The Sound of Deception: Country Rap’s Mikel Knight & His Notorious Street Teams
UPDATES TO THIS STORY:
(10-12-15): Mikel Knight Street Team Member Found Dead in Nashville
– – – – – – – – –
If you pay any attention to the country rap realm, you may have heard of a performer by the name of Mikel Knight who originally hails from San Antonio, TX, and is now based out of Nashville. Mikel goes under a couple of handles, such as “The Maverick,” “The Maverick of Music Row,” the “Urban Cowboy” and “The Country Rap King.” And from a number of measurables, Mikel Knight has a fairly successful career. His Facebook page boasts over 106,000 likes, he’s sold hundreds of thousands of records, he has numerous videos on YouTube with over half a million views, and regularly receives press coverage from major country music outlets, including The Boot which debuted a new video from the country rapper just in February as part of WGN America’s docuseries Outlaw Country. Knight’s music was also featured on MTV’s Buckwild show previously.
But Mikel Knight is not your average entertainer, even for the unusual world of country rap. He doesn’t have a label (which is where his “Maverick of Music Row” moniker comes from), he doesn’t seem to play any shows (or only plays shows on very rare occasions). Instead Mikel Knight makes his money by deploying fleets of tour vans and buses all mocked up with Mikel Knight insignia and full of street team members to solicit people on the street, in parking lots, and at gas stations all across the United States to purchase Mikel Knight country rap albums.
Known as the “Maverick Dirt Road Street Teams,” dozens of pseudo-employed Mikel Knight devotees fan out across smaller communities to aggressively peddle his country rap albums to local populations, usually working a dozen or more hours a day, driving through the night to their next locations, not even being given chances to shower or sleep, and leaving town before local authorities catch up with the street teams and make sure they’re obeying local sales ordinances. Right now Mikel Knight is thought to own two buses and 18 insignia-wrapped vans as part of his street team armada.
But the allegations and stories about the practices of Mikel Knight and the Maverick Dirt Road Street Team go beyond being overworked and circumventing local ordinances. Stories of physical abuse, mental anguish, individuals being abandoned in small towns, and even the death of street team members in auto accidents after being overworked have been circulating for the last year. Yet Mikel Knight seems to still enjoy superstar status in certain circles (partly because he presents such a high-profile persona through his vehicles), and few questions have been raised about what is really behind Mikel Knight and his street teams.
Recent Arrests of Mikel Knight Street Team Members
On Wednesday, May 20th, five members of Mikel Knight’s Maverick Dirt Road Street Team were arrested in Mitchell, South Dakota at the local Wal-Mart for selling CD’s without a proper peddler’s license. According to Patrol Sgt. Joel Reinesch, the Mikel Knight street teams have frequented Mitchell and surrounding communities often, usually being “shooed out of town” without incident. However, because of the recurring nature of the problem with the street teams, including the South Dakota Department of Revenue sending a letter to the Mikel Knight organization warning them about the violations as far back as 2014, the five men were arrested and cited with Class 1 misdemeanors.
The South Dakota Department of Revenue stationed two employees in the parking lot to witness the sales before the arrests were made. According to Sgt. Reinesch, since the Mikel Knight organization had been warned previously, the men could have been charged with felonies. All of the men were from different locations around the country. The individuals arrested were Dakota Savage (24) of Missouri, Terry Smith (24) of Tennessee, Jesse Weaver (22) of Oklahoma, Zachary Ayers (22) of West Virginia, and Austin Henderson (18) of Missouri. They all admitted to selling the merchandise, but none of them admitted to knowing Mikel Knight personally. Sgt. Reinesch said that they were not trying to keep the individuals from promoting Mikel Knight’s music, but after numerous warnings and incidents, authorities were left no choice but to make the arrests.
And this wasn’t the first run in with the law for the Mikel Knight street teams last week. On Monday, May 18th, authorities in Storm Lake, Iowa, approximately 3 ½ hours south and east of Mitchell, SD cited seven Mikel Knight Street Team members with Failure to Have a Solicitors License in connection with the sale of Mikel Knight CD’s.
