{"id":763002,"date":"2025-09-15T13:54:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T13:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abnewswire.com\/pressreleases\/?p=763002"},"modified":"2025-09-15T13:54:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T13:54:01","slug":"the-next-big-hip-hop-artist-is-black-labels-eco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abnewswire.com\/pressreleases\/the-next-big-hip-hop-artist-is-black-labels-eco_763002.html","title":{"rendered":"The Next Big Hip Hop Artist Is Black Labels ECO"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Trendsetter Music and Black Label Films have done it again!<\/p>\n

This time, they’ve uncovered a diamond in the rough<\/strong> from a small town in Siler City, North Carolina<\/strong>, nestled between Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte. That diamond is none other than JT Leak<\/strong>, professionally known as “The Real ECO.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

A STAR IS BORN — UNEXPECTEDLY<\/strong><\/p>\n

The story of how this rising star came to light is as unlikely as it is inspiring. ECO was originally cast by 930 Entertainment<\/strong> to be an extra<\/strong> in a Memphis-based film titled “Screaming Momma.”<\/strong> 930 CEO Kevin Fox<\/strong> reached out to Trendsetter Music’s CEO, Jamie “Trendsetter” Drummond<\/strong>, who had just taken on the role of President at Black Label Films<\/strong>, asking about open roles in one of their upcoming five productions.<\/p>\n

Here’s where things take a twist: At the time, JT Leak<\/strong> had never released a song, never been in a movie<\/strong>, and didn’t even have a music video out. In fact, there was nothing to reference<\/strong>. Yet somehow, something about him stood out — though Drummond didn’t know it yet.<\/p>\n

And by the way, Fox and Drummond are brothers<\/strong>, so saying “no” wasn’t really on the table.<\/p>\n

Enter Theo Hall a.k.a. “Mr. Network,”<\/strong> founder of OFMG<\/strong>, who was supposed to be the fall guy and deliver the “no” on ECO’s behalf. But things didn’t go as planned. Mr. Network saw potential, and agreed to give JT Leak a shot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Still, no one really knew what they were signing up for…<\/p>\n

THE 48-HOUR CHALLENGE<\/strong><\/p>\n

ECO was handed a script<\/strong> with only 48 hours to prepare<\/strong>. At the same time, he had to travel from North Carolina to Memphis to begin filming. Keep in mind — ECO was (and still is) a renowned chef<\/strong> in Chatham County, balancing a professional kitchen and now, a potential acting career.<\/p>\n

Imagine this: finishing a catering gig at midnight<\/strong>, then hitting the road for 13 hours<\/strong> to make it to a 10:00 AM<\/strong> shoot the next morning. He arrived four hours late<\/strong>, but he didn’t come with excuses. He came ready.<\/p>\n

Being a pro, Drummond had already pushed his filming schedule back six hours<\/strong>, knowing this could happen — and gave ECO his first lesson in film:<\/p>\n

“Never commit to something you know you can’t make if you have any doubt.”<\/p>\n

But from that day forward, everyone knew: a star was being born.<\/strong><\/p>\n

POLISHING THE DIAMOND<\/strong><\/p>\n

That same day, ECO was introduced to legendary Memphis music and film producer Track Lesure<\/strong>, known for his work with No Limit Records, Cassidy, Three 6 Mafia, La Chat, Nasty Nardo, Murphy Lee<\/strong>, and many others. Under Track’s guidance, ECO began to shine.<\/p>\n

After 14-hour filming days<\/strong>, ECO proved he had what it takes — and the transformation began.<\/p>\n

To date, JT Leak aka The Real ECO<\/strong> has already filmed two movies<\/strong> under Black Label Films:<\/p>\n