.jpg)
85 South Media and Production is a multifaceted entertainment and production company that has grown far beyond its comedy roots. Founded by Karlous Miller, John "DC Young Fly" Whitfield, Chico Bean, Lance Crayton, Joe Newman, and Chad Oubre, we manage a range of operations, including film and tv, distribution, touring, talent management, and retail apparel. The company oversees the careers of top comedians and entertainers, helping them expand their brands through strategic partnerships, touring, production, live performances, and digital programming.
In addition to talent management, 85 South Media and Production runs a thriving apparel line, 85 Apparel Co., which reflects the cultural influence of the show’s Southern roots. The brand offers merchandise that resonates with its diverse fan base, from exclusive clothing drops to limited-edition tour gear.
The production arm of the company spans film, live shows, and original programming, with a state-of-the-art production studio that supports a wide variety of projects. From producing the number one Netflix special 85 South Show: Ghetto Legends, to organizing large-scale events like the BET Hip Hop Awards, the company’s production capabilities are designed to scale, serving both in-house projects and collaborations with other brands.
85 South Media and Production also operates a successful touring company, responsible for selling out shows across the nation. Their live shows blend stand-up, improv, and audience interaction, making each performance unique and deeply connected to the culture they represent. With a robust team dedicated to media innovation, 85 South Media and Production continues to expand its influence across entertainment, digital content, and fashion, while remaining true to its mission of authentically representing Southern Black culture.
OUR STORY
50+
employees
15+
produced programs
3M+
tickets sold
100 million
lifetime views
85 South Media is a multifaceted entertainment and production company that has grown far beyond its comedy roots. Founded by DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean, 85 South Media manages a range of operations, including talent management, apparel, production, and touring. The company oversees the careers of top comedians and entertainers, helping them expand their brands through strategic partnerships, live performances, and digital content creation.
In addition to talent management, 85 South Media runs a thriving apparel line, *85 Apparel Co.*, which reflects the cultural influence of the show’s Southern roots. The brand offers merchandise that resonates with its diverse fan base, from exclusive clothing drops to limited-edition tour gear.
The production arm of the company spans podcasts, live shows, and original digital content, with a state-of-the-art production studio that supports a wide variety of projects. From producing the hit *85 South Show* podcast to organizing large-scale events like the BET Hip Hop Awards, the company’s production capabilities are designed to scale, serving both in-house projects and collaborations with other brands.
85 South Media also operates a successful touring company, responsible for selling out shows across the nation. Their live shows blend stand-up, improv, and audience interaction, making each performance unique and deeply connected to the culture they represent. With a robust team dedicated to media innovation, 85 South Media continues to expand its influence across entertainment, digital content, and fashion, while remaining true to its mission of authentically representing Southern Black culture.
TEAM
John "DC Young Fly" Whitfield
Co-Founder
Executive
.webp)
Karlous Miller
Co-Founder
Executive
Anthony "Chico" Bean
Co-Founder
Chad Oubre
Co-Founder
Executive
Lance Crayton
Co-Founder
Executive Director
Joe Newman
Co-Founder
Media Director
Ryan Pham
Partnerships and Touring
Ashley Jones
Controller
SUPPORTING TEAM
Pastche Leaphart
General Manager
Kristina Graham
Merchandise Director
Helen Hailu
Executive Assitant
Gabe Jackson
Booking and Partnership Coordinator
Jeffery Taylor
Creative Director
Greg Blackwell
Production and Operations Coordinator
Sonny Forbes
Producer
Shay Abrams
Digital Media Coordinator
Elliot Lewis
Editor and Publisher
At 85 South Media, we foster a culture of authenticity, creativity, and hustle, driven by the energy of Black Southern culture. We encourage entrepreneurialism and fresh ideas while keeping things raw and real, just like our comedy. Our culture thrives on collaboration, inclusion, and a commitment to storytelling that’s bold, funny, and impactful. Whether on the stage or behind the scenes, we believe in pushing boundaries and inspiring others to do the same—while having a good time.
CULTURE
We believe laughter has the power to shape culture and shift perspectives. At 85 South Media, every project, from our podcasts to our tours, is driven by a mission to entertain, uplift, and inspire. Our work is about more than just comedy—it’s about creating content that reflects and amplifies the stories of our community. We hustle, we grind, and we do it all while keeping it real and staying true to ourselves.
BELIEFS
At 85 South Media, our impact is felt far beyond entertainment. We’re building a platform that celebrates Black voices, drives culture, and connects communities through laughter and storytelling. Every project we take on—whether it’s a live show, podcast, or digital content—aims to inspire, elevate, and shift narratives. We’re not just entertainers; we’re creators shaping the future of media with a strong commitment to making a difference in how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
IMPACT
