To be regarded as a mogul is a mark of excellence, consistent success, and a vast network, knowledge, and influence. However, contrary to popular opinion, a mogul can be anybody, not necessarily a corporate entrepreneur or business manager. Keith George II, known professionally as Youngin, is changing the narrative by joining the exclusive league of entertainment and music executives who have earned the right to be referred to as a mogul.
Youngin is an American entertainment executive known internationally as an industry gatekeeper. With over 15 years of experience behind the scenes, Youngin works as an A&R, executive producer, brand ambassador, and DJ. He most recently entered the world of tech as the strategic advisor for the Kandiid App. As an executive, Youngin is credited with connecting the dots in many industry circles by placing both artists and executives in a position to close deals on many of the records dominating the airwaves today.
Despite his numerous successes and contributions to entertainment today, Youngin’s journey to the top is peculiar. The Oxfordshire-born music executive was raised in a military environment, which exposed him to different cultures and sounds. However, in San Antonio, Texas, he found his true passion for music. In 2006, as DJ Youngin Beat, he actively pursued his desire to be discovered. Following several mind-blowing performances networking, he began to build a contact list filled with artists, managers, and executives—contacts that are relevant to his brand today.
Youngin’s first taste of success came when he found himself climbing the ranks of the nation’s hottest mixtape DJs. He soon found himself working with the likes of Yung Berg (Hitmaka), Statik Selektah, Stack Bundles family, Swishahouse Records, Soso Def’s DJ Delz, DJ Decko, King Crooked, and more. As he made his name and brand one to be reckoned with, he prioritized building solid relationships with some of the biggest names in the recording industry, which led to an invitation to New York. Soon he landed an all-inclusive internship with a Def Jam executive, a role that saw him work directly with Sarah Alminawi, who managed the hit artist Maino under her management company MGMT Inc. From here on, he became unstoppable.
In 2012, Youngin and a colleague formed Block Bleedaz, a production team that consisted mainly of producers and songwriters. By 2017, he slowly transitioned into talent management and promotions, which led to forming a local rock band in San Antonio, who later signed a major label contract. He followed this up in 2018 with collaboration and partnership with Glu Ent. to co-manage recording artists Chris King and Ponce Deleioun.
Undoubtedly, the most impressive aspect of Youngin’s operation aside from his role as a label executive and talent manager is his influence outside the music business. For instance, in 2021, Youngin played an integral role in producing a first-of-its-kind free immersive experience combining cannabis in Denver, Colorado, with partners Johnathan “JP” Peterson and Samantha “Lil Fresh Sam” Aragón. The Winter Green Cannabis-Infused Light & Sound Experience brought various cannabis dispensary owners and other vendors under one roof for networking, collaboration, and raising money for children in need.
