Steve Raze: His Journey from Online Media to TV Producer and Film Executive
In the first of a multi-part interview series, celebrated media personality Steve Raze walks us through his career from his start at AllHipHop.com as EVP of Multimedia to creating the “Next 48 Hours” series, casting for “Love & Hip Hop” and producing award-winning documentaries. In this #LiveSession for The Hype Magazine, we learn how he overcame adversity to fund $1.2 million in creative projects.
In a recent conversation with multi-hyphenate media personality and entertainment executive, Steve Raze, watch in full below, I had the chance to dig into the life and career of a man who has worn many hats in the entertainment industry — from digital media pioneer to television producer and entrepreneur. Steve shared insights about his journey, which began at AllHipHop.com and expanded into television, brand marketing, and film production. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and a constant drive to push boundaries in the Hip Hop world…on top of that, Steve has been on my interview bucket list for some time as I’ve watched his impact on the visual-based content aspect of the web almost from the onset.
The AllHipHop Years: A Multimedia Powerhouse
It’s well known that Steve Raze’s journey kicked off at AllHipHop.com, where he served as Executive Vice President in charge of multimedia. He also edited The Breeding Ground, a platform for up-and-coming artists like Wiz Khalifa and Nicki Minaj. His time at AllHipHop wasn’t limited to the digital space — Steve played a key role in organizing major offline events such as SXSW, CMJ, A3C, and Core DJs, as well as concerts and parties that helped solidify AllHipHop’s place as a powerhouse in the industry.
One of Steve’s biggest achievements during this period was the creation of the Next 48 Hours series. The series gave fans an inside look at the lives of artists like Nas, Rick Ross, French Montana, Wale, and more in the crucial days following their album releases. It was groundbreaking, not only for its format but for the fact that Steve was able to get the labels to pay for the content. The long-running series became a staple at major events like SXSW, where Steve curated stages for a decade straight.
Breaking into Television: Love & Hip Hop, Divorce Court, and Beyond
Steve’s transition into television marked a new chapter in his career. He joined the casting team for Love & Hip Hop in both Atlanta and New York, where he helped cast major talents like Akbar V, Tokyo Vanity, Somaya Reece, and Lil Bankhead. This experience, he shared, allowed him to see firsthand the intersection of reality TV and Hip Hop, and how the format could uniquely amplify artists’ stories.
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Steve Raze also produced over 20 episodes of Divorce Court, where he learned the ins and outs of courtroom television, expanding his storytelling abilities even further. One of his proudest TV achievements is the award-winning documentary “From Pain to Power, “ aired on Revolt TV. Starring T.I., the documentary explored the challenges and triumphs of Hip Hop stars and marked Steve’s successful venture into creating and licensing original content for a major network.
Expanding His Reach: AGA Music, AGA Agency, and AGA Films
Steve’s ventures didn’t stop with television. Through AGA Music, he secured talent and marketing deals for artists like Fivio Foreign, Jim Jones, Trina, and Drummaboy. His work with AGA Agency saw him providing brand marketing services for notable figures such as Antonio Brown, Master P, and Young Buck.
In addition to his success in talent management, Steve stepped into film production with AGA Films. He produced the movie Ballin’, starring Safaree, Lance Stephenson, and Tray Chaney. As a leader and advocate, Steve has helped fund over $1.2 million for filmmakers, artists, and business owners, further solidifying his role as a supporter of creative talent in all forms.
Reflections on Resilience and Innovation
During our conversation, Steve reflected on his challenges, from financial struggles and homelessness to the constant evolution of the entertainment industry. He spoke candidly about how these obstacles only fueled his determination to keep pushing forward. His ability to adapt — transitioning from digital media to TV or shifting into brand marketing and film production — has been key to his success.
Steve’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and belief in one’s vision. His career has been built on creating opportunities for himself and countless others in the entertainment industry. His journey serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges, success is always possible with the right mindset and dedication…inarguably, Steve has been the spearhead and muse of the video and content creator world.
Check out our full conversation below and stay tuned for part II!!!
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Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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