Mentor

Andre “Add-2” Daniels

Born on the southside of Chicago, Andre "Add-2" Daniels has used his gift with words as well as his passion for his community to change the reality that surrounds him. As a mentor/community activist, he created a free studio/music mentoring program for teens and young adults called "Haven Studios". This program encourages youth to find their creative voices, connects them with resources to develop educated careers in entertainment and has become a safe space for many youth all over the city of Chicago.

Add-2 has worked with Michelle Obama's Organization When We All Vote, is a member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), has given a TEDx Talk titled "The Power of Music", was the 1st Rap Consultant for the Goodman Theater, was named one AT&T's 28 Black Future Makers of 2021 and has worked with Apple, Vans, Boost Mobile, Redbull, Rollingstone, CBS, NBC, The Steve Harvey Show, Nike, Adidas, LRG, TUMI, Tribeca Film Festival and more .

Mentor

Dennis Thompson

Dennis “MPLI” Thompson is a Chicago based music producer and engineer. Raised on Chicago’s Southside, his musical education began at the age of 4 with the piano, transitioning to the violin then alto sax and finally drums though his later college years. During his undergraduate years at NIU, Dennis began to develop his production skills, working with local arts and finally focusing on producing the group he co-founded, H2O Soul. Upon graduating from NIU, he attended Columbia to pursue his Masters in Music Business.

Dennis worked in music advertising at a Chicago Production House known as Genuine Music, creating original compositions and sound design for major brands from 2006-2011. Now focused on teaching Videography/Photography, Audio production and engineering at Haven Studio, collaborating with other artists and serving the community through his vision of HAVEN CINEMA, Dennis hopes to work through music to make his voice heard and make a positive difference.

Mentors

Clinetta Pinex

Clinetta “Clever” Pinex is a Chicago based writer, emcee, and lead vocalist of the Hip Hop band H2O Soul. Raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Clinetta grew a love for creative writing at an early age and became a published young poet at the age of fifteen in the Young American Poetry Digest. She later went on to study English Literature and Spanish at Northern Illinois University. While at NIU, Clinetta co-founded a Hip Hop organization H2O that later developed into the Hip-Hop band H2O Soul. After completing her studies at NIU, Clinetta toured the country with her band and made impressions in Georgia, Wisconsin, Indiana and the state Colleges of Illinois. H2O Soul is a Chicago- based Hip- Hop/ Rock hybrid trio that has rocked stages with Kanye West, Jaguar Wright, and The Roots along with many other notable artists. The group’s vocal texture and smooth delivery caught the attention of DJ Slim Kid Tre of the legendary Hip Hop group The Pharcyde who mentored H2O Soul on staying focused and keeping their bond. The group went on to release two studio albums titled: “Essentials”, “Reflections”, and one live album “Class Is In”. Clinetta also co-founded a music based non-profit organization Khemistry Chicago with fellow band member Dennis Thompson. Khemistry Chicago’s mission is to stimulate the arts community of Chicago through the creation of music that promotes social good. Currently, Clinetta is working on a solo project which is set to release in late Spring 2022.