The seven men cited were:
Zachary Ayers, age 23 of Shinnston, WV
Kyle Banks, age 25 of Moscow, OH
Austin Henderson, age 18 of Dexter, MO
Brian Mullen, age 28 of Hermitage, TN
Tyler Hediger, age 27 of Gore, OK
Terry Smith, age 25 of Cookville, TN
In O’Neill, Nebraska, about two hours south of Mitchell, SD, police were also warning residents on Wednesday, May 21st about the aggressive street teams in the area, and to not purchase items from them. “We have received several complaints about Mikel Knight vans and RVs in O’Neill and the surrounding areas,” local police said in a statement. “These parties do not have the proper permits to be selling items in the city of O’Neill. We have also take complaints of them stopping vehicles. Please do not purchase items from these vehicles and if seen attempting to sell items please make contact with your local police department.”
Police in nearby North Platte, Nebraska also received complaints about Mikel Knight street teams on Thursday, May 21st. Police were not able to make contact with the street teams before they left the area.
All of these incidents come as Mikel Knight’s “Maverick Dirt Road Street Team” continues to frequent the same towns they have been to before, building up a reputation with local residents and authorities who are then on the lookout for the vans and buses when they arrive in town.
The stated strategy behind Mikel Knight’s street teams is to circumvent the traditional album sales avenues so to not have to deal with the business side of music. You can still purchase Mikel Knight’s music online through the traditional channels like iTunes, and portions his music operation appear to operate quite normal. But his lack of playing shows and the aggressiveness of his stream team, and the way certain street team members have been treated is what has led to mounting controversy.
The Revealing Account of a Former Mikel Knight Street Team Member Ky Rodgers
In July of 2014, a former Maverick Dirt Road Street Team member named Ky Rodgers posted an extensive account of his year with Mikel Knight, the deceptions street team members were led to believe, the conditions they were forced to work under, how some members were beaten and abandoned for not making sales quotas, and how working conditions eventually resulted in Rogers being involved in a major motor vehicle accident that had him hospitalized with multiple broken vertebrae and other injuries.
“I was introduced by a couple of guys on his street team,” Ky Rodgers explained. “They told me about how he needed a new lead guitarist and that they had been showing him some of my YouTube videos and his current singer/rhythm player had fell in love with my playing. I remember riding up to Nashville, clothes packed and not even knowing what to expect. I get there, and he has like 5-6 fancy tour vans that had his face and name plastered all over them, all of them were sitting on some kind of rims nicer than most cars. The back of each van read “The Country Rap King, Music from MTV’s BuckWild”, and my heart began racing. I knew this was the real deal. I went around back to meet most of our street team, B-Mull our drummer, and Conrad the singer/guitarist at the time. We had maybe a total of 15 guys back there. We loaded up the next morning and headed out on tour, but little did I know what I was in for.”
Rodgers went on to explain that he never played any shows, and his duty as lead guitar player were to sell CD’s with everyone else in the band and the street team.
“We would pull up to random gas stations, businesses, it didn’t matter. The driver of each van would tell us to get out, ‘grab CD’s! Go hit that person..’ We weren’t touring doing shows or playing for anybody, it wasn’t what I thought it was gonna be at all … EVERY SINGLE DAY for a month to 2 months straight, we would get up at 6:30 AM and would not stop selling until midnight. We would meet up at Wal-Mart in a different town every night. Drivers would take their money that their team made that day and take it to Mikel Knight, where he would take all the money and put it in a safe. And after sweating all day, and being completely dead by the time we’d all meet up, I remember asking a couple guys on the street team ‘when we going to get a room, I’m tired man.’ and they just laughed and walked off. We slept in the vans, without getting a shower and would be woken up by Mikel Knight at 6:30 the next morning by him beating on your window and yelling at you to get out. We’d get out and he would have sort of an ‘inspiration’ speech. More like a ‘God gave me this plan a year ago and we’ve grown from 4 guys to 5 vans and 15 guys and making $10,000 a day as a company,’ while smoking on a blunt of weed. Then he would cuss / yell at the guys that didn’t do good the night before, telling them to get their numbers up or he’d slap the hell out of them, or something along those lines.”
Eventually Ky Rodgers became acclimated to the environment, became one of the street team’s best sellers, and would get compensated in intervals for his work for Mikel Knight.
