TMC Records: Echoes of Dreams from McLain High’s Creative Hub

GREENWOOD Dist. — When you think about record labels, places like New York City and Los Angeles come to mind. Both metropolises are filled with an influx of dreamers who travel from afar for the chance to sign or work within the record label industry. Luckily, for the students of McLain High School in North Tulsa, a record label is only a few steps down the hallway in room 200. Room 200 at McLain High School houses the newly launched label Tulsa Mclain Records (TMC Records).

TMC is a music program that gives voice to students who were never taught how to use theirs, which resulted in a collaborative album called TMC World. To celebrate the release of their new album, TMC Records threw an album release concert at the place where it all started — 4929, the address of McLain High School. 

TMC Records is the brainchild of music director Stephon Simon, AKA “Steph Simon.” The program was supposed to start in 2019 but was postponed due to the Pandemic. Yet through this break, Steph Simon experienced new highs in his career, such as being named executive producer of the Fire in Little Africa project, being signed to the legendary Motown Records, and creating an artist mentorship community called Ground Waves with legendary rapper Murs. All of which he’s pouring into the TMC Records music program and the students looking to become the next big stars.

“I’m watching these kids grow up like my own children. Creatively, it happens fast. From their first records that didn’t make the album to their first raps to where they’re at now. To how they speak. How they do interviews. How they network. How they talk to different artists. It’s all growth each quarter,” Steph Simon tells The Black Wall Street Times.  

One of the first lessons centered around hip-hop’s earliest records, “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The students were challenged to take this record and make it their own. 

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The result was the song 4929, which features three student artists who go by Tray4x, Royce1k, Berto, and Big Jerm. This was the first song performed, and the trio showed comfort when performing the track. Big Jerm shined as he stood alone on stage left in full bravado, rapping his verse to the song. Royce1k commanded the stage as a star of the show and also of the TMC World album. 

TMC Records breaks the mold as a label that embraces diversity. Artists Wavy, Laryaha, and Rita Pita shattered stereotypes as they graced the stage to perform their single “Crush On You.” Originating as a love song, the track was birthed around Valentine’s Day, exuding nostalgic vibes reminiscent of early 2000s R&B, capturing the essence of puppy love.

Their performance ignited an uproar of praises and cheers from the crowd, particularly highlighting Rita Pita as a standout member. Her presence was felt in multiple songs throughout the concert, solidifying her place in the spotlight. Equally captivating was Laryaha, whose angelic voice resonated with some audience members who recognized her from the moment she stepped onto the stage.

One of the last topics Steph Simon spoke about was the need for an album to have a radio hit. Artist Je$usCa$hMoney embodied this with a triumphant trio of songs — “Cruisin’,” “Downtown,” and “Be Mine.” Their upbeat and radio-friendly nature immediately resonated with the crowd, eliciting a wave of energy that had everyone on their feet, particularly during the infectious performance of “Be Mine.” The profound impact of this program on student artists is palpable, evident in the electrifying atmosphere they create.

“It [TMC] got me to produce, make beats, rap more,” Je$usCa$hMoney told The Black Wall Street Times. 

The students from TMC Records have set an example that can be followed not just in North Tulsa but across the globe. Tonight’s event demonstrated the significant influence programs like TMC Records have on students and their development. They learn essential lessons that extend well beyond the realm of music-making.