Jon StojanSherman Smith aka E$pionazh, a prolific hip-hop artist and entrepreneur with an impressive catalog of 25 music videos, 21 albums, and tours alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, has set his sights on a new mission: empowering artists worldwide. With the launch of The Speakers Controlled Substances Magazine, Sherman brings his vast expertise to a new platform aimed at reshaping the narrative of hip-hop culture and democratizing access to opportunities in the music industry.
The magazine, which debuted its inaugural issue this month, focuses on providing a platform for lesser-known artists to gain visibility and recognition. “I’ve been in the game for almost 30 years, and I know how hard it is to find outlets, especially when you’re just starting out,” Sherman shares. “This magazine is to reach out to artists who don’t have access and ultimately give them the tools to succeed.”
Image credit: The Speakers Controlled Substances
More than just a magazine, The Speakers Controlled Substances magazine aligns with Sherman’s broader mission to make both – the hip-hop culture as well as its music – more accessible. This musician-cum-entrepreneur, who authored the book Studio Blessa, uses the publication to extend the lessons from his book, teaching readers how to navigate studio dynamics effectively and maximize their time and resources.
The first issue of the quarterly magazine spotlights the theme of empowering women in hip-hop, a cause close to Sherman’s heart. “The back cover, to me at least, is much more important. I’ve featured female rappers, singers, and models who deserve the spotlight. They’re doing amazing things, and their voices need to be heard,” he affirms.
Image credit: The Speakers Controlled Substances
Sherman emphasizes that the magazine is global in scope, featuring artists from Africa, Canada, and across the U.S. Volume 2, slated for release in April, promises to feature a mix of underground and platinum artists, offering a unique blend of stories and perspectives.
The magazine is just one piece of Sherman’s larger vision. He also runs a studio manufacturing company that helps aspiring artists bypass costly barriers to entry. Through his own experiences as a young artist scraping together funds for studio time, Sherman now provides affordable studio equipment packages and educates artists on how to produce music at home. He shares, “I wish I had known back then that I could invest in my own setup instead of spending hundreds on a few hours in the studio. Now, I’m giving artists the tools to create without breaking the bank.”
Furthermore, Sherman has incorporated a unique model that blends real estate and music. By purchasing and remodeling buildings to create venues, he aims to circumvent the monopolies that restrict local artists from performing at conventional venues. His long-term goal is to host events that will offer employment opportunities through his company and provide incentives such as free studio time for these employees.
Through his magazine, Sherman hopes to rewrite the stigma behind hip-hop culture. “In my city, there are very few venues that will allow hip-hop shows, and even then, it’s only for household names,” he says. “We’re working to change that. I want to create a safe, accessible space for artists to perform, and for audiences to enjoy the music they love without fear or stigma.” His innovative idea extends beyond nightlife, with plans for daytime events like brunch-and-music showcases that cater to broader audiences—redefining how and where this music genre is experienced.
Image credit: The Speakers Controlled Substances
As he continues to expand his reach, Sherman has plans to introduce podcasts, newspapers, and even a touring version of the magazine. Each version ties back to his core mission, uplifting artists, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of community within the industry. “I’ve been through every roadblock imaginable, and I’ve learned from each one. And now, I want to give back the knowledge,” he concludes. “It’s like playing chess—you only get better when you play with someone better than you. I want to help others elevate their game and make their music something we can all be proud of.”