“I started doing really well. Selling up to 70 cd’s a day … I remember walking into Mikel Knight’s basement and him handing me a couple thousand dollars and telling me he couldn’t wait to get me in the studio, that if I stayed around, he’d make me a rockstar. This was just the grind out part that had to be done first. After being handed a few thousand dollars my thoughts about the long nights and no showers went away. I thought, i’m 18 bringing home this kinda money in a month?? BY SELLING CD’S? I thought I had it made. But I didn’t even realize the brainwashing. His work ethics were so evil, the way he treated us was like we were slaves. But being this young, and getting handed that cash blinded me.”
Rodgers was eventually promoted to captain of one of the street teams, but began seeing things that disturbed him about Mikel Knight’s organization.
“People that had been with us from the beginning were getting promoted to driving the vans, but still had to sell CD’s. Sometimes, people’s money would come up short. Mikel Knight would beat them or have someone else jump them when we’d meet up at night. It could have been a miscalculation, or they could have stolen money, but Mikel Knight wasn’t taking chances. If someone’s team wasn’t making enough numbers, Mikel Knight would sometimes leave them in a town, sometimes without even their clothes, never paying them out. I never thought anything like this would happen to me.”
Ky Rodgers says that one night when riding in a street team van, the vehicle was in an accident in Utah, and the van fell off a three-story cliff. Ky was severely injured, and had to be care flighted to a hospital. He broke his L2, L3, and L4 vertebrae, his pelvis and sacrum, and was in the hospital for a week before he was discharged. He claims that Mikel Knight completely abandoned him and the rest of his street team crew, did not pay them, and would not return their personal possessions. Ky was stuck with $38,000 in medical bills, and couldn’t get Mikel Knight to even work with the auto insurance company to take out a claim, if the van was ever insured in the first place. “There was nothing we could do because we never signed anything saying ‘hey, you’re hired!’ He leaves no paper trail, no proof that anyone works for him, and he never withheld taxes from anyone’s pay.”
Two Street Team Members Die in Auto Accident
Ky Rodgers lived to tell his ordeal on the Mikel Knight Street Team, but two other individuals did not. A few weeks after Rodgers’ auto accident, another street team van was involved in an accident that killed two young men in Donley County in the Texas Panhandle. Taylor Robert Nixon and Robert Joseph Underfinger III were both killed in the June 16th, 2014 accident. The manager of the street team and one other individual were also injured in the incident.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety Senior Officer Daniel Hawthorne, at about 8:40 a.m. on June 16th, a 2005 Chevy van belonging to Mikel Knight veered off the road after overcorrecting and losing control, rolling several times before coming to a stop. Taylor Nixon and Robert Underfinger III were not wearing seat belts and were ejected from the van. They were pronounced dead on the scene.
Speaking in the context of Ky Rodgers’ account of his experience on the Mikel Knight street team, the aunt of Taylor Nixon named Rabecca Hughes said, “Its purpose is to prevent inhumane treatment of people; to prevent death and destruction of our youth; to hold Mikel Knight accountable for his lack of protection of his employees and directly placing them in harm’s way; for prosecution of Mikel Knight and members of his staff for physically and emotionally abusing people and profiting from their sweat and blood … If we can save one life, prevent one accident, rescue one soul, then our purpose is served. In Taylor’s name, I will not rest until Mikel Knight hears my voice, recognizes my sister’s cries for her son, and feels the wrath of those united for justice.”
Mikel Knight’s Real Name and Criminal Past
Mikel Knight’s real name is said to be Jason Cross or Jason Michael Cross, and he’s said to have hid this name because of his criminal past. Jason Michael Cross is 37-years-old with a birth date of 09/06/1976. A search of the Davidson County (Nashville) Criminal Court Clerk Database turned up 20 separate court cases against Jason Cross since 2006, and one as recent as September of 2014. The counts include multiple counts of aggravated assault, harassment, vandalism, theft, and multiple drivers license violations.
