Michael J. Payton is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and community change agent whose creative drive situates itself at the vibrant intersection of music and visual expression. 

Raised by a single mother in Oakland, California, Michael began discovering music as a portal into excitingly unfamiliar worlds through his mom’s affinity for Gospel music, R&B, and poetry, which she frequently composed and shared with her son. 

By closely observing the artistic inclinations of his mom, who homeschooled him while working as a cook, Michael soon discovered the instrumental role of art in helping puncture the thick layers of socioeconomic isolation encasing his world – and stifling the progress of underserved communities more broadly.

In his teens, Michael taught himself hip-hop history –  absorbing, on-repeat, the music of greats like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and DMX – sonically, lyrically, and entreprenuerially. This habit inspired Michael to write his own rhymes, and eventually, he set out to enhance these verses with new visual layers. Michael began splicing his recordings with footage and stills in self-directed music videos, using a digital camera and basic editing software to bring his visions to life. 

In 2009, the Shawn Carter Foundation, which was launched by the rapper Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and his mother, Gloria Carter, granted Michael a scholarship to attend San Francisco State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in media communications and African-American studies. Shortly after, Michael’s enduring fascination with media led him to launch CSUITEMUSIC, LLC, a creative services company designed to help unite disparate spheres within business, policy, and community –  through art and culture.