2026
Founder & CEO of L.O.U.D. Muzik →
Derrick McKinney
Houston
Derrick D. Thomas-McKinney, Founder & CEO of L.O.U.D. Muzik, is a visionary leader with a storied career in the music and entertainment industry. His journey commenced at the young age of twenty when he seized the opportunity to work with the iconic fashion brand, FUBU, as their Regional Marketing Representative. Derrick's innate talent for strategic marketing soon propelled him into collaborations with esteemed labels such as J
Records and Interscope Records, as well as renowned fashion lines like Akademiks Clothing and Makavelli Branded. In 2005, Derrick assumed the pivotal role of National Marketing Director for Headgear Sportswear. During his tenure, the company experienced exponential growth, skyrocketing from 8 million dollars a year to a remarkable 22 million in just three years. His multifaceted expertise also extended to serving as the A&R/Marketing Director for RND Distribution, where he expertly managed new releases and forged enduring relationships with national retail outlets and music buyers across the nation.
Furthermore, Mr. McKinney has made indelible contributions to numerous reputable artists' careers. One of his standout achievements was in 2016 when he played a pivotal role in the release of R&B legend R. Kelly's album, "Black Panties." Derrick crafted a comprehensive marketing strategy, devised a blueprint for social media engagement, coordinated tour marketing efforts, and handled record servicing, culminating in the project being certified Gold by the RIAA.
Derrick's prowess in digital marketing and social media strategy also caught the attention of multi-platinum, award-winning producer London On The Track, who enlisted his services for the critically acclaimed release "Whatever You On, #WYO." The single, featuring TY$, YG, Young Thug, and Jeremih, rapidly gained momentum, adding another feather to Derrick McKinney's cap of successes.
Under Mr. McKinney's astute leadership, recording artist and producer T!M NED achieved remarkable success with song placements in popular shows such as CSI NY and Love & Hip-Hop ATL. Additionally, L.O.U.D. Muzik has nurtured the careers of emerging talents like Khody Blake and R&B/Hip-hop/Pop artist Skyrah Bliss. Notably, the label manages platinum-selling "freestyle king" Lil Flip, whose enduring impact on the southern rap industry remains unparalleled.
Derrick McKinney's achievements extend beyond the music industry. He is the visionary creator of the #1 indie artist festival, L.O.U.D. FEST, which serves as a platform to showcase some of the country's top independent artists. Moreover, Derrick established the L.O.U.D. Radio & Press Junket, a groundbreaking initiative that brings in over 80 national media outlets, including Pandora Radio, SiriusXM, BET, Source magazine, and many more, to amplify the voices of emerging artists and provide them with unparalleled exposure.
In 2024 Mr.McKinney has set his sights on the beverage industry by launching a luxury lifestyle brand named L.O.U.D. Energy Drink in partnership with Jay gaston ceo/founder of Premier 360, the #1 Black owned spirit & wine distillery in the USA. The launch flavors will be lemonade & fruit punch. Recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the top 100 Men of Color in the country, Derrick McKinney has earned a well-deserved spot in their Modern Men of Color campaign. With his unwavering dedication and strategic acumen, Derrick D. Thomas-McKinney continues to shape the landscape of the music and entertainment industry.