- 12/5/2006 – Aggravated Assault
- 5/20/2009 – Protection Order Violation (3 Separate counts)
- 5/21/2009 – No Driver’s License
- 11/3/2009 – No Driver’s License
- 4/8/2010 – Theft of $500
- 4/8/2010 – Harassment – Distress
- 4/8/2010 – Vandalism of $1000
- 6/28/2010 – Harassment
- 6/28/2010 – Aggravated Assault (Bond of $75,000)
- 8/4/2010 – Vandalism of $1000
- 8/4/2010 – Harassment
- 8/4/2010 -Harassment – Distress
- 8/4/2010 – Aggravated Assault (felony)
- 8/4/2010 – Theft of $500 (felony)
- 6/7/2011 – No Driver’s License
- 12/28/2011 – Driving with a Suspended License
- 9/23/2014 – Driver’s License Revoked
Since Mikel Knight claims to be originally from San Antonio, Saving Country Music also checked with the Bexar County Criminal Court and found multiple arrests and court actions for the same Jason M. Cross with a birth date of 09/06/1976, including an aggravated assault from 2006 that a warrant for his arrest is currently issued for.
- 02/18/1995 – Attempted Robbery (felony – received 10 years probation)
- 02/19/1996 – Assault with a Deadly Weapon (felony)
- 03/16/1996 – Assault with Bodily Injury
- 05/16/1998 – Assault with Bodily Injury
- 09/2/1998 – Driving with Suspended License
- 09/7/1998 – Assault with Bodily Injury
- 09/07/1999 – Assault with Bodily Injury
- 05/27/2006 – Assault with Bodily Injury (Pending, warrant issued for his arrest)
Because of his attempts to cover up his real identity, Saving Country Music cannot 100% confirm that Mikel Knight is the same Jason Cross the above arrest records belong to, but it can be confirmed that the two separate arrest records are for the same individual, match up with what is believed to be Mikel Knights real name a birth date, and match up with Mikel Knight’s known whereabouts at the time of the incidents. There is also the possibility there are other arrests or criminal actions against him in other locations.
Mikel Knight, or Jason Cross has also used another pseudonym to perform under as a rapper named “A-Gee The Albino Gorilla.”
Charitable Donations
There has also been questions about claims of charitable contributions made by Mikel Knight street teams. In November of 2013, street teams set up shop in the towns of Joplin, Galena, Oswego and Parsons in the area around the Missouri and Kansas border. The teams were telling businesses where they sold CD’s near, as well as customers, that proceeds from sales would go to a charity called Safe Haven. “They called the police, and the police called me and asked me if I knew anything about it and I told them I had never even heard of him,” said Safe Haven Outreach Mission Inc. director Melissa Brown based in Parsons, KS. “I guess by the time the police got there, the guy was gone.” Later Mikel Knight’s manager explained the Safe Haven charity was actually a homeless charity based in Nashville, but the local Safe Haven charity in Parsons still felt people were being deceived that their money would be helping local communities.
Mikel Knight has worked with the Safe Haven charity in Nashville for multiple years, and claims he’s given over $150,000 to Safe Haven as proceeds from street team CD sales. Saving Country Music has confirmed Mikel Knight has given donations to the charity, but questions linger if the percentage of CD sales street team members claim to collect per album is the same amount delivered to Safe Haven in Nashville. Lining up Mikel’s accumulated CD sales with the amount donated to Safe Haven, the percentages do not appear what Mikel Knight street team members say they are. Nonetheless, sizable donations have been made to the Nashville homeless shelter in Mikel Knight’s name.
Mounting Pressure on Mikel Knight
In the midst of last week’s arrests of street team members, the injuries and deaths of previous street team members, and concerns for the legality of his organization and the welfare of his workers, pressure has mounted against Mikel Knight. But the country rap performer appears to be a master of evasion, and has avoided any serious examination from authorities.
There is a Facebook page set up called Families Against Mikel Night Maverick Dirt Road Street Team that is actively trying to keep tabs on Mikel Night and many of his closest supporters. Sensing pressure, Mikel Knight regularly lashes out at his detractors with bellicose social network posts.
Conclusion
Similar to how country rap and hick hop preys on the culturally disenfranchised in America’s small towns, so does Mikel Knight and his street teams. Seeming to avoid major metropolitan areas, they set up in small towns just large enough to have a Wal-Mart, and fan out in flashy vehicles that impress locals and make them look like a major organization. It’s a superstar facade that lures in both fans, and prospective street team members who are sold on the idea of being a part of something big. Unfortunately it all hides a culture of harassment, assault, and manipulation. By operating on the road and using the shield of charity, Mikel Knight has been able to stay one step ahead of local authorities, and much of the entertainment media who just see him as another country rap star with a grassroots following and approach. Serious inquiries should be made into the legalities and working environment of the Mikel Knight organization before more injuries, assaults, and deaths are allowed to occur.
