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Jason “J Hatch” Hadshian

Jason ‘J Hatch’ Hadshian was a powerhouse in the music industry, proudly hailing from the Bronx, New York, the Birthplace of Hip-hop —a place as known for its creativity as its passion for sports. A lifelong Yankees fan, Jason carried the resilience and determination of his hometown into every facet of his career, impacting the lives of countless artists and industry professionals over more than 30 years. He co-founded Creative Space with Courtney Carroll, a community-driven platform dedicated to empowering and connecting music creators, reflecting Jason’s lifelong dedication to uplifting others.

One of Jason’s most enduring achievements was the Co-founding of iStandard , a platform that operated for 15 years and became a crucial launchpad for the careers of many acclaimed music producers and songwriters. Through iStandard’s live showcases, educational events, and the iWrite platform, Jason built an invaluable bridge between aspiring creators and top industry professionals. His work with iStandard provided emerging talents with opportunities to break into the industry and grow their careers, earning the platform a lasting reputation as a beacon for music discovery.

In addition to iStandard, Jason’s influence extended through his work with high-profile artists, placing records with names like 50 Cent, Trey Songz, Soulja Boy, G-Unit, and Jadakiss. His role as a manager and advisor also saw him guiding Grammy-winning and multi-platinum producers and songwriters who created hits for Dr. Dre, Ariana Grande, Eminem, Beyoncé, Usher, Brandy, and Busta Rhymes. His expertise and mentorship elevated these creatives, solidifying Jason’s role as a force behind some of music’s most celebrated successes.

Jason’s entrepreneurial legacy includes the founding of several essential brands, such as Direct 2 Exec , Faces in the Crowd , Inasirkl Music Group , and Get Your Buzz Up . Each of these ventures provided platforms for artists to showcase their talents and connect with the music industry, advancing Jason’s mission to support and uplift music creators. His project management skills also enhanced major music festivals, including SXSW, C2C Convention, and A3C, where he played an integral role in bringing artists and audiences together on a large scale.

In the digital sphere, Jason lent his insight to music platforms like Jammber and Tracklib, shaping innovative tools that serve today’s music creators. His dedication to sharing knowledge culminated in his book, “How I Left My Job and Made It in the Music Industry”, a guide that offers valuable insights for musicians navigating their careers.

Courtney “Cizzurp” Carroll

Courtney Carroll—professionally known as 2ew Gunn Ciz, Cizzurp, or Cizzurp215 —is a Philadelphia-born, Atlanta-based artist, executive, and creative visionary whose journey embodies resilience, leadership, and innovation in the modern music industry. A former U.S. Navy nuclear electrician, Carroll redirected his life after personal challenges, breaking into the music world first as an artist in 2005. His early work was featured on HipHopDX, Okayplayer, 2DopeBoyz , and CBS Sports , earning him a reputation for lyrical skill and raw authenticity.

His industry ascent began with iStandard , where he progressed from Philadelphia Representative to Regional Director , General Manager , Vice President , and ultimately Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2006 to 2020. Under his leadership, iStandard became a globally recognized platform for music producers and songwriters, hosting events in 35+ cities and helping launch the careers of now Grammy-winning talents like Cardiak, Black Metaphor, Symbolyc One (S1), ISM Beats, P’ierre Bourne , and more.

Carroll also hosted and curated the iStandard Producer & Rapper Showcase at the ASCAP Expo in Hollywood — an exclusive platform that provided top exposure for rising creators, many of whom went on to work with Kanye West, Beyoncé, Eminem, Ariana Grande , and others. Through iStandard, he also helped lead creative programming for A3C Festival , co-produced activations at SXSW , and partnered with Monster Music , who sponsored the flagship Beast of the Beats national finale.

Today, Carroll is the CEO and co-founder of Creative Space Music Group (CSMG) — a full-service music company born from the Creative Space Events series, co-founded with the late Jason “J Hatch” Hadshian . CSMG provides independent artists, producers, and songwriters with the resources, infrastructure, and strategy to build careers rooted in ownership, creative control, and long-term value .

Courtney continues to consult creatives, manage talent, and champion next-generation music entrepreneurs through brand development, A&R strategy, and platform-building. From boardrooms to backstage, his mission remains the same: build real platforms, protect the culture, and help creators own their future.