Tracy Haynes, known in the music world as “The Rarebreed,” embarked on his musical odyssey at the tender age of 2, inheriting his talent from a gospel-singing father. The journey unfolded with the creation of the gospel group True Faith at 14, captivating audiences with their five-part harmony in churches across the region.

As high school beckoned, Tracy succumbed to the irresistible allure of R&B, drawing inspiration from legends like Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, as well as his pastor. Enter “All Out,” a seven-member ensemble that enjoyed local success and radio play in Toledo and beyond. Despite early attention, Tracy’s greatest achievements lay ahead.

When the group transitioned to solo pursuits, Tracy propelled his career into overdrive. Focused on learning the business, innovating his craft, and building an audience, Tracy’s trajectory soared. The turning point came during a performance of his hit single “Pretend” at the Tom Joyner talent showcase, where he encountered his future manager and mentor from M3M Management.

The coalition formed in 2007 catapulted Tracy into the spotlight, earning him recognition as “Toledo Idol” on Fox News. This newfound popularity opened doors to share stages with major artists such as T-Pain, Trey Songz, and Drake. Notably, Tracy graced the largest urban beach party event in Northwest Ohio, The Bash at the Bay, alongside celebrities like Yung Juc and Pretty Ricky.

In June 2009, Tracy’s highly anticipated album “RareBreed” hit the airwaves, earning tens of thousands of rave reviews globally. Hits like “Go Live,” “Pretend,” and “If it Ain’t You” solidified Tracy’s status as a star musician. MySpace played a crucial role, amassing over 30,000 friends and 150,000 plays, expanding his influence across the Midwest.

The pinnacle of Tracy’s career arrived in 2010, marked by national recognition as a semi-finalist in Steve Harvey’s Radio Star Contest. New York witnessed Tracy’s pursuit of excellence at the legendary Apollo Theater and BET’s 106 & Park. His talents reached airwaves nationwide with a feature alongside Too $hort in the song “Cuffin.” Tracy’s album “Rarebreed” earned a nomination at the Ohio Hip Awards, showcasing his impact on the industry.

Beyond music, Tracy’s philanthropic endeavors shine through Dunkin’ for Donations, a charity basketball game benefiting local foster kids. As Tracy works on his second album and releases singles like “Go Girl,” his short-term goal remains to impact the music industry with timeless music, driven by a desire to give back and inspire success. Tracy Haynes, “The Rarebreed,” continues to write his musical legacy with passion and purpose.

In the heart of Toledo, Ohio, a visionary named Darryl Brown embarked on a journey to capture the soul of the Midwest through fashion. In the midwest region of the United States, where creativity thrives, Darryl founded MidWest Kids, a clothing brand that aimed to embody the essence of the local creatives.

The early days were filled with hard work and dedication as Mr. Brown poured his heart into building the brand. His efforts began to bear fruit when MidWest Kids caught the attention of celebrities and artists, including none other than Kanye West and NBA Superstar LeBron James. The brand, born from the streets of Toledo, found itself on the global stage as these influential figures proudly showcased MidWest Kids on their social media platforms.

As the momentum grew, so did the recognition. Darryl Brown’s unwavering commitment to his craft led to partnerships with major players in the industry, with MidWest Kids finding its place on the shelves of national retailers like Holister and teaming up with iconic brands such as Adidas. However, the pinnacle of success came with a groundbreaking move – MidWest Kids merchandise made its way onto the shelves of Walmart.

To some, this may seem like just another business milestone, but the significance is profound. Darryl Brown, as the founder of a black-owned clothing brand, has achieved what many aspire to – representation in one of the largest retail chains in the world. This achievement goes beyond commerce; it is a testament to breaking barriers and proving that dreams can be realized regardless of background or location.

The presence of MidWest Kids in Walmart speaks volumes, especially to the younger generation and those striving to make an impact in the fashion community. Darryl Brown has become an inspiration not only in the Toledo area but also for African American communities nationwide. His success resonates as a beacon of hope, showing that with determination, passion, and a profound love for one’s roots, we can carve our paths in the world of fashion.

Darryl Brown’s journey from Toledo to Walmart is more than a success story; it is a celebration of culture, diversity, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for those who dare to dream. MidWest Kids, under his visionary leadership, continues to be a symbol of resilience and inspiration for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.

Introduction:
Toledo, Ohio, has produced many talents, and among them is Julius Darrington, a lifelong lover of music and a visionary in the music business. Hailing from a family of singers and musicians, Julius’s passion for music was evident from a young age. His journey from high school choruses to creating his own record label and making a mark in the industry is a testament to his determination and love for the art.

High School Years:
During his high school years at Scott High School, Julius’s voice resonated with his peers as he became a prominent member of the Boys Ensemble. His talent and popularity laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry.

The Birth of J. Rashad:
Post-high school, Julius aspired to become an artist. Adopting the stage name “J. Rashad,” he became known for his smooth voice and classic R&B sounds, drawing inspiration from legends like Marvin Gaye and R. Kelly. His music gained popularity not only locally but also internationally, with his record reaching number 5 on the UK Charts.

Audio Dream Records:
Despite facing challenges with a potential record deal, Julius remained determined. Undeterred, he established his own label, Audio Dream Records, and signed himself to a deal. The label became a platform for local talent, both on the business and artist side, with a roster that showcased the richness of Toledo’s music scene.

The Darrington Group:
Expanding his reach, Julius founded The Darrington Group, a company specializing in consulting, full-service management, A&R consulting, and artist development. He discovered talent like Evon Kidan on YouTube, writing and producing for artists, and booking shows throughout the Midwest region.

Venturing into Los Angeles:
In search of new opportunities, Julius took his talents to Los Angeles. His exploration led him to the world of public relations, where he studied under a PR firm. This experience fueled his desire to integrate PR into the music industry.

Mentorship under Wayne Williams:
Networking in LA proved fruitful when Julius met Wayne Williams, the Senior Vice President/A&R of RCA Records. Studying under Williams as a personal A&R assistant, Julius landed his first major assignment working with the legendary R. Kelly.

The Darrington Group Today:
Julius’s company, The Darrington Group, has evolved to work with renowned artists such as RCA Recording Artist King Los, Timothy Bloom, Iman Shumpert, Shahaddi Wright Joseph, Cocaine Papii, Eric Bellinger, and Jeremih. The group continues to make a mark in the industry, showcasing a diverse range of talents.

Mantra Music:
Julius’s journey extends to the establishment of Mantra Music, a publishing company aimed at supporting artists by offering guidance, education, and support. The company is staffed by experienced professionals passionate about nurturing talent.

Conclusion:
Julius Darrington’s journey from Toledo to the global music industry is an inspiring tale of resilience, passion, and entrepreneurship. His commitment to his dreams and the artists he supports through Audio Dream Records, The Darrington Group, and Mantra Music exemplifies the potential that Toledo talents hold. Julius stands as a testament to the thriving music scene in the 419 Grind, proving that dreams can be realized with dedication and love for the craft.