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

Hi PlayMad Network, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To answer this question, it really goes back to how we met and become acquainted. We met in our hometown Louisville, KY our freshman year of high school. Yes, we have the high school sweetheart love story! We, also, both where on opposing dance company’s in the city. So when we met, on ‘Pajama Day’ during our schools spirit week wearing the same pajamas, we instantly had a connection. As we got to know each other more we realized we had way much more in common than we thought. A Vision. A Dream. An idea to take something we love and turn that into our career. As young, black, and gay entrepreneurs there are many stigmas against us and we’re constantly put into a box, excluded from opportunities and even face many forms of discrimination. We learned earlier on in the road that you can create your own opportunities. Ronnie- It has taken a lot of faith, hard work, and serious dedication. So, to have someone who is on the same page while sharing a deeper connection with me was everything. The thought process behind starting our own business came together organically. RaShidi Uriel Baker, 22, dancer, choreographer, photographer, & business owner to RU Mad Productions. Ronald “Ronnie Jae” Johnson, 23, dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, co-business owner to “Kid No Play VPA.” In 2015, we decided to come together and create a entertainment network ran by the both of us. We began performing as a dynamic duo in various venues locally, and out of state including partaking in dance competitions, music videos, clubs/arenas, etc. As we began to gain recognition in our city, allowed us to gain more clientele and artists who wanted pursue the same dream. Overtime we’ve been able to successfully expand our brands to our new home in Atlanta, Ga. Now we are still working and growing to obtain new tools, knowledge, and resources that help build the brand and reach youth, artists, & entrepreneurs who wants to pursue the dream as well.

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.
Our Art comes from everything we been through. We embrace our abilities, our differences and our struggles to create something beautiful out of it. That’s what literally fuels us and what has got us to this point! It”s far from easy but it’s so much bigger than us that we vowed to never give up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of our favorite spots to enjoy great food and drinks is located in downtown Atlanta, called ‘Jack’s Pizza & Wings Bar’. The vibes are always amazing and the menu’s to die for. We always find ourselves getting just right after ordering our classic signature – a Long Island Iced Tea or, how we like to order it, the ‘Longest Island’. Oh .. and we can’t forget their strawberry wings – that’s became a favorite! It’s a MUST go. So, If we aren’t enjoying great food, music, and vibes at the bar – you can usually find us relaxing at the sauna, dancing in the studios and/or taking work out classes, at the amazing Windy Hill Athletics Club. They’re like the total package with everything a person may enjoy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
GOD! & of course the support of our family, friends, students, and supporters!

Instagram: @playmadnetwork

Youtube: PlayMad Network

Other: individual instagrams: @theronniejae I @rashidiuriel

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