The Next Generation of Creatives Shaping the Future of Music, Culture, and Fashion
In partnership with Verse Ent
By Kyle Russell
Shannon K
Music Artist, Actress & Model

Shannon K stands as a symbol of global artistry and emotional authenticity. Blending her Bollywood lineage with the edge of the UK scene and the soulful polish of LA pop and R&B, Shannon has cultivated a sound that exists between vulnerability and empowerment, music that speaks to the heart as much as it moves the body. Her breakout single, “Give Me Your Hand,” a poignant reflection on bullying and mental health, marked a turning point in her journey, revealing her purpose not just as a performer but as a voice for healing and connection. 2025 has solidified her as a multifaceted creative force, from her electrifying Coachella debut and chart-topping hit “Antidote” to her acclaimed appearance in a Cannes-screened film. Through it all, Shannon remains committed to authenticity over algorithms and to dismantling industry expectations that confine women to a single image. Grounded and self-aware, she’s using her platform to champion equality, self-worth, and emotional honesty across cultures. As she teases a new era of collaborations and creative projects on the horizon, Shannon K is not just shaping the sound of now; with an emphasis on confidence, independence, and creative momentum.
B Menace
Music Artist

Hailing proudly from Suffolk, Virginia’s Westside, B Menace emerges as one of hip-hop’s most energized new voices, an artist whose grit, heart, and unfiltered honesty shape every bar he delivers. His latest single, “Aye,” featuring Yatti Breeze and Menace, channels a life forged by resilience, loss, ambition, and the unwavering belief that music can carry what words alone cannot. First stepping into the booth in 2008 on a dare, he has since evolved into a storyteller with shades of Biggie and the fearlessness of 50, matched by a strong stage presence and slots opening for hip hop legends. Though rooted in street real lyricism, Menace’s sound is driven by purpose, uplifting women, motivating underdogs, and speaking directly to those who have been told to shrink their dreams. Having survived the kind of setbacks that break most artists, he instead sharpened his focus, building a career on authenticity rather than gimmicks. Now independent and fresh off winning “Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year” at the Veer Awards, B Menace stands poised for a defining moment, determined to turn his upcoming solo album Time into a statement and his name into one that resonates far beyond Virginia. “I wasn’t supposed to make it past 21,” he says. “So the fact I’m here, making real music, making a way, should tell people anything is possible.”
Gshytt
Music Artist

Gshytt stands as a dynamic force whose global perspective, discipline, and boundary-pushing creativity continue to explore what modern artistry looks like. Guided by faith, consistency, and an unshakable belief in his purpose, he channels his lived experiences, from Mt. Dora, Florida, to Los Angeles and far beyond into songwriting that taps into deeper emotional terrains. His work reflects versatility, an artist whose pen moves between perspectives, cultures, and genres with intention and clarity. Whether crafting an anthem like the “We The Ones” remix alongside Rick Ross and Erie Ave, or connecting with audiences across Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Spain, his impact extends far past the studio. Gshytt’s artistry is rooted in authenticity, exploration, and a genuine commitment to inspiring others through his journey. Just as invested in fashion as he is in music, he embodies the belief that style, discipline, and self-belief are creative tools in themselves, expressions of identity that elevate the art. For Gshytt, being named among the next wave of influential creatives isn’t just an accolade; it’s an affirmation of a path defined by resilience, reinvention, and a global vision that continues to evolve.
Corey Omar
Founder/CEO 12 Strand Code / Content Creator

Corey Omar stands at the intersection of creative strategy, cultural fluency, and human transformation. His work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to storytelling, emotional intelligence, and community, reflecting a creator who sees the world through a lens sharpened by lived experience and fearless curiosity. From work as a producer to amplifying underrepresented narratives, his career is defined by an ability to extract truth and channel it into meaningful creative impact. A defining moment at 12,000 feet skydiving as a young man taught him that fear is imagined and courage is practiced daily, a philosophy that now underpins his approach to artistry, leadership, and innovation. His framework, The 12 Strand Code, challenges conventional views of success by grounding achievement in presence, purpose, and personal authenticity. Whether coaching executives, building cultural strategies for brands, or guiding emerging creators toward their potential, Corey’s influence lies in his capacity to see people fully and help them see themselves. As he continues building a legacy designed to empower the next generation, he aims to redefine how creativity, identity, and cultural connection shape the leaders of tomorrow, proving that true impact lives not in trends but in the stories we tell and the lives we elevate.
Joshua “J1” Raiford
Vice President Sirius XM/Pandora Programming

Joshua “J1” Raiford represents a cultural curator who blends legacy and innovation with a thoughtful perspective. Raised in Harlem during the mixtape era and shaped by the influence of DJs who defined street-level discovery, he built his foundation on the belief that music is both archive and emotion. His path from college radio to executive leadership sharpened his instinct for finding emerging voices and creating platforms that elevate them, ultimately positioning him as a key figure of hip hop and R&B at SiriusXM and Pandora. His work is guided by a deep respect for craft and community. From launching the Pandora Playback Series to championing artists at every stage of their journey, he uses storytelling as a connective tissue between fans, culture, and opportunity. His approach blends data awareness with intuition, honoring tradition while pushing the boundaries of digital consumption and artist visibility. He feels that his role is bigger than programming. It is about creating opportunities for emerging talent to grow, shaping narratives that uplift rather than sensationalize, and creating a future in which the next generation has clearer pathways than the one they inherited. Thoughtful, forward looking and grounded in purpose, J1 stands as one of the architects shaping new approaches to cultural discovery.
