Meet Annunati®️

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annunati®️ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annunati®️, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
“In the past, the individuals within our culture were the ones who managed and ran the businesses that represented our values and traditions. Unfortunately, our culture has now become so profitable that it attracts external interests, often leading to a dilution of our authentic cultural expressions as they break through to mainstream markets. We are currently facing a malevolent force that invests billions of dollars to undermine the balance within our culture, seeking to profit by watering it down, controlling its essence, and ultimately exploiting our community for financial gain.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When asked this question, it brings back one of the most monumental and life-altering experiences I had with representatives from a major record company. They had brought me in for a meeting, and I was finally on the verge of recognition that could have led to me being signed by one of the biggest hip-hop labels at the time. When I was taken to a studio in Brooklyn to begin recording, the representatives walked in, stopped the session, and presented me with a contract. They told me to either sign it or get the hell out and go back to Connecticut, where I would never be heard from again.

At that time, I had taken a break from the streets to focus on my craft, so my presentation was far more refined than my previous persona. Fortunately for them, I maintained my professionalism and asked if I could have a lawyer review the contract. I made it clear that I wasn’t going to sign anything without legal representation. That’s when I was told to get the hell out. I grabbed my belongings and felt a whirlwind of fury, rage, and anger coursing through my mind as I told myself they were wrong and that I would be heard. I hit the streets with a vengeance, saved up my money, and began to start my own entertainment company. I knew that in order to be heard, I had to maintain control. Growing up, I was raised to be my own boss, and if I was going to take risks, I had to do it on my own terms.

I would like to make special mention of my big brother, Bub Ski, a.k.a. Adolphus Berry, and Montez Diamond, who imparted valuable knowledge and taught me how to survive on the streets as a businessman.

From that point on, I started my own entertainment company and began producing shows while working with local artists. Many of our projects led to the formation of a large underground movement and organization called Hip Step, which facilitated nationwide touring and helped spread the Hip Step culture. I understood that I needed to finance and maintain control over all aspects, including cameras and studio equipment. We pooled our resources to purchase our own gear and learned how to use it. The Internet was both a gift and a curse; it allowed us to gain exposure, but the financial success we once had from physical units was diminished by the rise of MP3s.

Now, we find ourselves in an industry where people consume our music for free, leading me to personally boycott platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which make millions and billions off our talent while compensating us with mere cents on the dollar. They only reward top-tier artists and have created a business model that does not consider us. They’ve taken the bureaucracy of the corporate world and applied it to our culture. It’s time to take our culture back. We are at war with the culture vultures who profit from the destruction of our people and poison our industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Atlanta, I have a few favorite spots. Number one on my list for anything Caribbean-related—whether it’s reggae shows, Soca, or true Caribbean culture—is Club Bliss on Memorial Drive, where I hang out with my brother, Fada Slackey and Raully

When I want to experience authentic foundational Black American southern hip-hop and R&B vibes, I head over to College Park and visit Grown Folks Plaza. The whole plaza is always lit! Even though the Crows Nest is gone, there are still a couple of other clubs where you can pull up and have a great time. If you want to hear more R&B, you can chill at Room Folks, and if you’re looking to turn up and get a little crunk, it’s all love there too.

Once a year, we also host an event called Jungle Bells at the Underground Mall in Atlanta. It’s one of the longest-running and most official electronic music events in America. We hold it every year, and it’s organized by none other than my good friend and brother, MJ Lee. He has already started the lineup for this December. If you’ve never been to an electronic music venue, this is the one you’ll want to travel to see. You’ll experience a mix of hip-hop, reggae, drum and bass, and various other genres, all of which create a very multicultural and eye-opening atmosphere. Everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime.

If I’m in New Haven, Connecticut, I’m hitting up Tasos on Dixwell Avenue. I also enjoy House Street Pizza on Edgewood, and I can’t forget Frank Pepe’s Pizza on Wooster Street. But the best of them all is Kevin’s Seafood on Kimberly Avenue.

When I’m in New York, I’m going nowhere else but to Koncrete Jungle for drum and bass. There, you can enjoy a little bit of everything—hip-hop, reggae, and electronica. As for food in New York, 95% of the pizza places on the corner serve delicious New York-style pizza; you can’t go wrong.

As for food in Atlanta, you can’t go wrong with soul food from This Is It. They even offer vegan options, like the Calburn Kale Bone Burger from Slutty Vegan. While I love cooking true Caribbean food myself right in my kitchen, when traveling from out of town, you can’t go wrong with Fireside or Golden Krust. If I have some partners from out of town that want some adult entertainment I personally prefer blue flame over Magic city. I actually never been to Magic city once I’ve been to the blue flame over there on the West end I knew I was good? That’s homebase right there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, when it comes to giving credit in a shout-out, I must acknowledge all of the foundational Black Americans who paved the way for the industry I’m so fortunate to be part of. I would like to express my gratitude for all your efforts throughout history, the civil rights movements, and the Jamaican reggae stars who brought the message and culture of Rastafari into existence. They have given me my rebellious spirit, community consciousness, and sense of spirituality. The list of names is too long to mention, but here are a few to start:

My uncle Randy Boss, who played for the Sugarhill Gang, introduced me to hip-hop during its early stages and began my musical journey.

My cousin Kieth Blackman nurtured me along my path and allowed me to develop my own voice and sound.

My cousin Hop Hopkins and Bernie Mills helped me refine a more mature style.

Last but certainly not least, Grandmaster TC Izlam helped me evolve from just a street hustler into a well-rounded human being. He inspired me to create a style of my own which gave me a unique voice that blends hip-hop, reggae, and drum and bass into a sound we now call Hip Step Raga Jungle.

Our movement is called Hip Step Massive, which is an acronym for Hip-Hop Influence Production Stimulating the Earth People.
“I would also like to give a special shout-out to Jamal Ski, Lil Joe, and the Resistance Crew; Indigo Reign, aka Lady Mc; Dyer Mc; Evil Diva; Haji (Urban Dwellers); DJ I-Cue; DJ Odi; DJ Soul Slinger; DJ Wednesday; Dj Power “Cold Crush”; DJ Smiles; Mj Lee; and all Koncrete Jungle, KD “Out There Promotions” and all Hip Step Massive Worldwide.”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordannunati?igsh=b2tvNGZkc3VuajM1&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://x.com/princetafari?s=21&t=E4vevuDjibGABxSmo3JWIA

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/prince-tafari

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANNUNATI?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@annunativevo-qi1uu?si=_70Ru9XUD0BSN7CN 

Image Credits
Photo credit: Prince Ra’saan “Annu World Entertainment “ Apexphotography, Benny Fame Photography