OZAY MOORE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TEACHING / RECORDING ARTIST

Over the last 20 years, Hip Hop Artist and Educator Ozay Moore has traveled the world as an advocate of both Hip Hop Culture and humanity. As an Emcee, DJ, Muralist and community organizer, he has been an asset to the national/international Hip Hop scene in a variety of capacities.

From rocking stages to building in the community, Ozay’s abilities and efforts have inspired and opened doors for many supporting both the preservation and advancement of Hip Hop Culture.

His service to the broader community also translates to concentrated efforts in his hometown of Lansing as the founder and executive director of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy.

Listen to Ozay Moore’s music:

CARLA BROOKS

PROGRAM AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

She/Her/Hers

Carla is Oregon born, Michigan raised so it comes as no surprise she’s an avid adventurer in all things nature and water fun. She’s passionate about storytelling and the power it has to engage the community, give voice to the teller, and invoke a call to action.

She is a proud Mexican-American woman who loves to travel (while eating and cooking delicious foods from around the globe), is grateful for her daily yoga practice, and garners much joy from spending time with friends and family.

Life is ripe with story and she is always working to capture the magic wherever she goes, so don’t be surprised if you catch her jotting notes with a camera in hand.

JAMES GARDIN

LEAD INSTRUCTOR, TEACHING / RECORDING ARTIST

pROGRAMS: B.A.R.S, The cook up

James uses his art and message to inspire all those around him to live their life fully and encounter their purpose daily.

He has performed hundreds of shows around the world and amassed millions of plays and downloads with coverage on top websites, publications, and radio (HipHopDX, Earmilk, 2DopeBoyz, DJBooth, Paste, The Word Is Bond, Rapzilla, Lansing State Journal, Grungecake, Respect Mag, Sphere of Hip-Hop, USA Today and many more.).

He has also had songs featured on Tommy Hilfiger ads, Mobile, ESPN, Fox Sports, GaryVee TV, and Black&SexyTV.

Listen to James Garden’s music:

DJ Y’Z

TEACHING ARTIST, MUSIC PRODUCER / DJ

PROGRAM: DJING

Hailing from the streets of San Diego, CA, DJ Y'z has spent the last 20+ years honing his skills first as a rapper, and producer.  After finding his niche in djing, he moved away from rapping and heavily pursued djing and production. He is a student of HipHop Culture with a passion for community.  DJ Y’z seeks to elevate his craft while teaching and inspiring the next generation.  His motto is, "As I learn I Teach."

Kaels

TEACHING ARTIST, DJ

PROGRAMs: the cook up

Spinning since 2017, Kale’s artistry goes beyond entertainment, as she explores the transformative power of music and its profound connection to wellness. Just as freshly squeezed juice nourishes the body, Kale’s compositions feed the soul, leaving a lasting impact on her listeners. 

At the heart of Kale's vision lies the belief that music has the power to detoxify spaces. Through her artistic teachings, she seamlessly bridges the gap between music and degrees of wellness. Kale’s passion to activate peace and motivate audiences to come together for the collective good. Whether through beat making and mixing blends, Kale is actively pushing boundaries as an innovator in the field. Kale’s formative experiences working with City Glow Yoga have allowed her to spread the benefits of yoga to a much bigger audience and even led to the manifestation of her residency for A Night at the Soul Lounge which focuses on culture and wellness. 

Kale is passionate about being a positive influence in the lives of young people and is an advocator of helping every one of her students reach their maximum potential. With her skill set, drive, and dedication, she continues to move people of all ages to pursue their dreams and create something special.

TABOR VITS

breaker, Teaching Artist & Resource Development Coordinator

PROGRAMS: Youth BREAKING 1&2, the cook up

Tabor Vits aka Flava Vitz is a bboy from Grand Rapids who has taught with AOTA since 2014. He began breaking at Michigan State University in 2010 and is a member of 99stylez crew and the World Serpent collective.

