Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, JQ Cole, known for his roles in acclaimed series like “Snowfall” and “Wu Tang: An American Saga,” has emerged as a shining star in the competitive world of Hollywood. But before the glitz and glamour, his journey began in the heart of Ohio, where his roots in entertainment took shape.

As a kid, JQ’s comedic flair was evident, often imitating his father, Jesse Coleman Sr., a minister, and his grandmother, a pastor, alongside other charismatic preachers. The spark of acting ignited during youth nights at church and youth conferences, where JQ found his passion for performance.

To hone his skills, JQ delved into acting classes in Toledo, starting with Star Bound Talent, a local agency that supported aspiring actors and models. He graced local productions, including those by Game Savvy Late Night, showcasing his talent and dedication.

In 2010, fueled by ambition, JQ took a leap and moved to Los Angeles, where he faced skepticism about his potential. Undeterred, he immersed himself in the art, attending classes and securing roles in smaller productions and commercials. These experiences became stepping stones, molding him into a versatile actor.

Taking a bold step, JQ ventured to London, England, attending the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), earning his Master of Arts degree. This international exposure refined his craft, laying the groundwork for his future successes.

Returning to the States, JQ’s breakthrough came with a role in FX’s “Snowfall,” a critically acclaimed series by John Singleton. This opened doors to more opportunities, including a noteworthy stint in Hulu’s “Wu Tang: An American Saga.” His talent caught the eye of producers behind HBO’s “Winning Time,” a series depicting the 1980s Lakers teams—an absolute dream for the Lakers fan.

Not one to rest on his laurels, JQ joined the national tour of “A Soldier’s Story,” showcasing his versatility and commitment to the craft across the country. His relentless pursuit of dreams serves as a beacon of inspiration, especially in his hometown of Toledo.

JQ Cole’s journey from Toledo to Hollywood exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of passion. His story inspires aspiring actors and serves as a testament to the transformative power of unwavering determination.

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.

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.