Keepers of the Art is an urban arts and entertainment company designed to preserve the integrity of urban artistic expressions through progressive artistic and live entertainment outlets. We are deeply committed to spreading diversity and enhancing pride through the arts and entertainment while working to bring down barriers by bringing different groups of people together through the passion for music and art. We believe that we can fight the battle against negative influences in the world through the creation of more socially responsible artistic and entertainment outlets for all human beings.

Ish Al-Amin President/Keepers of the Art and Executive Director/KOTA EDU

Ish has over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and innovator in the music business and education field. His career began with a simple idea spread among like-minded friends, to teach and entertain through hip hop. Under Ish’ leadership KOTA has expanded into brands "Keepers Lounge", "Hip Hop Flavas" and "The Annual Akron Hip Hop Showcase and Festival" within 5 years. KOTA also has plans on the horizon for a record label, management company as well as a promotions/marketing group. KOTA  has worked with SONY, Nike, Coalmine Mgmt, Def Jam, Capitol, Warner Bros., Converse and more. In addition to his successful business ventures, Ish also serves as a lecturer at the UNiversity of Akron and has consulted for many local and regional advocacy groups in the area. Ish’ entrepreneurial spirit endures as he continues to grow KOTA into a world class group and event. Also as the KOTA brand expands, get ready to see more venues and events in your area soon

Donovan Rogers Vice President/KOTA ENT and Director of Production/KOTA EDU

Donovan handles the nuts and bolts of the Keepers Loung Brand and the Annual KOTA Festival. He is an Akron University grad with over 10 years of experience in corporate America. Donovan spent his early career working with youth in Akron. After several years, he left corporate America to start and build the family business of Keepers of the Art. Donovan teaches several courses and helps run the H.E.L.P. program (developed by Gabriel "Asheru" Benn). He volunteers with several community organizations including The Boy Scouts of America and 100 Black Men of Greater Akron.

Brandon Laster Business Development Manager/KOTA ENT and KOTA EDU            

"B-Las" has quickly become one of the most influential Business Managers in the industry. Originally from Akron, Brandon attained a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems at Akron University. While attending various concerts and red carpet events, Brandon decided to start/join KOTA to showcase his blogging/site skills and photos. With no industry connections or guidance, Brandon was able to hustle his way into the competitive entertainment industry through diligence, and consistency. B used his marketing expertise, and creativity to rise above the plethora of Managers, by producing high quality, original, branded content for keepersoftheart.com and garnering respect from the entire online entertainment community.

Paul Ware General Manager/KOTA ENT and Senior Project Manager/KOTA EDU

Born by the river in a little tent, "Doon" is a mob leader and brilliant thinker who resides in the western part of Akron, OH and spends the majority of his time biking and ironing his pants. While he has an affinity for fashion, culture, sports and all things relevant, it was his love for Hip-Hop and music in general that led him to KOTA. He holds a bachelor's degree in English and often manages to create a witty sentence occasionally, when he isnt brushing his beard. In his spare time, he's usually found shopping for bargains, studying the art of kickboxing and mastering the coolness of Stringer Bell.

Monty Buckner Art Director/Lead Graphic Designer- KOTA ENT/KOTA EDU

Born in Canton and brought up in Akron, Mont spent the 70's and late 80's sitting courtside to a hip hop revolution led by Kurtis Blow, The Sugarhill Gang, UTFO and others. Figuring how different could artists and rappers be, Mont founded "Montague Designs" after graduating from Miami of Ohio in the early 90's. In his spare time, Mont listens to new soul music, cheers for the Vikings and runs after his 2 daughters.

Tobin Buckner Lead A&R Talent/President KOTA Agency

Your average ex-football player turned entrepreneur, Tobin was born in Toledo and grew up in Akron , graduated college from Northwestern in '92 (major in business management) and then spent four-plus years living in Cleveland. Cited as one of the most influential minds in business, Tobin continues to wow his peers with his innovative ideas and concepts. Tobin has mad connections through many friendships and excellent people skills that led him into the world of blogging (www.redshirtfreshman.com) and business, co-founding The Jacksonville-Justice League and Ubnoxus, Inc. There you go.

Brandon Buckner Senior Brand Manager and Web Developer/KOTA ENT and Director of Marketing/KOTA EDU

"Zoo" is a western Akronite living in Copley and the full-time writer/editor of the critically acclaimed smash hit website keepersoftheart.com. A full-time OC, Brandon also works as a some-time amateur stand-up comedian, known to recite numerous lines from his favorite movies along with HBO's The Wire and random Thomas and Friends sing-a-longs. He has also worked as a Mailman, roadkill excavator, and a prison guide. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ashland University. " DJ Zoo Bear" has won many awards for his work, including third place at the 1981 Chapel Hill 5th grade spelling bee, and has been known to break his glasses on a regular basis. In conclusion, he will fight you, if provoked.

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Speaking Engagements

The KOTA TEAM are educators with experience speaking to youth, young adults and professionals about entrepreneurship, media theory, music business, social responsibility, Hip-Hop history, event production and career development.

They are available for speaking engagements. If you are interested in booking , contact KOTA @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or @kotaent

Senior Management:

Ish Alamin ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )–President/KOTA ENT and Executive Director/KOTA EDU

Donovan Rogers ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )–Vice President/KOTA ENT & Director of Production/KOTA EDU

Paul Ware ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )–General Manager/KOTA ENT and Senior Project Manager/KOTA EDU

Brandon Buckner (@kotaent/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )–Senior Brand Manager-Web Developer/KOTA ENT and Director of Marketing/KOTA EDU

Brandon Laster ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )–Business Development Manager/KOTA ENT and KOTA EDU

Monty Buckner ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )-Art Director/Lead Graphic Designer/KOTA ENT-KOTA EDU

Tobin Buckner (@octobin)-Lead A&R Talent/President KOTA Agency

Bay Shaun Seay ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )-Advertising Manager & Head Event Manager

For year-round updates, visit www.keepersoftheart.com and @kotaent

Brands

Akron Hip-Hop Showcase is an annual Labor Day “edutainment” extravaganza at Lock 3 Park in the heart of downtown Akron. The Showcase was created to act as a springboard for a more appealing social environment for the City of Akron’s young professional demographic who grew-up inspired by Hip-Hop culture and its music. The following are artists who have performed at the Showcase: 

2008 – Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, MC Asheru and Els, Low Budget All-Stars (Oddisee, Kev Brown and Kenn Starr), DJ Mick Boogie and the Poetic Republic.

2009 – 20^th Anniversary Celebration of the “Stop the Violence” movement featuring KRS One, Big Daddy Kane, Buckshot, DJ Mick Boogie, and the Fly Union.

2010 – Rakim, Whodini, Slum Village, Butta Verses and DJ Mick Boogie.

2011 - Tanya Morgan, Stalley, Brand Nubian and MC Lyte

The Keepers Lounge is an inspirational and thought provoking meeting of progressive mindsdesigned to provide heightened stimulation through underexposed artists and their music. The focus of this venue is to socialize and entertain the masses through soulful meetings that showcase soul music and next level hip hop music. The Keepers Lounge has the ability to embrace any specific population/demographic, all while concentrating in a certain region/market/city. Hip-Hop Flavas is an independently sponsored and produced “edutainment” radio program on 91.3FM – the Summit in Akron, Ohio. Hip-Hop Flavas was designed to fuse “true-school” rap music past and present with relevant social commentary.

Donations are needed to keep Keepers of the Art and HIP HOP FLAVAS in the community and on the air. Please make all donations to KEEPERS OF THE ART, INC., 65 Steiner Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44301 - call 330.990.1178 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it