Tabor is an alumnus of MSU’s Residential College in the Arts and Humanities and has worked in Lansing arts and cultural non-profits for ten years. Previously, he coordinated art after-school programming at REACH Studio Art Center and events and grant programs at the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

Tabor views the arts as a vehicle for expression, healing, and liberation. His teaching practice draws inspiration from bell hooks, Stephen Krashen, Paulo Freire and his late father, William “Billy” Vits. Tabor’s dance influences include 61syx Teknique, Kybalion, Motor City Street Dance Academy, and Toronto footwork and Vegas/press styles.

YOUNG HEAT

MUSIC PRODUCER, TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAMS: B.A.R.S, The cook up

Soulful, energetic, & universal are three words that best describe the sound of music producer DeMarnio “TheyCallMeHeat” Stanley. With influences ranging from the late James “J Dilla” Yancey (R.I.P.), Pharrell Williams & Dr. Dre, Heat has developed a distinct sound that covers many different genres. 

 In 2008, Heat began to make a name for himself locally by working with a group of well-known local artists as well as online through websites like “Soundclick”, which gave producers an opportunity to network and sell beats. In 2012 Heat entered the iStandard Beat Battle Showcase with producer panel judges, iLLMind & The Olympicks (Maybach Music/ Cash Money Records) representing Detroit, Michigan he placed 2nd in the competition. In 2015, Heat also produced “On Fleek” by A-Game Writers, which was a song featured on the hit television series ‘EMPIRE’ (Season 2: Episode 4 - Poor Yorick), by 20th Century FOX Network. Heat has produced music on many different TV Networks, independent albums, & mixtapes in addition to producing full original albums with his friends/ Outersound Music Group, and a slew of local artists. 

Listen to and watch Young Heat’s youtube channel:

Jared autrey

dancer, choreographer

PROGRAMs: Hip Hop Street Dance Technique, the cook up

Jared Autrey was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. Over more than 20 years, he has honed his skills as a dancer and instructor in a diverse range of styles, including contemporary, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. His extensive training and experience have shaped him into a versatile and accomplished dancer and choreographer.

Jared has had the privilege of dancing with various dance companies such as Happendance Professional Dance Company and Release Detroit Performance Dance Team. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Frxsco Dance Sessions, formerly known as Dance Lansing Hip Hop Club.

His talent and creativity as a choreographer have earned him significant recognition. His work has been showcased on prominent platforms like MTV TRL, the Harlem Globetrotters Pregame Show, and the Detroit Pistons Pregame Show. In addition to these performances, Jared has made a substantial impact in the local dance community. He has taught at various schools and studios, where his choreography has garnered numerous top overall and judges’ awards in competitive settings. Moreover, he is dedicated to sharing his passion for dance and teaching recreational dance classes to instill a love of dance in his students.

alien j

breaker, painter, illustrator, TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAMS: Breaking 2

My name is Janeil Foy, also known as Alien J, representing 61Syx Teknique. I'm the owner of Teknique Street Dance Academy and originally from St. Louis, Missouri. I began breaking in 2009 during my freshman year of high school, after transitioning from boxing, where I first learned my rhythm. My background in art—both drawing and painting, in digital and traditional forms—greatly influences my creativity and movement compositions. Over the past 12 years, I've enjoyed teaching and especially love witnessing the growth of my students.

THE PLAYER MUSIC

TEACHING / RECORDING ARTIST

PROGRAM: THE COOK UP

Anthony Jones-Player (aka The Player or The Player Music) is a rapper/singer/songwriter, originally from Vallejo, California but he currently resides in Lansing, Michigan. He hopes to one day impact the world by inspiring others with his music, as well as helping his family live comfortably. 

He has officially been releasing music since 2018, but he has been writing since he was 8 years old. He has amassed over 80,000+ streams and he has performed at notable Lansing festivals and venues like The Wharton Center, STOOPFEST, Dam Jam, and more. He has been co-signed by well-known artists such as Redveil, Ozay Moore, Samad Savage, James Gardin, The Pocket Queen, Jahshua Smith, etc.

Through the teaching opportunities at AOTA, he hopes to provide insight into the technicalities of making music, as well as motivate others to embrace their individuality as creatives.

Christina castilla

visual artists & creative / TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAM: the cook up

Tina is an incredible visual artist with an amazing array of mediums and ways she expresses herself through artmaking. She draws much of her inspiration from music and the world around her.

