Rising Stars: Meet Vaughndell Brooks of Columbus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaughndell Brooks.

Hi Vaughndell, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
You know, I came from a place where life was rough around the edges. It was me, my sister, and my mom, and we didn’t have much. My mom had her own battles with mental health, and before I knew it, I was basically stepping into a caregiver role. We had to figure things out with hardly any help, and sometimes people took advantage of us just because they could.

When I got older, I found myself tangled up in a tough child support situation. I was dealing with someone struggling with addiction, and the legal system felt like it was just one big unfair maze. But instead of letting it break me, I dove into learning case laws and became my own advocate. I realized how much we’re all a bit misinformed until we start digging for the truth ourselves.

On the professional side, I learned to swim with the corporate sharks early. I got good at customer service and figured out the lingo of the business world. That’s how Currency Development came to be—it’s my way of taking control and building something that’s truly mine.

And music? That’s been my soulful escape. I started writing lyrics at 16. When I couldn’t afford studio time, I scraped together what I had to buy my own gear and started producing. Now I release my music through the same company I built from scratch.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been smooth sailing? Far from it. I’d say it’s been more like a lifelong climb up a mountain range, one peak after another. And each peak has had its own challenges. The biggest one, hands down, has been finding financial stability. For a long time, it felt like I was just scrambling up that rocky slope, always a step away from slipping. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I’m built to survive. I was raised to be strong, to keep going even when the road got rough. I’ve got a heart that just doesn’t know how to quit and a head that’s stubborn enough to break through any wall in front of me.

So, no, it hasn’t been smooth. But every obstacle has just been another chapter in the story. And every time I’ve faced one, I’ve come out stronger on the other side.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When it comes to my professional life, you could say I’m a bit of a creative powerhouse who’s worn a lot of hats. I’m a songwriter and producer at heart, and those roles have always been my core. But I’m also a graphic designer, which means I get to shape the visual identity of everything I create. And as the CEO of my own brand, I’m the one steering the ship in terms of business decisions, strategy, and day-to-day operations. Everything you see from my brand has my personal touch on it.

I’ve even expanded into a clothing line, which is another way I let people wear a piece of the story I’m telling. And now that I’m older, I’ve found myself creating more music that’s focused on empowerment and knowledge. I want my work to not only entertain but also to uplift and educate, helping others find strength and insight through the art I put out into the world.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built this entire journey from the ground up. I didn’t wait around for anyone else to give me a platform — I created my own. And that’s what sets me apart: the ability to bring together music, visuals, and fashion into one cohesive, empowering vision. It’s all about creating something lasting and authentic that reflects who I am and what I stand for.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love best about my city is its musical diversity. It’s like every corner has its own soundtrack. You can walk down a street and hear jazz pouring out of one venue, hip-hop beats from another, and a rock band tuning up down the block. The arts scene here is vibrant, and the nightlife? Well, it brings people together in the best possible way. There’s a kind of magic in knowing that on any given night, you can find your groove, meet people from all walks of life, and feel the pulse of the city through its music and art.

On the flip side, what I like least is the disconnect in the sense of brotherly love. We talk about community, but sometimes people get caught up in choosing who they show that love to. In my eyes, we’re all brothers and sisters, and love should be unconditional. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a city issue; it’s a reflection of the world we live in. We’ve got to keep pushing for that genuine connection and remind ourselves that community means everybody.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://currencymedia365.com
• Instagram: @dz_thegreat & @currencymedia365
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DangerousZygos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@currencymedia365