February 22, 2016 @ 11:11 pm
they were in Greensburg Indiana today February ,22, 2016
March 5, 2016 @ 6:08 am
They were in Rock Falls all day March 4 2016
March 12, 2016 @ 5:17 pm
They were just told to leave Fulton in Callaway County, MO by the cops or be arrested on the spot next time they show up here. They were sitting at a Casey’s convenience store.
March 31, 2016 @ 10:28 am
They were in the tiny town of Mount Jackson, Virginia today for about 3 hours. The local cops came in the Food Lion parking lot where they were, and they left. Seemed shady to me.
April 6, 2016 @ 1:16 pm
A huge tour bus is in Utica NY (upstate) in front of Walmart right now. Wed April 6th. There are 4 or 5 of them selling CDs – they look hungry and tired. This is very sad.
April 12, 2016 @ 1:09 pm
There in Pennsylvania today and have been from wat I heard for about a wewk now. Mikel has been personally seen in Lewisburg Pennsylvania. April 12, 2016
June 4, 2016 @ 8:06 pm
He’d have to have some kind of tie to the area. His music certainly wouldn’t sell there. Bucknell kids would laugh him out of town.
June 1, 2016 @ 10:07 pm
I saw their truck being towed away today in joplin mo
June 2, 2016 @ 9:19 pm
They are in Joplin, MO for a show tomorrow.
July 1, 2016 @ 2:05 pm
They were at the Walmart here in Clinton, NC last summer selling cds!! My best friend and I actually took pictures with them!! We didn’t want to get too close to them because they smelled so bad!!
July 28, 2016 @ 9:45 am
Just saw these clowns in Blacksburg, VA today…the cops were talking to them thankfully
July 30, 2016 @ 10:49 am
They were just in Ontario Or I got a CD they were very nice. I even went back and gave them some weed they were in Oregon after all. They said they were prompting there CD . It’s so sad that in America if your not in the pockets of the big guys your not worthy. Seems like they decided to promote them self’s and someone got there panties in a bunch. Setting in the parking lot selling cds oh my god let’s arrest them. Clearly not enough for the cops to do this is a free country. Can’t wait to hear some new music I’ve never listened to and good luck to them.
July 30, 2016 @ 3:52 pm
They are in Hagerstown by the Kmart right now. Scumbags are flagging down drivers trying to sell their cds.
August 23, 2016 @ 4:36 am
They were in Springfield oregon on 42nd and main last night and behind taco bell a bus and fleet of vans
February 23, 2016 @ 10:44 am
Saw one of their tour buses and a van pulled over by several police cars near the Walmart on southside of Muncie earlier today. I had never heard of this guy.
February 23, 2016 @ 2:38 pm
They were near Muncie Indiana today, a Subway at a gas station had to kick them off the property.
February 23, 2016 @ 3:37 pm
In Richmond, IN today. Seemed like nice guys. Met them but did not buy.
February 25, 2016 @ 9:22 pm
I have met all these people twice. Once in grove Oklahoma and once in Craig Colorado. Both times I met them, they were nice ppl. Have you ever heard if ppl changing. Just because someone has a bad background, doesn’t mean their bad ppl. I have bought there CDs, on numerouse occasions. And you can’t believe everything posted on the internet. And also, I know of famouse rappers who have a worse background then this guy. If that’s even really his info. TI has frlony possession of guns and pounds of drugs. You don’t see ppl making a big deal out of his background. Snoop dogg, also a bad background, notorious BIG, also bad record. Tupac had a bad record. Skinnard is a coke head, along with most of the bands from the 70s and 80s. You should google there names too and get there background check. I guarantee you find something to slander there name in the ground. Rant over
April 21, 2016 @ 2:36 pm
Except those rappers aren’t going to random places to illegally sell cds. Get a permit and you’re no longer a problem. Additionally they aren’t working people like slaves, or abandoning them to their fate after an accident causes death or serious injury! The defense you’re mounting sounds very much like propaganda to me. This Mikel knight sounds like a no good greedy pig, and a slave driver. Not to mention this whole scheme of his sounds like a cult. The issue isn’t necessarily that he had a record or even that he’s selling cds, it’s that he’s making promises to those young men then abandoning them when things don’t work out. Then adding insult to injury he keeps their meager possessions? The guy is a loser. He’s no better than an organized beggar and deserves all of the disdain we can give him.
