Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Smalls.
Hi Steven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From Dreamer to Builder: My Journey in Entertainment
In 2015, I took a leap of faith and founded my own record label, Dubbshakaz Entertainment, in Jacksonville, Florida. I didn’t come from money or connections — just a dream and a belief that independent artists deserved a real shot. I built a studio from the ground up, recording and signing multiple artists who shared the same fire in their hearts.
But recording music wasn’t enough. I wanted to give my artists the full experience. So, I taught myself how to shoot and edit music videos, launching Small Tyme Productions. Over the years, I personally shot and edited more than 200 music videos, documenting the grind and dreams of artists trying to make it out.
Still, I wanted more for them. So I hit the road — packing vans, booking shows, and taking artists on tours across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and beyond. We built it show by show, city by city, mile by mile.
But after six years of chasing the industry, I realized: Why chase it when I could build my own lane?
That’s when I met the trademark owner of the Orange Crush Festival. He was facing legal battles and financial hardship, trying to host an event in Jacksonville. What started as a simple opportunity to get my artists on stage turned into something bigger: through a contractual agreement, I became the Owner and CEO of Orange Crush Florida.
The brand was wounded — but I saw its potential. I believed I could rebuild it into something powerful again.
So I took a risk — booking major names like Major Nine, Fredo Bang, Trick Daddy, Yung Joc, Rich Homie Quan, Lil Ru, Cristol, and many more.
It was a bold move.
And it cost me.
The first year, I experienced my first major loss — financially, emotionally, and relationally.
I lost money. I lost partnerships. I lost people I trusted.
But where others saw failure, I saw the future.
The vision was bigger than a single year or a single event.
Over the next four years, I dedicated myself to rebuilding not just a festival, but a movement. Along the way, I learned the true history of Orange Crush — a tradition that was about more than parties; it was a gathering of young Black excellence, creativity, culture, and ambition.
It aligned perfectly with my purpose: giving a platform to the youth — dancers, artists, creators, entrepreneurs — and merging it with education, trade skills, and business opportunities.
I realized Orange Crush could be bigger than it had ever been — a celebration of culture and a launchpad for futures.
But first, I had to prove myself. I had to earn the trust of cities where Orange Crush was once seen as chaos. I had to show them that under my leadership, it could be something positive.
In 2025, after owning multiple clubs and a restaurant in Jacksonville, I achieved what many thought was impossible: I secured a permitted event on Tybee Island — the birthplace of Orange Crush’s history.
But success brings challenges.
Now, the same person who once distanced himself because of legal trouble — who watched from the sidelines while I invested my time, money, and soul — has resurfaced.
He’s demanded $50,000 for the use of a brand I worked relentlessly to rebuild.
He inserted himself into the media narrative like he had a hand in the work — when he had none.
But while he tells stories, I have the receipts:
Business licenses. Contracts. Plans. Communications.
All in my name. All from my hands.
He has no documents. No plans. No work to show.
But I can prove everything.
This isn’t just a festival for me.
It’s my legacy.
It’s my sacrifices.
It’s the pain, the love, the vision, and the faith that refused to die.
And the best part is: this is only the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — it’s been everything but smooth.
When I started, I had no blueprint, no big investors, and no safety net. Everything I built — from my record label to my production company to the Orange Crush Festival — came from my own blood, sweat, and tears. I learned the hard way that in this industry, trust is rare and betrayal can come from the people you believed in the most.
I’ve taken major financial losses. I’ve been stabbed in the back by business partners I once called family. I’ve been underestimated, overlooked, and counted out more times than I can remember. There were moments where I was down to my last dollar, still betting it all on the dream because I believed in the bigger picture. I had to learn how to survive disappointment and keep moving with no guarantees.
But every struggle taught me something. Every setback sharpened my vision.
Today, I’m stronger, smarter, and more determined because of the storms I had to walk through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At my core, I’m a builder of platforms — not just for myself, but for others chasing their dreams too.
Through Dubbshakaz Entertainment, I built a space where independent artists could record, develop, and grow without having to sacrifice who they are. With Small Tyme Productions, I gave artists high-quality visuals without the major label price tag, shooting and editing over 200 music videos that captured real stories, real struggle, and real wins.
Today, my biggest focus is the Orange Crush Festival — an iconic event that I’ve worked hard to rebuild and expand. Under my leadership, it’s evolved from just a beach party into a full-scale cultural event: a celebration of music, dance, education, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.
I specialize in creating real experiences that give young talent a platform to shine. I connect artists, dancers, creators, and future business leaders with opportunities they normally wouldn’t have access to. I’m known for combining entertainment with empowerment — something a lot of events talk about, but few actually deliver.
What sets me apart is that I didn’t inherit this platform — I built it, brick by brick, taking losses, learning lessons, and doing the work that no one sees behind the scenes. I understand the culture because I come from it. I’m not here for a quick check; I’m here to change lives and leave a legacy.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that I stayed true to my vision even when it was hard — rebuilding a brand that people had given up on, and turning it into a beacon for young creatives, businesses, and educators to come together.
What I want readers to know is simple:
If you’re looking for real opportunities, real culture, and real community, you’ll find it with us.
Orange Crush is more than a party — it’s a movement.
And we’re just getting started.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was what you might call a momma’s boy — but really, it was my grandmother who had my heart. She poured so much love, discipline, and wisdom into me, and it shaped the man I am today.
I was always told I was smarter than most, even at a young age. I was working on computers back when floppy disks were still a thing — way before technology became what it is now. I had a natural curiosity for how things worked, and once I locked into something, I gave it my full attention.
I’ll admit it — I was a little spoiled too. But that just meant I had the freedom to chase my passions without limits. I was always involved in something: sports, ROTC, the school band, the step team — if there was an after-school program, I was in it. I loved being part of something bigger than myself. I loved the competition, the creativity, and the energy that came with it.
One of my favorite memories is marching through the neighborhood with my snare drum, either waking everybody up or letting them know school was out. That drum was my voice before I found my voice. Music, rhythm, and leadership were a part of me from early on — I just didn’t know yet where they would take me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.orangecrushtybee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pako_ceo?igsh=MTg5N2ZkcXh1ZDg3eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
