Ray Fresha” Ford. Fresh was destined to be the next big rapper out of Cleveland, but his legacy was cut short at only 19 years of age. I never knew that music was in my near future until that day.
Once he passed, I made a promise to him in heart that I would continue his dream for him. He was like a brother to me. From there on, everything began to come together as if it was my destiny to be an artist. Though there are many times where I wanted to give up, eventually I kept going. I’ve been on the charts, toured in Canada, opened for big celebrities, and even shot a few music videos. While in college at Kent State University, all of my other talents began to flourish. With my love for music, I became the operations director of the radio station on campus, as well as their mobile DJ.
My ability to creative from scratch developed another talent, graphic design. I took one course during my time in undergrad, and later started a freelance company called Chef Creationz. Loving to create from nothing, I created a shoe company called “Laced Kakes”. I wear a size 15 shoe, and it is very hard to find shoes, so I made my own. All of these brands fall under Boss Made Productions, graphic design, DJ, Emcee, and shoe designer. Moving to Miami has made a chance for all of these talents to finally be recognized. On top of receiving my B.A from Kent State and my Masters from Full Sail, there are still many accolades I plan to accomplish now living in Miami.
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?
So many struggles along this journey that I have been on. I was homeless on a numerous amount of occasions, even in my youth while my mother battled drugs. I guess I trusted the wrong people in my adult years. Going from house to house every few months or days after graduation from Kent State was the start of it. Even though I knew I could easily go back to my mother’s house, my pride wouldn’t let me. Living there made me feel like a loser at a dead end, I just couldn’t do it.
Then finding out that I am a type 2 diabetic in 2014 put me in a bad place. I was in the Army the same year but got injured and sent home. After returning I found out about the disease. Also right before I moved here, I couldn’t find a good-paying job in Cleveland so I had to move into my dad’s basement. During the time in the basement, I developed depression and anxiety to the point I want to end it all. That’s when I decided to drop everything and move to Miami in August 2019.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Boss Made Productions is a media empire. From music, art, and fashion I plan to bring a new vibe to the world. I specialize in the art of creation. That’s the best way to describe it. I just love to create in any way possible, and if I can entertain the world at the same time, everyone is happy. I’m known for my musical talent first, as an emcee and DJ, I have been told that I am very entertaining. I am a huge guy, 6’7 250 lbs, so seeing me dance as if I was a lot smaller is a show.
I am proud that my company will always push the fold, even when many will believe it can’t be done. The slogan I use at all times is, “Your Only Limit Is You” and that keeps me from being limited in my dreams and goals. As for my graphical skills, I love to create images that most people can’t see instantly. I develop the dream you had before you realize it was a thought. Apart from the talents that I am proud of, my company has music all over every platform in the US and Internationally. I have even written a book called “Stories of a Hypocrite” and have been featured in poetry books that are on all platforms as well. I just love to create.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I recently released my first color theme for my shoes at the top of 2020. It is a south beach-inspired design in a low top shoe design made from 100% genuine leather. My future plans for the shoe company is to get recognized nationally as a shoe brand. I have been talking to the Shoe Con to possible be a vendor at the upcoming events to promote.
As far as my music, I have already begun to push my music this year. I have booked about four performances and counting. I plan to release another album this spring on all platforms called #iWork #iHustle #iGrind. As for my graphics and DJ’n, I’m always ready for the next client to book me. Also contemplating going back to school for my Doctorate in Business, but I have to find the funding first.
Pricing:
- Shoes form Laced Kakes www.lacedkakes.com ($189 – $229)
- DJ services $120 an HR
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yaboybigstove.com
- Phone: 216-256-2579
- Email: yaboybigstove@gmail.com
- Instagram: instargam.com/yaboybigstove
- Facebook: facebook.com/yaboybigstove
- Twitter: twitter.com/yaboybigstove
- Other: www.lacedkakes.com
Image Credit:
Clothing by Black Pyramid and Nike
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