In an industry often driven by moments, virality, and short lived attention, Press Play Entertainment is betting on something different. Foundation. Development. Longevity.
At the center of it all are Imir “MiR Gunna” Felton, Anthony “Reddz” Felton, and Leon Clark, three partners representing the heart of North Philadelphia and quietly positioning themselves as one of the most promising forces shaping the next wave of music executives. Their influence isn’t just rooted in artists, but in the records themselves and the systems behind how those records are built.
Their story begins not just with business, but with family. Imir Felton and Anthony Felton operate as both partners and father and son, while Leon Clark entered the fold through a shared connection while co-managing rising Philadelphia artist Lil Bape. What started as alignment quickly became something deeper, a partnership built on trust, work ethic, and a shared vision for what they believed the music industry was missing.
That vision was clear from the beginning. While many companies were chasing fast momentum, Press Play set out to build something rooted in the traditional foundation of artist development, stage performance, and record creation with lasting impact. Not outdated, but what they describe as “frozen,” a system that still works when executed with intention.
Before the accolades, their early days looked like many independent companies. Long hours, uncertainty, and belief without validation. But a pivotal move shifted their trajectory. Anthony and Imir relocated to Atlanta, where Anthony stepped into a role as Head of Design for Generation Now, working alongside Don Cannon and DJ Drama. That proximity placed them inside rooms where strategies were being built for artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow.
It wasn’t just access. It was observation. It was understanding how decisions were made at the highest level, and more importantly, identifying what wasn’t being done. What they saw missing was consistent, intentional artist development. They took that insight and built around it.
Their breakthrough came with Proud of Me, a record that would go on to earn Billboard recognition, Grammy nomination status, and acknowledgment from Rolling Stone as one of the best hip-hop songs of the year. But for Press Play, the impact went far beyond charts or accolades.
They describe it as a life changing moment, one that felt bigger than the industry itself. A record they believe was meant for them, and one that ultimately stamped their arrival. Not just as participants, but as contributors to something lasting.
Behind that moment is a deeper system. Press Play doesn’t just build artists, they build the infrastructure around music. Producers, writers, and musicians are just as central to their model as the talent in front of the mic.
Their network includes creators like Musik Spirit, TDubbCreatedIt, Saint Da Don, and writer Kristofer Murray, known as Dopamine Dreamz, a two time Grammy nominated writer. Musik Spirit, a musician who has spent nearly a decade building his own studio ecosystem, also played a foundational role in developing the sound of Fridayy, even introducing him to music production early on.
This type of upstream involvement is intentional. For Press Play, the goal is not just to make songs, but to create records that carry cultural weight and longevity. To expand that vision, they’ve developed a traveling network called “In The Mix,” hosting production and writing camps across cities and connecting creators across different levels of experience.
Their philosophy on artist development is equally deliberate. In a time where many careers are built off moments, they emphasize education, performance, and understanding the craft at a deeper level. Teaching artists not just how to make music, but how to exist within it. They are not interested in rushing the process. They are not competing in a race. If it takes years to fully develop an artist, they are willing to invest that time.
That patience is paired with conviction. One of their defining traits is the ability to trust their instincts, especially when those instincts go against the room. They recall moments where they recognized shifts in sound before others could see it, forcing them to question whether to follow their gut or outside opinions. They chose to trust themselves.
That decision became a turning point, reinforcing a core belief that has shaped how they operate. Being early often means being misunderstood, but being right validates everything.
When evaluating new talent, their focus goes beyond skill. They look for passion, belief, and a deep sense of conviction. Without that, they don’t see a foundation to build on.
Their identity remains rooted in North Philadelphia, a place that informs their energy, their perspective, and their approach to business. It’s a foundation built on passion, intensity, and authenticity, qualities that translate directly into how they move within the industry.
They describe themselves as playmakers, not just managers or executives. For them, that means creating opportunities, building genuine relationships, and connecting the right people at the right time. It’s about trust as much as it is about strategy.
Artists who work with Press Play aren’t just signing to a company, they’re entering a family environment where support extends beyond music into life and long term growth.
Looking ahead, the team is already building its next chapter. Their recent signing, William Aston, reflects their continued commitment to development and long term vision. Blending rap and melody with a strong work ethic, he represents the type of artist they believe can sustain a lasting career.
His upcoming release, “How You Want It,” draws inspiration from Best of Me, balancing respect for legacy with a fresh perspective. For Press Play, that balance is essential. Understanding the past while building something new.
As they look toward the future, their ambition is clear. They are not just aiming to be recognized, but to become a true powerhouse built on sound, production, and development. A company known for consistently creating records that define moments and outlast them. At its core, their message is simple.
You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to compromise for instant gratification. If you stay committed to your craft, remain true to who you are, and continue building with intention, everything will align when the time is right.
In an industry obsessed with speed, Press Play Entertainment is choosing timing. And that decision may be what sets them apart the most.