This week’s featured artist has been through a lot, but he is working to break stereotypes in his community of Manassas, VA. Growing up, Carlos Davila was told he’d never amount to anything. After experiencing a rough start to his young adult life, he began mentoring students through A.O.D (Ascend or Decend). He’s chosen to be a leader by sharing his story in hopes that the youth in his community don’t make the same decisions. Originally, he received skepticism from the Black and Hispanic community who’ve grown complacent with the violence and instability. In the fall of 2019, following gang related attacks and arrests, Carlos felt more impowered to continue his mission of mentorship, community outreach and uplift.

This August, A.O.D partnered with A Group of Friends, 4 Homes, OTR Jazz Cutz, Jirani’s Coffeehouse and others to host a fundraiser at the Harris Pavilion to build a recording studio for local youth. Carlos wants to provide a positive outlet for youth in Manassas, inspire them to follow their dreams, and to rise above their environment.

Carlos is the founder of M-City Entertainment, a musical recording and media production company in Manassas, VA. A number of artists spoke with us to share how M-City Entertainment and music has changed the courses of their lives.

Blackie always loved music and owes inspiration to Disney channel, The Voice, Big Sean, and Fetty Wap. In 4th grade he participated in a casual rap battle, but it wasn’t until middle school where he began taking music seriously and writing his own raps. He went through a difficult time as a young adult. He was expelled from high school nearly 2 years ago, lost friends to gang violence, got mixed in with illegal activities, and spent some time locked up. He’s been released on house arrest and is going back to high school this fall. Most importantly, he’s found a family at M-City Entertainment that continues to support him and positively redirect his path towards music. His content is currently available on SoundCloud.

In addition to Blackie, TrendyxBanks has found support and love at M-City Entertainment. He grew up in Gathersburg, Maryland, but moved to Woodbridge, VA a few years ago. When he was younger, he had big basketball aspirations and began playing in middle school. His primary interest wasn’t in music, but breakdancing. He didn’t prioritize music last year when he reevaluated his fiancial and musical goals. He released his song “Apply Pressure” and “Birkin Bag” on SoundCloud and garnered lots of positive feedback. He performed at Bliss Night Club twice and has growns a stronger instagram fan base. His recent 2020 album “Self Distruction” and 2019 album “Most Hated” are available on SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. He is currently working on his next mixed tape, recently finished a music video, and released his single “Mobbin’ Deep.” TrendyxBanks credits his accomplishments and personal growth to moving away from the wrong people and starting over fresh with M-City.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Dada Flako started recording raps in middle school using Audacity and other low budget programs. He credits his mother for instilling a strong faith in God and inspiring him to be better, especially after he narrowly escaped a minor hit and run accident; he and a coworker had smoked weed while driving their delivery truck before side swiping another vehicle. They drove off, fearful of being arrested for drug posession. Following this incident, Dada Flako reevaluated his life. He realized he was a hair away from being arrest, from endangering someone else’s life, and losing his freedom and family. Dada Flako has recently joined M-City Entertainment and looks forward to sharing his music with the community.

Singer Danae started singing at 4 years old and always knew music would be part of her life. She performed at talent shows, festivals, and even auditioned for American Idol. At age 9, she started composing her own songs, but didn’t step into a studio until she was about 17 years old. She’s only released 3 songs, but expects to release her first EP in 2021.

Carlos reached out to young singer Soulu 2-3 months before she released her first song. She is currently building her confidence to perform. Soulu has always felt connected to music and is excited develop as an artist at M-City entertainment.

With M-City Entertainment Carlos aspired to find more young artists in Manassas, helping them overcome challenges they’ve faced, and fostering their talents. In regards to A.O.D, Carlos says, “I hope that everybody in the community wants to be a part of this change, not just be a witness. I want to inspire everybody to be great, be something great, do something great. Beat all the odds, beat all the odds necessary…”

We hope you will continue to support M-City Entertainment and A.O.D in Manassas, VA where Carlos and the members of M-City are working to improve their community through music and mentorship.