She joins the team as The Cook Up Visual Artist at Eastern High School.

dj 5am

TEACHING ARTIST, DJ

PROGRAMS: INTRO TO DJING, the cook up

5AM aka 5amDaMorning is a teaching artist, DJ, and producer from Lansing, Michigan. In addition to DJing Hip Hop, 5am loves to curate and create electronic music. 5am is an alum of Lansing Eastern High School and the AOTA Youth Organization fellowship and is a well-known DJ in the Lansing scene. If you live in Lansing you've probably heard his music at the former Blue Owl Coffee + AOTA Beats & Brewers residency. 

juice

MUSIC PRODUCER / ENGINEER, TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAMS: b.a.r.s, the cook up

Josiah aka Juice is a producer, engineer and teaching artist from Lansing, Michigan. Juice is an alum of Lansing Eastern high school and the AOTA Youth Organization fellowship, and has DJed numerous events across the Greater Lansing area, including the 2024 Hispanic Heritage festival. If you're a Lansing local, you've likely heard Lansing's anthem "Breath of the City," which Juice produced.

sareem poems

emcee & recording artist / poet / teaching artist

PROGRAM: b.a.r.s at highfields

Sareem Poems describes himself as a "high-end blue-collar" emcee and proud family man, creating with forward-thinking. Sareem first burst onto the scene as part of the legendary Hip Hop collective, LA Symphony. They etched their names into Rap folklore with a slew of albums and releases which were all well received. A true lover of art, with a passion for creativity. Sareem is an artist for the ever-evolving Hip-Hop Movement.

Furthermore, Sareem Poems is one of three incorporators of AOTA.

Listen to Sareem Poems’ music here:

Cristian lambaren Sanchez

AYO FACILITATOR, research creative, PROFESSOR

PROGRAMS: CRAFTSMAN AND GRIOTS

Born in King City, California, but raised across Mexicali, B.C., Mexico, Lakeland, Florida, and Oxnard, California before going to undergrad at UC Berkeley, Cristian moved to the mitten state in 2016. He currently works as a Community Engagement teacher and specialist in the Residential College of Arts and Humanities (RCAH) at Michigan State University (MSU). The same institution where he earned his master’s degree and is now gently advancing with his PhD program.

A longtime lover and advocate of Hip-Hop culture and community, Cristian has taught a Hip-Hop and Community Engagement class for over three years while partnering with All of the Above (AOTA) Hip Hop Academy. Cristian says that thanks to hip-hop music, he found the confidence to learn and speak English when he first moved to Florida as an 11-year-old boy who only knew Spanish. Back then, he was too shy to hold a conversation but would joyfully rap along to hip-hop songs in English.

Cristian lives with his beautiful partner, Maria (Founder of Capital Area Latina Youth), her two daughters, and Mony (Mexican Chuhuahua from Sinaloa, Mexico). He is always happy to talk about family, soccer, education, travel, food, music, and/or supporting the younger generations’ dreams and life aspirations.

julia weston

singer / hair stylist / TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAM: ayo craftsmen

Julia is a sought-after, booked-up, stylist at Holiday Hair House, a singer, hip hop/music enthusiast/researcher, and poet. She joins the team after volunteering last year with the AYO Fellows moving with them as a co-facilitator for the AYO Craftsman alongside Cristian Lambaren Sanchez.

ALEXIS ROSADO

AYO FACILITATOR, poet, filmmaker, Author, ARTIST

PROGRAM: ayo FELLOWS

An award-winning poet, filmmaker, and author, Alexis began her framework at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she earned a BAS in Broadcast Journalism. After gaining experience as a television reporter for WLNS News 6 and an on-air personality and sales executive for radio station WQHH Power 96.5, she moved on to launch her company Vision Success Marketing.

Since its 2017 inception, Alexis’ Vision has helped business owners and creatives become successful using media while witnessing her film projects earn recognition from Munich New Wave Short Film Festival, LA Independent Women Film Awards, Chicago Women Film Fest, and Paris Lift-Off Film Festival.