February 26, 2016 @ 3:22 pm
Where can i find my picture i took with your crew at?
February 28, 2016 @ 10:09 am
On Facebook
February 28, 2016 @ 8:52 am
Alexandria KY this week
February 28, 2016 @ 11:04 pm
They were in Xenia, OH at the local Wal-Mart. Their RVs and vans definitely catch your eye. Stopped and talked with them; The guy we talked to was a great salesman, and connected with me and my girlfriend very well. He told us literally everything this article said: 1.2 million albums, supports charity, Christian organization, working 18 hours a day…it was pretty wild. Didn’t buy anything obviously, but they were pretty entertaining to encounter.
February 29, 2016 @ 5:33 pm
They were in Xenia, Ohio 2/28/2016
March 5, 2016 @ 11:36 am
In Morrison, IL; Clinton, IA; and DeWitt, IA March 5, 2016
March 5, 2016 @ 5:40 pm
They were at my place of employment today around 8am, they left right before the cops got there so they must have a scanner.
March 5, 2016 @ 4:48 pm
This shmuck was in rockfalls, il just a few days ago and tried to sell me his cd’s, so I was driving off and the dumbfuckks decided to show their true colors and i turned around and went back to confront these Fucks and all went in the tour bus, after I showed my 9mm . So fuck these pukes!
March 11, 2016 @ 7:21 pm
Topeka, KS 3-10-16
March 14, 2016 @ 5:50 pm
so I’m guessing these most recent comments are from the street team posting so they can bury the not-so-flattering comments from 2015. just like with the new lawsuit versus FB, Jason Cross’ game is to suppress information
March 14, 2016 @ 9:47 pm
They were in Kennett Missouri today…again
March 14, 2016 @ 9:50 pm
Then went to Osceola, Arkansas.
March 14, 2016 @ 10:21 pm
In portageville mo today at Casey’s General store!
March 15, 2016 @ 8:32 am
Me & my daughter were in Portageville Mo yesterday afternoon n seen them at the local Casey’s. First of all you have to have a peddlers license in Portageville for something like this. But second I’ve never even heard of them til last night on fb. I don’t think that pushing your Cd’s on people is the right way to go about getting famous.
March 15, 2016 @ 7:39 pm
At first I thought it was cool I even told them my son had made two cd,s at sun records in Memphis even gave them one of his cd,s .But sence I,be read this story and how this Mr.knight treat,s his road team .Id like to give him one these boothill ass whoopin remember me.knight this is the show me state .So come on back I’ll show ya how we do it in the boot hill .Mr.Russell Hall
March 22, 2016 @ 12:48 pm
Mikel Knight, the MDRST and every other artist affiliated with these amazing people deserve some damn recognition.. Every time I see posts like this it absolutely infuriates me… Mikel Knight has posted bout his past, which is none of y’alls damn business to begin with, but still continues to set you all straight with the truth.. He came out bout his past, and not many artists’ do this.. He has worked his ass off to make what he has and to do what he has done.. The inspiration he is to people and how he has individually helped people out seems to be ignored.. Shame on all you damn asses… As for the MDRST, I personally know many of these men, grown ass men… Which means if some of them have made some pretty ignorant decisions and gotten their asses in trouble with the law then how the hell does this keep reflecting of Mikel Knight? These are grown ass men, not little boys.. I want to know one company that’s gonna tolerate an insubordinate employee and bail their ass outta jail for choice they made!! These men, all of them, including Mikel Knight, work their asses off to be the best of the best.. They know the work and the work environment that they are getting into and that’s a choice they make.. They get fed, they get showers, they get sleep, and they get paid.. Not to mention getting to be a part of making history happen!! These are their jobs and for some their careers… They are all bringing this to a whole new level and I’m psyched to be watching it happen!! So before y’all start hating and judging, maybe y’all should try talking to people who “KNOW” the good and amazing things happening!! I will be on every social page defending these men until I see the recognition given that is deserved and has been earned!! LISTEN TO THE MUSIC AND DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE, COME ON!!
