User:Vebra123/Merk Murphy

Merk Murphy (born Marques LaMont Elliston in Chicago, Illinois)Marques “Merk” Elliston (born April 16, 1980) is the co-founder of Complex 2010 (Chicago), the co-founder of Payola Inc and manager of various hip-hop artists including Z Money. In recent years he has been heralded as the Ambassador of Hip-Hop in Chicago and the go-to for journalist, politicians and corporations alike.

Early life
His first home was the infamous Cabrini-Green Housing tenement. Two years later, his family then consisting of his older sister and brother and parents moved on Sedgwick affectionately referred to as Sed in 1983. This will become the breeding ground to his first crew Tray Ball. A graduate of Lincoln Park High School, his love for coordinating events and outstanding interpersonal skills led to the creation of his first entertainment company, Krem.

Career
After acclimating himself on the party scene with Krem, Merk Murphy joined forces with Swagger Entertainment in 2005 to manage their events and promotions. It is with Swagger that he created the hit comedy series Laughing out Loud with historical comedians like D.L Hugley, DeRay Davis, Jagged Edge, Donell Jones, Don D.C Curry along with other successful parties staking claim to Chicago’s nightlife. It was also during this time that he began to cultivate his graphic design skills. Also in 2005, he launched Gotta E.A.T. records, with standout artist Dat Bizness and Laydie Rich. Gotta E.A.T. frequented venues throughout Chicago and southern Illinois and created the unprecedented variety show the Chicago Review. In 2006, with co-owner Peeda Pan, he launched Payola Inc, Marketing and Entertainment Company, placing all of his many skills under one umbrella. With Payola he manage artist, create events and promote them with his graphic design abilities. Payola is on the forefront of marketing and promotions with a clear understanding of multimedia outreach and social networking. Payola served as the managers of The Rocketeers when they were the finalist for MTVu's Best Music on Campus. The Rocketeers also had music appear on MTV's Online video game Debt Ski and an interview in the Czech Republic Hip Hop magazine BBarack. while under Payola's management. In 2008, he joined forces with Action Magazine, the only young adult Inspirational Magazine, as Creative Director. Later in 2008, he kicked off the Gotta E.A.T. Project, a non-profit dedicated to fostering creativity and its expression in urban youth on the north and west sides of Chicago. Throughout this time he had been hosted all of the events. Yet it was in 2008 when he officially stepped beside the DJ booth at events and began to serve as party host. As Merk Murphy, the party host, he has frequented parties throughout the country and rocked besides Core DJ's DJ Dime Piece, Sean Mac and many more. In 2010, he co-founded Complex 2010 with Grammy nominated engineer, Cayex Illah. More than a studio, Complex 2010 is the third space for urban artist in Chicago. He has also spoke on a number of panels and for classrooms throughout Chicago,sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for the violence-plagued youth.

Discography
ALBUMS: Food for Thought, A compilation (2006) MIXTAPES: Dat Bizness & DJ Trilogy presents: The Burley Block B-Boy (2007) DJ O-Zone & Merk Murphy present: Dedication 2 Notorious (2009) SINGLES: Keep it Hott by Peeda Pan (Produced by C-Sick) (2008)

Personal life
Merk Murphy is single with no children. He has one older sister, an older brother, a younger brother, one nephew, three nieces and one niece no longer with us. He has a penchant for driving without a license. He has been arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm. He does not eat pork or beef. He is spiritual without subscribing to any one religion. His hobby is playing basketball.

Websites