Alexis’ second-regarded venture, Brave Space, was created as a response to the mental health crisis of Michigan students. Sharing time with students, they use writing techniques and poetry prompts to help them identify their emotions and find healthy ways to communicate them.

Privately funded in 2021, Brace Space became a registered 501C3 in 2022. Alexis gathered an advisory council of counselors, trained dialogue facilitators, certified psychotherapists, and teachers, leading her “Became Brave” curriculum and services into Ingham and Ottawa County schools.

Using her veteran blueprint of artistic integrity, she encouragingly cheers on their potential, reinforces their confidence and self-value, and helps them build themselves into skyscrapers of confident expression.

When Alexis is not working tirelessly to make a vital impact on the lives of impressionable youth and clients, she is both entertaining receptive audiences with her thought-provoking poetry and endearing herself to readers with her book, The Mountain Climber.

Derrick player-jones

singer / TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAM: ayo fellows

Derrick is a recent graduate of the AYO Program. 

He is a beautiful singer and music creator with a passion for hosting community events. 

jacob weston

graphic designer, RECORDING ARTIST

He/Him/His

Jacob Weston grew up in Lansing, Michigan rooted deeply in the punk and hardcore community. Utilizing those DIY ethics, he began to book shows and tours during his high school years. Out of necessity, Jacob began experimenting in design by creating flyers, shirts, and album layouts for bands and events he was involved with. Through touring and booking shows, he built a network of talented friends, from around the country, and became a point person, bringing touring acts to mid-Michigan.

In his early 20s, Jacob started branching out into different genres, thanks to influence from, his now wife, Julia Weston (Hernandez) and her family. As he dove deeper into Hip Hop, he connected to the culture’s like-minded ethics and overall respect and dedication to the craft.

Now, Jacob seeks to utilize his skills refined from DIY punk and hardcore culture, as well as his love for music and family, to create a thriving community in Lansing enriched with music, art, and culture.

Listen to Jacob Weston’s Band:

david tran

breaker / TEACHING ARTIST

PROGRAMS: breaking

David aka Bboy Dofu is a self-taught Bboy from Lansing, Michigan, who works in communications, marketing, and sales. He is an alum of Lansing Everett High School and Michigan State University and enjoys exploring videography and photography and attending dance events and practices across Michigan in his spare time.

REBEKAH PUMPHREY

EVENTS COMMITTEE CHAIR

PROGRAM, EVENTS, CALENDAR, and organizational CONSULTANT

She/Her/Hers

A cornerstone of AOTA’s beginning, Bekah provided insight into the development and implementation of its programming, events, and community-building strategies.

In the various roles she has played in both non-profit and for-profit sectors, there has always been an underlying theme of community serving and building.

She is currently the Program Director at REACH Studio Art Center in Lansing and serves as the Events Committee Chair here at AOTA.

Marques Davis

media contractor

Photography & Videography

He/Him/His

So-Cal born and raised, no Lansing local for over 10 years, Marques brings traditionally trained and self-taught skills to all projects.

With over 15 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and branding, he brings robust expertise in visual communications.

Understanding how strategy in design influences both businesses and consumers, Marques utilizes a dynamic skill set that encompasses photography, videography, advanced editing, and web design.

JAHSHUA SMITH

AYO CONSULTANT, RECORDING ARTIST

PROGRAMS: FELLOWS, CRAFTSMAN, AND GRIOTS

Jahshua Smith is an emcee from Detroit who is currently teaching our AYO class, leading the young craftsmen who are seeking greater leadership opportunities within the AOTA crew.

He began his rap career while attending Michigan State University and has three full-length projects to his name, The Final Season, The Fourth Wall, and They Don't Love You Like That.

Outside of music he is an accomplished community organizer and consultant, infusing his knowledge of hip-hop to assist with programs centered around utilizing rap music to provide trauma-informed care to students.

He also works in the realm of college access, helping to strengthen initiatives designed to increase the ease of access for young students to attend college. He and his wife, Rachel, currently reside on the westside of Lansing and take part in various neighborhood enrichment activities.

Listen to Jahshua Smith’s music: