Jimmy McKinney

Born in Riverside, California at Kaiser Permanente, Jimmy McKinney was raised an only child in San Bernardino by a single mother. Throughout his childhood Jimmy, although talented and gifted beyond his years, continuously struggled with focus and respect for authority. Not that he was overtly bad, Jimmy found it difficult to follow orders. He was always finding new and creative ways to see, improve or complete tasks. Growing up in a family rooted in education and music, Jimmy quickly found passion in them as well as the arts. As his interest in History, Art, English, Philosophy, Science and culture expanded his skills flourished as an artist and poet. In 2003 he submitted a short poem titled, “Ode to the Moon” to the International Poets Society and was invited to Washington, D.C. to perform a reading at the Smithsonian Institute. Jimmy was unable to participate, nevertheless his poem was released in hardback along with others in their following poetic edition.

After being expelled from one district and school to another, Jimmy eventually found himself at San Bernardino High School where his passion for music continued with the assistance of his choir director and piano teacher Ron Lowe. During his attendance at SBHS or “Berdoo” as the school was known, Jimmy met Jet Tanner, Nova Heartbreak and Tianti Mhonae’ Birks among other names that would later blaze a trail from the heart of the Inland Empire and into the industry. 

It was during his childhood that Jimmy had decided to pursue a career in music and as time progressed he began to peer at the business aspect of things mulling over the idea of not only being a musician but, an artist supreme. Having been born to the daughter of a minister and being raised as a ministers child himself he was not unfamiliar to gospel and had an ear for classical, jazz, blues, soul, funk, rock and although it took a while eventually country too. Not the most adept maestro in piano he would create serene melodies with his tap-tap method and immature production skills. In 2008 he enlisted into the Armed Forces, spending the next four years serving his country and honing his skills eventually being released from active duty service in late 2011. While stationed in Watertown, NY he met producer K-Most, artist J-Planes and others including Ty Larmon, Eddie C and Dickie Simpkins who became a huge influence in his life as an elder brother-figure and a comedian in the label.

Having grown alongside rising athlete and basketball star Kwame Alexander, Jimmy McKinney is not new to greatness and is proud to call him brother. Working together with Biggface Laguna, Yasir Kaine, Tha Profe$$a and Doobie (KDPT of Kingpen Coalition) as Dem Cuntry Boyz and Prince Leon of Miix Music Entertainment they plan to bring their vision of music and culture to the universe.