Derrick D. Thomas-McKinney is a visionary marketing executive, entrepreneur, and entertainment strategist with over 20 years of experience in branding, social media engagement, and event production. As the CEO and Founder of L.O.U.D. Muzik, he has built a powerhouse brand that develops artists, produces large-scale events, and executes high-impact marketing campaigns that drive engagement and business growth.

A master of audience engagement, Derrick has successfully promoted, hosted, and organized major concerts, festivals, conferences, and corporate activations. His ability to seamlessly blend entertainment with business strategy has made him a sought-after expert in the industry. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, indie labels, and corporate clients, helping them build authentic connections with diverse audiences.

Derrick’s expertise extends to social media marketing and branding, where he develops cutting-edge campaigns that amplify brand visibility and audience engagement. Specializing in organic content, influencer partnerships, and paid media strategies, he helps artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses stand out in competitive digital spaces.

National Impact in Music & Event Curation

As a Music Curator for Verizon Wireless 5G activations, Derrick has played a key role in shaping entertainment experiences in major sports arenas and stadiums across the country. His work blends live music with cutting-edge technology, creating immersive events that elevate fan engagement and redefine live entertainment.

In addition to his work with Verizon, Derrick served as the Music Curator for the African American Police Officers Gala and the Houston Black Police Officers Gala, delivering curated entertainment experiences that honored the cultural significance of these events. He was also a featured panelist at The Heist House during AfroTech Houston, where he shared insights on brand storytelling, digital marketing, and the intersection of culture and commerce.

L.O.U.D. Muzik: A Platform for Success

Under Derrick’s leadership, L.O.U.D. Muzik has propelled independent artists to new heights. The label’s artists have achieved millions of streams across all major DSPs, secured major media placements, and headlined sold-out shows. L.O.U.D. Muzik recording artists such as Skyrah Bliss and Khody Blake have built strong fanbases, landed high-profile performance opportunities, and expanded their brand presence nationally.

Derrick’s ability to identify talent, develop brand narratives, and create impactful marketing strategies has transformed L.O.U.D. Muzik into a launchpad for rising stars in the music industry. His work bridges the gap between artist development and mainstream success, proving that independent labels can compete and thrive in today’s ever-evolving music landscape.

Innovation, Strategy, and Cultural Impact

Derrick’s influence spans digital marketing, event production, and brand development, making him a go-to expert for those looking to make an impact. Whether he’s launching a brand, producing a major event, or executing a viral marketing campaign, he brings innovation, strategy, and cultural insight to every project.

His passion for merging entertainment with business strategy has solidified his reputation as a leader in music, marketing, and branding, shaping the future of the industry one groundbreaking campaign at a time.

𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗠𝗘:
👏🏾 Starting a charity for young creatives & families impacted by Alzheimer’s (​🇪​🇽​🇵​🇪​🇷​🇮​🇪​🇳​🇨​🇪​🇩​ ​🇮​🇹​ ​🇹​🇼​🇮​🇨​🇪​)
⚜️ Originally from New Orleans but moved to Houston after Hurricane Katrina
🎬 Plotting ideas for my own films and docs, while reviewing others’ work
🎭 I used to be a professional actor

The Chattanooga Tennessee native believes in making the most of the talent God has given him in abundance. Armed with good looks paralyzing charm and comic genius he is definitely the triple threat the comedy television and movie industries have been begging for!

Sorrells’ journey through the entertainment and stand-up scenes hasn’t been easy. His esteemed Texas Southern University education is matched only by challenging life lessons and his insatiable passion for comedy. Using the wisdom of his grandfather as a guide HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” as a blueprint and his membership in the elite Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity as a foundation of pride and distinction Billy followed the path of most true artists. He channeled his experience pain and wild personality into his unique style of comedy. On stage his stand-up is layered with clever humor real talk and sexy flavor.

Comedy’s Kasanova is revolutionizing the comedy industry and he’s taking millions of viewers along for the white knuckle ride! Sorrells’ “Sh!t Black Girls Say” parody is airing on YouTube to extraordinary demand and stirring considerable controversy. The buzz surrounding the satirical skit caught the attention of the Tonight Show’s Jay Leno and flooded the pages of daily tabloids including the Huffington Post New York Daily News and the Miami Herald. A subscription to Billy’s YouTube page opens fans up to a world of gut-bending comedy spoofs including the wildly popular “Man Code” series and the hilariously irreverent “Cat Fax” sketches. Sorrells is also a member of the groundbreaking “5 Degrees of Comedy” and “Back Pew Comedy” groups. Their multi-city tour blazed a trail of loyal followers at colleges and prestigious comedy clubs across the nation including the famed LA Laff Factory and Houston’s Improv.

Don’t look for this talented comic to take a break anytime soon. He makes his big screen debut in two films: Because i LOVE You

Billy Sorrells vowed to make the world his personal stage and won’t stop until he becomes a household name. Stay tuned as he makes you fall in love with comedy.

As a Security Professional, Lindon leverages over a decade of experience in Military Operations and Executive Protection to safeguard company assets and personnel. He is also a certified Personal Trainer, driven by a passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals and enhance their well-being. Lindon’s expertise includes Process Improvement, Problem Solving, Employee Training, Personal Security Operations, Event Security Planning, Festival Security and Safety Operations, Purchasing Procurement, Transportation Operations, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. He has consistently demonstrated leadership in data analysis, issue resolution, and team building, achieving successful outcomes in complex and challenging situations.

James Keller is a member of Dominion Church International. He was ordained as a Deacon in 2023 under the leadership of Pastor Steven Staten at The Fellowship of Tomball. As a former member of the world renowned Texas Southern University debate team, James developed a passion for teaching Speech Communication at various colleges and universities in the Houston area. His 20years of College instruction has led him to a full time appointment at North American University. He also works as a News Editor at KRIV Foc 26, a position he has held for over 25 years.

Stefan S. Sims Sr. was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and raised in Houston, Texas. His passion for acting emerged while he was studying at Texas Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications with a Minor in Theatre. After graduating in 1993, Stefan began his professional journey in local church and regional theatre groups. Over the years, he has built an impressive career, appearing in numerous film and television productions, as well as various commercials.