Meet J. Kevin Swain | Producer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with J. Kevin Swain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J. Kevin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor in my business is faith. Faith that what I am pursuing is right in God’s eye and a benefit to those around me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been blessed to simply do what I love with some very talented artists. I was told early in life by my mother that I could do anything and go anywhere in the world. She must have been a prophet. I am glad to say her fondest wishes have become true. Any success I have experienced is from the Grace of God. I have produced and directed projects on 5 continents and over 20 countries. I have been fortunate to have met and worked with many of my musical heroes: Sarah Vaughan, Tupac, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Snoop, Dr. Dre, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, Mary J. Blige, Common, John Legend, Bobby Brown, Robert Glasper and many others.

I consider myself to be a Cultural Anthropologist. Experiences such as Samba gatherings in Brazil , the African American legacies in France or nights at The Apollo Theater, these are the moments that bring me joy and opportunities to create projects to share with the world.

Born and raised in South Central LA but the reach has been to the South Bronx, South America, South Africa and the South Off Frnace(where over 100 friends from London, Paris, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, St. Louis, New York, Compton, Gardena,The Valley, Baldwin Hills, Ladera and South Central joined my wife and I for our destination wedding)  

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Upon leaving the airport, I would head to Imperial Highway the west for a great view of the beach at Dockweiler(“Playa” del Rey for us locals). Rosecrans is the next destination in Manhattan Beach for tacos at El Tarasco, my spot since the 80’s!

Next few days:
A drive up Outpost for a view of La Ciudad from Mulholland Drive is a most.
Next would be an obligatory drive up Beachwood Canyon for a close up view of the Hollywood sign and a walk around Lake Hollywood. If it’s on a Thursday, I would insist on hitting Musso and Frank’s(the oldest restaurant in LA!) for Chicken Pie for lunch. A walk along Hollywood Blvd for the Walk Of Fame and foot/hand prints at Mann’s Chinese would work up a thirst for Margarita’s at El Compadre’s.
Hopefully it’s June, I would take them to he most heralded venue in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Bowl.
If time permits here are few other spots:Martha’s in Hermosa Beach, Harold and Belles, Terroni’s, Michilina’s in the Farmers Market, Roscoe’s, Alta’s on West Adams, Johnnie’s Pastrami(Adams not Culver City!).

A trip downtown would include the Grand Central Market for Octopus Tacos. My wife and I had our first date here, I kinda new she was special! A walk outside on the Broadway side would reveal stunning architecture of the Million Dollar Theater next door. A walk across the street to the Bradbury Building to is equally amazing. While downtown, I would take them to where LA was born, Olvera Street. It is important to know African Americans were a part of the first pueblo in 1781.
Union Station across the street is the most beautiful edifice in the city in my opinion.

To give my friend an authentic experience, a drive from the Valley to The Beach is high on the list!. I spent many high school days rolling from Woodland Hills to Zuma via Kanan Road. The Sunset Cafe in Malibu has become one of my new favorite spots. Feels like locals only!

The final day would be a drive through the hood that shaped me, South Central( Palm Trees and everythang!). I’d roll up 48th to View Park over to Baldwin Hills then hit the 90 to the Marina for one last celebratory meal at Mercedes Grill in the Marina. Hopefully my guest would be full and satisfied!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Village of South Central LA(47th and Broadway to be exact)

Website: www.jkevinswain.com

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