MEGAN THEE STALLION
Your journey in entertainment began as a ball boy for the Atlanta Hawks—how did that early grind mold your hustle?
Yo, the Hawks? That was my jump-off. Courtside view to the real. Saw the sweat, the wins, the losses up close. That early exposure? It injected straight-up discipline, teamwork, and that never-quit mentality into my veins. Still the fuel for everything I’m on now.
You’ve worked in radio for over sixteen years—what was that pivotal moment that shifted everything?
Mic check moment in radio? Gotta be snatching that first on-air slot. That’s when the light bulb went off – the realness of connecting live, direct to the people. Set the blueprint for all my moves since. Had the city on lock, for real. Even picked up those collect calls from the inside so folks locked up could shout out their fam and get their anthem played. Got me in some trouble, though, you know how it goes.
Smiling at supporters
Zaytoven Radio on SiriusXM was major. What was it like linking with a heavyweight like Zay?
Man, that was a whole different level. Got the boot from a radio gig, then two days later, my old school hits me – Zaytoven wants the hottest voice to launch ‘Zaytoven Radio.’ Humble G made the connect with Roland, Zay’s general, then Z himself. If you know Zay, you know the basement. That legendary spot where he cooked up classics with Atlanta legends way back when. That whole chapter? Legendary status in my book.
We started on Roland’s station, Digital Dope Radio, then leveled up to Hip Hop Nation on Sirius, salute to Humble G and Reggie Hawkins. Unreal times. Zaytoven, Roland – y’all ever thinking of running that back? For real though!
What sparked the move from the airwaves to behind the lens, and when did you know it was the right call?
Two thousand seventeen was a turning point. Stepped into rehab to shake off the heavy stuff. Counselor told me I needed a focus to stay clean. Roland was offloading a camera, so I copped it. Started snapping everything – bugs, whips, animals. Then Jeremy B. pushed me towards capturing people. That’s when it hit different – photography wasn’t just a way to kill time; it was a new fire, a real purpose ignited.
You’ve shot celebs and linked with giants like The New York Times and People. What shoot resonates the most?
Every single shot carries weight, fam. Someone chose me. That trust? That never fades. Honored to lock in with the big leagues like The New York Times and People, and those celeb moments? They teach you levels. But shooting concerts? That’s pure electricity. Capturing that raw energy, live and direct? That’s the fuel that keeps this fire burning.
How does your history in radio and entertainment shape your vision with the camera?
Radio schooled me in telling stories, connecting with people. That bleeds straight into how I frame a shot. It’s about capturing those moments that hit you in the chest, like a dope track on the airwaves. The entertainment hustle taught me the details, the timing – crucial for live events and portraits. Used to the fast pace, so I can adapt quickly and still nail that iconic shot. Radio also gave me a feel for the rhythm, which helps in crafting visuals that just feel right. My whole journey in entertainment? It sharpened how I see and capture the world through my lens.
New question- What are your three favorite photos that you took?
Three joints I gotta put on blast? My shots of President Joe Biden, Kodak Black, and Megan Thee Stallion. Each one’s a different vibe, a different challenge conquered. Biden felt like capturing a moment in history. Kodak and Megan? Pure raw energy, the kind of portraits I live for. Those images? They’re a reminder of the journey and the power this photography game holds.
As a creative entrepreneur, what gems of wisdom would you drop on others looking to switch lanes in the industry?
Stay fluid. Don’t fear hitting reset – your past hustle ain’t wasted. Surround yourself with those who elevate you, who got your back. Be patient with the process; this reinvention? It demands time, consistency, and believing in your own damn self. Most crucial? Stay locked onto your passion. That’s the compass guiding you through every transition.
What’s the next level for Justin Kase? What’s on deck?
Stay tuned in to witness the next moves. If you’re looking to invest or sponsor my documentary or my non-profit, ‘Addicts With Voice,’ slide into my DMs on IG.
https://www.instagram.com/justinphoto
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