We were lucky to catch up with Anthony “Ant Lava” Drakeford recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anthony “Ant Lava”, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As the creative director and founder of Black Billionaires Collection, I keep my creative alive thru the hip hop culture, studying artist and creatives that have inspired me and engaging in art. I find inspiration by immersing myself in the world of hip hop music, the beats, lyrics, and artistic expression fuels my creative energy. It’s no other culture on the planet that has so many diverse styles from the fashion to the slang that brings it all together and it’s constantly growing globally day by day.
I also actively study the works of fashion designers across various mediums. Analyzing their techniques and understanding their creative processes provides valuable insights.
Additionally, I enjoy exploring museums this becomes a visual feast, exposing me to different forms of creativity throughout history. By combining these elements, I create a rich tapestry that continually nurtures and sustains my creative energy.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hey, world! I’m Anthony “Ant Lava” Drakeford, hailing from Brooklyn, NY, and I come with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment, fashion, and film industry.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with legendary hip-hop artists such as Jay-Z, Cam’Ron, Kanye West, Nas, Lil Kim and more. Over the years I’ve worked at records labels Roc-A Fella Records, Loud Records, Untertainment and Sony Music. My role involved spearheading global marketing and promotional campaigns, resulting in multi platinum sales and generating billions of dollars.
In the realm of fashion, I’ve contributed to renowned brands like Rocawear, State Property, Pro Keds, and LRG, among others in helping to change the fashion landscape. Meanwhile my venture into the film industry commenced as a production assistant, steadily climbing the ladder to eventually become a 2nd assistant director. Working alongside exceptional directors like Hype Williams, Lance “Un” Rivera, Jesse J Smith, and Diane Martel, I contributed to culturally iconic music videos for artists like Missy Elliot, Foxy Brown, Swizz Beatz, and Mariah Carey, to name a few.
In 2006, I embarked on the journey of establishing More Famous Media, a multifaceted company specializing in marketing, management, and film production. The primary objective behind the inception of this venture was to provide artists and brands with a platform to enhance their visibility and simultaneously boost their revenue streams.
Throughout the years, More Famous Media had the privilege of working with a diverse array of clients, further solidifying our presence in the industry. Notable collaborations included partnerships with Max B, Remy Ma, Fila, America Magazine, and Helio cellphones. These associations not only showcased our capabilities but also contributed to the success stories of the individuals and brands we had the honor of representing.
Fast forward to 2020, and I proudly founded the Black Billionaires Collection, a NYC-based fashion and home decor company. Our mission is simple yet impactful — to inspire the world through fashion and bring a positive influence to the business world.
Black Billionaires Collection has made its mark on prestigious fashion platforms such as New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, and Art Basel. The brand showcases collections characterized by bold and vibrant styles, aiming to not only enhance the lives of our consumers but also inject a refreshing perspective into the world of fashion.
Black Billionaires Collection is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our debut home art collection. This exciting launch will introduce a range of new home decor products, featuring exquisite items such as canvas art pieces, luxurious leather pillows, stylish dishes, captivating candles, and elegant rugs.
In addition to our debut home art collection, we are proud to unveil a special collection designed exclusively for kids. This highlights our passion for creating unique and stylish pieces for every member of the family.
Furthermore, Black Billionaires Collection is actively expanding our menswear and womenswear collections. Our goal is to offer a broader selection of fashion items that showcase diversity and innovation. With a focus on inclusivity, our expanded collections will include a variety of pieces to cater to the unique styles and personalities of our valued customers.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of these exciting collections, as Black Billionaires Collection continues to redefine luxury and style in the world of home decor and fashion.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have played a pivotal role in my success. First and foremost, the ability to build valuable business relationships has been instrumental. Nurturing connections and fostering collaborations has not only opened doors but has also been the foundation of my professional growth.
The second key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of embracing failure. Rather than viewing setbacks as defeats, I see them as valuable lessons. Don’t be afraid to fail; instead, see each challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve. This mindset shift has been transformative in my journey.
Another crucial aspect of my success has been the commitment to consistency. There are inevitably days when motivation wanes, and doubts creep in. However, staying consistent in your efforts, even when faced with adversity, is key. It’s about persistently working towards your goals, learning from mistakes, and ultimately moving forward.
For those embarking on their own journey, my advice is multifaceted. Firstly, prioritize building meaningful business relationships. Networking and cultivating connections can open doors and create opportunities you might not have imagined. Secondly, embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Each setback is a chance to learn and grow. Lastly, be consistent in your efforts. Even on the toughest days, persistency pays off. It’s about staying committed to your goals and continuously learning from experiences.
Reflecting on my career, I attribute much of my success to a willingness to diversify. Starting as an intern on music videos, I ventured into the realms of fashion and the music business. Knowing when to embrace something new and bringing the knowledge from diverse experiences always kept me one step ahead of the competition. Diversification has been a key element in my journey, and recognizing the right time to pivot has been a valuable skill.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As we step into the exciting year of 2024, there are numerous opportunities for creatives across various industries. In the realm of fashion, I am open to collaboration with diverse individuals and brands. Whether you’re a graphic designer or a visual artist, if you have a passion for fashion, I’m interested in connecting with you.
The music business is another area where I’m actively seeking collaboration. I’m on the lookout for new artists from all genres, with a particular interest in Latin and Afro beats artists. Given the rapid growth of these markets, there’s ample room for collaboration, not just with artists but also with producers and songwriters.
In the dynamic film industry, my focus extends to finding investors for launching new films and TV concepts. Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with emerging directors, actors, and screenplay writers. Together, we can contribute to advancing the cultural landscape.
Last but certainly not least, the ever-expanding tech industry has caught my attention. With the introduction of AI, I find great joy in working at the intersection of technology and lifestyle marketing. I am enthusiastic about merging new technologies with brand partnerships, aiming to reshape the business landscape for a better future, especially for minority communities. These communities, which serve as the driving force for all business cultures, can benefit immensely from such collaborations.
If you resonate with any of these collaboration opportunities and are eager to contribute to exciting projects in fashion, music, film, or tech, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to create a positive and transformative impact on our respective industries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wearblack.onuniverse.com
- Instagram: @AntLavaNyc-personal page / @BlackBillionairesCollection-business page
- Twitter: @AntLavaNyc
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@blackbillionairescollection
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Dove Clark @FlyLikeDove Kirk Lawrence @GavsonPhotoWorks Now Wut TV @NowWutDotCom B Fly @B.Flyphotos Stylish Credits: Khaliah Clark @KhaliahClark @WhoStylingWho Ebone Holloman @StyledByEbony2
