When Jamaican-born businessman Jermaine Parker opened Blakk Hyenaz Music Production, a state-of-the-art recording studio on White Plains Road in the Bronx, he realized a long-standing vision to create a professional, culturally rooted music hub, according to Jamaican-born entertainment publicist Anthony “ER Guru” Turner.
“Known in the borough as the owner of the only Jamaican-owned Clarks shoe store in the state, Parker has now added another chapter to his story – music,” Turner told Caribbean Life on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Parker chose to settle near 225th St. and White Plains Road, Turner explained, highlighting the area’s rich Caribbean culture.
Parker chose to settle near 225th St. and White Plains Road, Turner explained, highlighting the area’s rich Caribbean culture.
“Just up the block was the legendary Moody’s Records store, a hub for reggae and dancehall lovers,” Turner said.
“Though Kingston Fashion store eventually took center stage, music never left Parker,” he added. “Years later, while running and building his clothing line, Parker spotted an opportunity, literally three stories down from Clarks’ store.”
“Though Kingston Fashion store eventually took center stage, music never left Parker,” he added. “Years later, while running and building his clothing line, Parker spotted an opportunity, literally three stories down from Clarks’ store.”
Reflecting on his motivation, Parker said, “Well, I always wanted to do music. Music was, I think, my first love.”
“The music was there first before I became a businessman,” he added, stating that because of Moody’s Records, he met several Jamaican artists.
“The music was there first before I became a businessman,” he added, stating that because of Moody’s Records, he met several Jamaican artists.
“Everything came back to me,” Parker continued. “I said, ‘I have to do this. I have to build this record studio.’”
But Parker wanted to do more than recreate the makeshift studios of his youth.
But Parker wanted to do more than recreate the makeshift studios of his youth.
“The record studios that I knew back then were always in basements or bedrooms, or somebody had a laptop, and we’ll make it happen,” Parker said. “But I always wanted to be something professional.”
Though he never recorded in a professional studio himself, Parker was determined to build one for both the community and the culture.
Though he never recorded in a professional studio himself, Parker was determined to build one for both the community and the culture.
Parker said his vision led to the founding of Blakk Hyenaz Music Production — a space that fuses his fashion brand with his commitment to empowering artists and the community.
“Blakk Hyenaz is my invention, and it just keeps blessing me,” said Parker, adding that while the studio’s roots are “unmistakably Jamaican, the mission is global.
“Our power is dancehall and reggae, because that’s who we are,” he said. “But we’re not just doing Jamaican music.”
“Our power is dancehall and reggae, because that’s who we are,” he said. “But we’re not just doing Jamaican music.”
Parker describes Blakk Hyenaz Music Production not just as a recording studio, but as a platform designed to launch and elevate new talent within and beyond the local community.
With partners connected to major marketing companies, he said he plans to “amplify artists” once the studio gains momentum.
With partners connected to major marketing companies, he said he plans to “amplify artists” once the studio gains momentum.
“Once we start making noise and doing really good stuff, then I have a marketing source that I can use to push this thing very far,” Parker said.
He said the studio also stands as a tribute to those who laid the groundwork before him, particularly Moody’s Records.
“Mr. Moody started something with the music, and it was the best thing ever,” Parker said. “Respect to Mr. Moody, because he set the foundation. This is my culture. This is what I love.”
