L.O.U.D. 's Founder & CEO, Derrick D. Thomas-McKinney,  began his career in the music industry at the young age of twenty when he got the opportunity to work with FUBU as their Regional Marketing Rep. From there, McKinney’s talent for strategic marketing led him to consult with labels such as J Records and Interscope Records, as well as fashion lines like Akademiks Clothing and Makavelli Branded. In 2005, he became the National Marketing Director for Headgear Sportswear. During his tenure at Headgear the company had a growth from 8 million dollars a year to 22 million in three years. McKinney also served as the A&R/Marketing Director for RND Distribution, overseeing new releases and securing relationships with national retail outlets & music buyers across the country.

Under the leadership of Mr. McKinney, recording artist and producer T!M NED has seen successful song placements with CSI NY, Love & Hiphop ATL, Nipsey Hussle and a host of thriving indy artist. T!M has successfully released multiple singles, an EP, and is set for an international tour heading to Japan, & the UK. L.O.U.D. Muzik is also developing the singer/rapper/songwriter Khody Blake who is rapidly gaining popularity online and in the Houston music scene. We’ve also added R&B/Hip-hop/Pop artist Skyrah Bliss. The Label is also managing the careers of platinum selling “free-style king” Lil Flip & iconic Southern Rap Legend Z-Ro who's 20 year successful sales history and proven track record for making hits has the southern rap industry in a choke hold and doesn’t plan on letting up anytime soon. Most recently, Mr.McKinney was chosen by Black Enterprise as one of the top 100 Men of Color in the country for their Modern Men of Color campaign.

The most recent L.O.U.D. acquisition has been the signing of Grammy Nominated, award winning R&B recording artist Bobby V. This signing has opened the label up to an even larger global audience, and will be another successful release under the guidance of Derrick McKinney.