Business
Interview with Entrepreneur, Small Business Owner, & Creative Zacharij Martin-Ned
We took time to find out more about this Texas born & bred mini-mogul. Check out our conversation:
Journalist : Introduce Yourself?
A: Goodmorning. My name is Zacharij, but I tend to go by my second last name, Ned. I’m a 27 year old owner/entrepreneur based in Killeen, Texas.
Journalist: Where are you from originally?
A: I was born in Conroe Texas, but I moved around a lot due to my mom being in the US Army.
Journalist: What’s it like growing up in the military environment?
A: Being a kid, I didn’t have much choice when she (mom) would be stationed, or deployed; so it was very inconsistent; but we made the best of things. I met a lot of interesting people growing up & moving so often.
Journalist: What do you now?
A: I do a few things. I run a media-centered blog focused on the artists, news, and overall talent in the Central Texas (& surrounding) area. I also create graphics such as logos, flyers, cartoons, and custom artwork. I manage local artists, & on top of that, I work part-time at a local smoke shop. (R.I.P. Zyrie)
Journalist: What made you want to start your brand, Zipp Squad Productions/Entertainment?
A: I felt the need to give creatives like me an open space they can network, share their ideas/content, and collaborate with similar artists in the surrounding areas.
Journalist: What is there to do in Killeen, Texas?
A: Lots. Plenty of great food spots, bars, etc. We have an adult arcade you can drink at, trampoline parks, parks & rec., clubs, & more. For artists, there are a lot of recording studios, and new stores/venues popping up daily. It just takes exploring and finding what’s right for you in the city.
Journalist: What’s your favorite food spot in your city?
A: Korean Kitchen on Veterans Memorial Blvd, hands down.
Journalist: Where can people find you on social media?
A: Instagram – @zippsquadent / @zsp254 / @ned4zsp
Facebook -Zipp Squad Entertainment / Zipp Squad Productions
Journalist: Any tips to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: Take it one day at a time. The master only becomes so after being a student. It takes time. Don’t rush yourself, and focus.
Journalist: What’s next for the young businessman?
A: Stay tuned, and you’ll find out.
#JoinTheSquad™
From novels to movies to music, Jimmy Dasaint has built a career defined by one word—hustle. And this year, the Philly native is proving once again why he’s considered one of the city’s most influential creative voices.
His latest novel, BLACK SCARFACE 5: Fear is Stronger Than Love, is the explosive conclusion to his award-winning series. Co-written with former L.A. drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross, the book dives deep into themes of survival, loyalty, and betrayal—all told through the gritty lens of Philadelphia’s streets. Fans have responded with overwhelming support, driving the book to ️️️ Star5️ reviews on Amazon.
But Jimmy’s storytelling doesn’t stop on the page. On September 20th, streaming service Tubi will release his newest feature film, THE WRONG BITCH. With a cast of rising stars—Tera Alford, JaQuai Felton, and Mavia Barnes—the film becomes Jimmy’s 13th feature, a testament to his consistency and dedication to bringing authentic urban stories to the screen.
And then there’s the music. Earlier this summer, Jimmy dropped STILL A HUSTLER, an album that has caught the attention of The Source, AllHipHop, and Floss Magazine. It’s raw, powerful, and reflective of the same resilience that has carried Jimmy through every stage of his career.
Through it all, Jimmy remains true to his motto: “Bringing Hollywood to Philly.” With each project, he shines a spotlight on his city while inspiring the next generation of creators to believe that success doesn’t have to come from leaving home—it can be built right here in Philadelphia.
Follow Jimmy Dasaint’s journey:
Website: www.dasaintentertainment.com
Instagram: @jimmydasaint1
Music: Streaming on all major platforms
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Billboard Top Hip-hop
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
For years, Mark “Savage” Sanders bold, dynamic mixing style has landed him work behind the boards of major tours and hit records alike. Working with artists like Shordie Shordie, Lizzo, Coi Leray, Kevin Gates, Fetty Wap, Kelly Rowland and more, Mark sports an ever-expanding discography of cutting edge of popular music. We spoke with Mark to get insights into his career arc, workflow, and to understand how his unique sound is built upon a firm foundation of technical skill, knowledge and deep listening.
For starters, could you tell me how you got into engineering?
So at my high school they had an early college program where you could get your associates or a certificate by graduation. I wasn’t looking to be an audio engineer. I don’t even think I really knew what an audio engineer was, which makes it all the more crazy. I saw music production schools, but I went for audio engineering at Full Sail University.
What boards were you working on when you were doing live sound?
It was whatever the house had. Working on Mackie boards or Yamaha boards that only had seven inputs that worked—Avid and Midas consoles, the M32s, the Behringer X32, a lot of different stuff. Being a live sound engineer taught me so much signal flow and having to adapt to different spaces and different gear all the time. If I’m on tour and we’re generally using the same board, we’re probably never using the same monitors for front-of-house. The rooms are bigger or smaller—different places have different problem areas—being in a stadium or doing a festival where you have delays and all that stuff is just insane.
So you were ghostwriting, engineering, producing, and rapping in the beginning?
Yes I did it all except play an instrument.
Now today you’ve received a BMI Award, 2x Platinum, and over 12,000 sync placements how does it feel?
If I had to be honest I don’t care about any of it anymore. I want to see my Son win big like this. I’m more into family these days. I did everything I wanted in life and overachieved. I’m good!
We see you have Royalty ENTERTAINMENT & managing as far as entertainment goes what else can we expect?
Whatever God does. I’m not chasing anything anymore. Focused on living life, family, and wealth/health. Definitely support my DJ, DJ King, Ashley Blaire, and Pretty Liyah. Other than that I’m about to be out the way. (He laughs) I’m so burnt out. I’m chilling.
Last question, seeing that you did everything you wanted is there anything left that you haven’t 2025 going forward?
No just travel more that’s it. Like when I say I’ve given life everything I’ve had. I’ve given it everything. Plus I think most people are waiting for me to be famous or something which I’m avoiding and praying never happens.
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