Steven “Cherokee” Young of Northeast Columbia, SC on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Steven “Cherokee” Young. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Steven “Cherokee”, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts early, watching my wife — R&B and Southern Soul singer Panessia Young — head off to work. Once she’s gone, I’m up and moving, taking care of my grandson and getting my day started. While balancing granddad duties (which usually means plenty of Joolz TV and Paw Patrol), I stay focused on growing and improving my company, Best In Da Solar System Management Group, LLC.

Most of my day is filled with website work, artist development, taking calls, booking shows, planning podcasts, and networking to build and maintain strong industry relationships. Every day is busy, but it’s all about family, music, and helping the artists I work with reach their full potential.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Steve “Cherokee” Young is an Army veteran, entrepreneur, and the visionary Founder and CEO of Best In Da Solar System Management Group, LLC—a Minority, Indigenous, and Veteran-owned entertainment management company based in Columbia, SC.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised around the world—including Panama, Germany, North Carolina, and Kentucky—Steve brings a global perspective and strong work ethic rooted in his military upbringing. His 12 years of Army service (1996–2008) across Bosnia, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and Panama shaped his leadership, adaptability, and dedication to excellence.

After the military, Steve built a dynamic professional career with Verizon Wireless, Apple Inc., and SCACAP, mastering logistics, leadership, and business operations before turning his focus to entertainment management.
Founded by Steve Cherokee in October 2021, Best In Da Solar System, LLC is a music management group built on passion, integrity, and community. More than just a management company, it’s a movement dedicated to uplifting independent artists while enriching the culture through events, marketing and promotion, artist development, and education.

What makes Steve Cherokee’s management group special is its commitment to professionalism and authenticity—seeking success without exploitation. Rather than chasing the spotlight, Best In Da Solar System celebrates its artists and empowers them to shine on their own terms.

Now celebrating four years of growth and resilience, Steve Cherokee has refocused and retooled the company, proudly representing a dynamic roster of talent, including Panessia Young (R&B/Southern Soul), Mrs. Rell (Hip-Hop), Trapboy X (Hip-Hop), Boss Hawg (Hip-Hop), and Rivaside Rell (R&B).

Under Steve Cherokee’s leadership, Best In Da Solar System continues to prove that true success comes from passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My understanding of work and integrity was forged by the powerful example set by his parents. His father, a 20-year Army veteran who grew up in the harsh streets of Detroit, knew firsthand how easily life could be pulled off course by the allure of the streets. Choosing the discipline and structure of the U.S. Army over that life taught him the value of focus, sacrifice, and self-control—lessons he passed on to his son. From him, Steve learned that real strength doesn’t come from circumstance, but from the choices you make to rise above it.

His mother, a young teenage mother from the cold, unforgiving streets of Baltimore, showed a different kind of strength—one rooted in perseverance and quiet determination. While raising three boys and supporting her husband’s military career, she earned her GED and went on to serve and retire from a distinguished 20-plus-year career with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). Her journey taught Steve that success isn’t handed to you; it’s built through persistence, humility, and pride in honest work.

Together, his parents showed him that integrity means doing what’s right even when no one’s watching, and that hard work isn’t just about making a living—it’s about building a life of purpose, service, and honor.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Growing up as a military child, I never really had the chance to build strong friendships or lasting relationships. That made things difficult later in life—my communication and life skills were limited, and I often felt disconnected. My struggles were real, and there was a time when I almost gave up.

In 1997, I attempted suicide twice. I was in a failing marriage, my relationships with my children were strained, and I truly believed the world would be better off without me.

But I survived. I got help, and I began to heal. Today, I’m here to share my story to let others know that the world is never a better place without you. You matter, and you can make a difference.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the independent music industry is that being independent means doing it all by yourself. Independence doesn’t mean isolation—it means ownership, creative control, and leadership. The truth is, no one succeeds alone. Every great artist has a solid team, supportive network, and people who believe in their vision.

Another lie is that social media makes stars. While it can give visibility, it doesn’t guarantee longevity or real fan connection. Likes and followers don’t equal ticket sales, streams, or career stability. True success comes from consistent work, authenticity, and building real relationships with fans and industry professionals.

There’s also the toxic myth that you have to hate on or be jealous of others to make it. In reality, collaboration and mutual support are far more powerful than competition. The industry is big enough for everyone’s light to shine.

Then there’s the belief that you have to follow trends, “sell out,” or sacrifice your originality to succeed. The artists who stand the test of time are those who stay true to their voice and create from the heart. Chasing fads only leads to burnout and forgettable music.

Some artists even believe live performances don’t matter and autotune will cover everything. But real artistry shines when you can move a crowd live—no filters, no edits. That’s where connection and legacy are built.

And perhaps one of the most damaging lies is that you don’t need to understand the business side—just make music and let others handle it. This is how many artists lose control of their rights, money, and careers. Knowledge is power. Understanding contracts, royalties, publishing, and marketing is essential for long-term success.

Finally, throwing money around doesn’t make you successful. True success in this business takes hard work, dedication to your craft, continuous learning, wise investment in yourself, and yes, a little luck. Huge concerts, piles of money, controversy, drugs, alcohol, and entourages of “yes people” don’t make you a star—they make you a cliché.

Real success is measured by growth, integrity, consistency, and the impact your music leaves behind.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I would hope people tell about me when i’m gone is, let it be known that though he faced the lowest of lows, he never gave up. He rose from his struggles with determination and purpose, building a legacy his family can be proud of.

And when he said family, he didn’t mean just those connected by blood — he meant the family he built through love, loyalty, and shared vision. His second family — Best In Da Solar System Management Group, LLC — was just as close to his heart. That family includes Panessia Young (his wife/inspiration for it all), Mrs. Rell, Adrian Cannimore, Latasha McKensie, Lisa Gonzalez-Williams, Boss Hawg, Rivaside Rell, Trapboy X, Felicia Lucas, and Billy “DJ Surplus” Swanson.

That I was a man who stood on business and stood by his word. He dedicated himself to lifting up those around him, doing everything within his power to make sure his family — by blood and by bond — was okay, supported, and successful. His life was a testament to perseverance, loyalty, and love for his people.

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Image Credits
Ed “Snapshot” Brown

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