Peace and love family. Here's another dope brother I have known for a while now, Chuck Platinum. I really love the energy this brother embodies and how he goes hard for his family and community. I'm grateful that he agreed to be part of this interview series.
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Chuck Platinum is a multi-award-winning producer, DJ, radio personality, hip-hop artist, and audio engineer hailing from the birthplace of hip-hop—the Bronx, NY. His journey in music began at an early age, inspired by watching his father master the turntables. By 1991, he had teamed up with his longtime collaborator, Prince Newkirk, to form the group Uptown Nation, which gained national recognition through live showcases, including a standout performance on Showtime at the Apollo, where they received a standing ovation and finished as strong contenders.
In 1992, at just 13 years old, Chuck Platinum and his father, DJ Butch SOS, launched Partnuz Entertainment, marking his first entrepreneurial venture as a DJ and event curator. He went on to spin at clubs and parties across the tri-state area, cementing his reputation in the industry.
As a producer, Chuck Platinum has worked with both legendary and emerging artists, crafting records for A.G. (Showbiz & A.G.), Cory Gunz, Scrilla Gambino, Earn Dinero, ILY TRULY, Ne-Yo, and a host of independent talents. To date, he has produced and recorded 11 solo albums, showcasing his versatility as an artist and creator.
Beyond music production, Chuck is a seasoned radio personality with over a decade of experience. He has hosted shows on DaMatrix Studios and DTF Radio, and in 2020, he launched his own radio network, Record Breakaz Radio. He currently hosts The Indie Heat Show every Saturday from 8 PM to 10 PM, along with The Indie Heat Hour on CrateRunner Radio, continuing his mission to spotlight independent artists and break new talent.
With an unshakable passion for music, business, and culture, Chuck Platinum remains a driving force in the industry, dedicated to elevating hip-hop and supporting the next generation of artists.
Personal Legacy Journey
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing. What early influences shaped who you are today?
A1: I would say growing up with my parents and ancestors. I was fortunate to know all of my maternal and paternal grandparents & great grandparents so I had a wide range of influence. My grandfather was big on making sure that my sister and I knew our roots growing up so I learned a lot about our culture and race early.
Q2: What inspired you to pursue your career path? Were there pivotal moments that changed your direction or perspective?
A2: Seeing my father DJ Butch SOS as a young DJ inspired everything that I do. I wanted to be just like him, and when I was 12 we actually became business partners. Also, my brother Prince and my sensei Ric Supreme (RIP) inspired the rap and production aspect.
Q3: Who have been your biggest role models or mentors, and how have they impacted your journey?
A3: My biggest role models are my parents. They were very open and honest with me about their lives as they were growing up too. Being that I am originally from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, my parents taught me a lot about diversity, loving everyone, making sure that you always are able to be self sufficient among other valuable lessons.
Community Impact and Responsibility
Q4: How has your work contributed to the Black community?
A4: I have been told that I inspire a lot of the youth. I helped a lot of young aspiring artists become prominent, and I have done a lot of work behind the scenes on various projects to elevate or evoke change in our community.
Q5: In your opinion, what does Black male leadership look like today, and how can it grow stronger?
A5: There are so many ways I could answer this question. I can say that although we have a lot of strong young black men out here, I feel as if there is no more Malcolms and Martins standing tall for us. I feel like we stopped marching, stopped protesting unless someone is harmed due to racial profiling. We are too focused on superficial things instead of coming together and making a difference. I also believe that we lack presence in the House of Representatives as well. We need to unify as brothers because as a unit we can be stronger and do more.
Q6: How do you empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and leave their own legacy?
A6: I speak to young people outright. I have been working with the youth since I was a child myself and I always show by example. You can say all you want to say, but it's very important to lead by example so they can see that a person from the same place they came from can succeed which means they can do it too.
Black Culture and Heritage
Q7: What does Black culture mean to you?
A7: To me, Black culture is the embodiment of 'For Us, By Us'—a reflection of our creativity, resilience, and shared experiences. It’s in the way we walk, the way we talk, and the traditions that shape our upbringing. Our culture is deeply rooted in a rich history of triumph and innovation, and its influence extends far beyond our community, shaping and inspiring people of all backgrounds worldwide.
Q8: How do you stay connected to your heritage, and why is it important for others to do the same?
A8: I stay connected to my heritage through making sure I am paying attention to current events, supporting black business, and making sure that I am continuing to be an example that makes my people as a whole proud. It is very important for all of us to stay connected because energy is powerful. We all need each other in some shape or form.
Q9: What does the word "legacy" mean to you as a Black man?
A9: Legacy means building something great that will impact generations to come whether it be your own children, or on an even bigger scale. I am fortunate that once I transition my legacy will be stamped in lives forever. It's all about how many people you have impacted in your lifetime.
Vision for the Future
Q10: What are your hopes for the future of the Black community?
A10: I hope to see more growth and less superficial display within our community. Too often, we glorify the wrong things, prioritizing material possessions over true wealth—knowledge, financial literacy, and generational progress. Instead of showcasing jewelry and money, we should be teaching the youth how to navigate and compete in today’s world. With the power of social media, we have a platform and a voice—so it’s crucial that we use it to educate, uplift, and plant seeds of empowerment. If we continue to nurture our community with wisdom and unity, we will become even stronger as a people.
Q11: What advice would you give to young Black men seeking to define their purpose and build a meaningful legacy?
A11: Start off with educating yourself on our ancestors and understand why we are were we are today. Also, do knowledge of self by studying who you are as a person and find out what makes you unique to the world, then present it. Once you continue to work on yourself, clarity will show itself and you will be able to then impact others through your work and perseverance.
Q12: How can we, as a collective, work toward a stronger, united future for Black people?
A12: We just have to stand together and do what's right. We have to be more involved in our own communities before we can help build others. Start with your own backyard, then your own neighborhood, then your own state council etc it all starts with knowledge of self.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Q13: What is your favorite book or movie about Black excellence?
A13: My favorite book on Black excellence is "How To Eat to Live" by Elijah Muhammad
Q14: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A14: The best advice I ever received was "don't ever give up no matter how difficult it gets. Stay the course."
Q15: What’s one word that describes your legacy so far?
A15: One word to describe my legacy so far is, "stamped."
Q16: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A16: My favorite childhood memories involve traveling so many different places with my granddad.
Q17: What was your dream as a child?
A17: I am living it right now. Music!
Thank you all for reading another interview in this "Black Legacy" series. It's so good. I can't say it enough. I'm so so grateful that this brother agreed to do this interview.
Please do remember to leave a comment and share this article with your people.
Peace & Love,
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston
Founder, Lashawn Marston Enterprises
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