August 19, 2016 @ 10:55 pm
Yeah someone that doesn’t insure their work vehicles and doesn’t pay for medical bills when employees are injured on the job is NOT inspiring. It’s disgusting, ignorant, and selfish. If one of those vans hits your car with no insurance, you get nothing. Your car might be totalled and you might have thousands of dollars of medical bills and he pays nothing.
Selling CD’s for a lame rapper isn’t making history.
I also suggest you get a thesaurus so you can find a different word for ass, because using the same put down more than 4 times in a tirade just makes you sound even dumber than you are.
March 26, 2016 @ 7:16 am
Angela
If a person has a criminal record that actually is a matter of public record and it is “our damn business”
Again this news site did do a ton of research
What specific research did you think they failed to do?
April 7, 2016 @ 8:52 am
Sry Angela gonna add to your post: Don’t judge somebody by their past. I met a nice gentleman from this group in Vestal,NY yesterday at Wal-Mart and he tried selling me a CD(needless to say he succeeded) congrats Devon. My mother and I aren’t easy to sell to. But he was a very kind person and if I had the money I would have bought all 3 CD’s. I the music….but I wish I could actually meet Devon again and become friends he seamed really cool! If I had a way to contact him I would….and if he sees this I am the one that sold you!!!!lol hope you didn’t forget
April 7, 2016 @ 5:50 pm
I’m sorry but you’re an idiot because that’s a sales persons job… To try to talk and persuade you and act all friendly. That’s what they do for a living. They act all sweet and friendly to get what they want. You really think they had any care for your interest or well being? Hell no. They just care about getting paid. You gave money to a scum bag loser and a bunch of low life scum bag followers. If people really want a second chance at life, get a fucking REAL job and a REAL education. You all are so stupid to be giving any empathy toward these people. This guy is a CRIMINAL with multiple accounts of charges. I literally cannot even believe that some of you are so stupid.
June 9, 2016 @ 6:08 am
Then every person who starts a brand is a criminal and scum. I’ve seen people hawking wares for years. Entrapreneurs that don’t want to give their hard earned money and talent to a label (music or otherwise). This is the American dream. You don’t have to like the guy or buy his product, but you have to respect what he has built
Noone is FORCED to work for him. They are there to be part of something.
April 1, 2016 @ 10:23 am
I seen and took a picture with them in Martinsburg West Virgina this morning..
April 1, 2016 @ 12:56 pm
Yep in Martinsburg WV. And scamming away. With cops all around the mall. They will be shut out or arrested soon enough
April 1, 2016 @ 1:03 pm
As a matter of fact. They were just ran out of town. Lol. Good job Martinsburg police. Freaking jokes. Trying to scam hard working people.
April 1, 2016 @ 6:32 pm
Well they are at spring Mills sheetz now scaming away
April 3, 2016 @ 12:59 pm
What exactly is the scam? They are selling music, which is not a crime. If hard working people want to buy it then they will. If not they can keep it moving. These guys are not hurting anyone. They are simply engaging in conversation with other human beings and promoting music. Do you think street performers in NYC are also scammers? They perform and play music on the sidewalks and in the subways and hardworking people throw money in the buckets everyday. My mother, children, and myself met these gentlemen this morning in Pennsylvania and we enjoyed the brief moment we had with them. My son was ecstatic to meet them and have them sign a CD for him. And as far as criminal pasts, everyone has skeletons in their closet, no one is perfect, we are all human beings. If you are not interested in this so called “scam” when they come to your city or small town, just move along. You do you and they can do them. No big deal.
June 1, 2016 @ 7:55 pm
If they are not paying taxes or unemployment or SS or SSI or anything else, they are breaking the law…federal law. If they don’t have a license to sell the CDs then they are breaking local law. If they are treating their employees with disrespect and assaulting them they are breaking state, local and federal law. How much evidence do you need that something’s wrong here?
November 6, 2016 @ 8:46 pm
If that is so they are doing souch bad things selling CDs wow and you feel so strong about it .why don’t you do something or feel string about bavkpage.com it’s been around for years freaken free ads for prostitution in any city.!!! They don’t pay taxes TG hey have better homes then the working ppl.that’s bulk sht!! The young man I met was happy to represent an felt the cause to help ppl like him wth no home and a drug problem was a good reason t OK raise money and what he is selling is music no a human body. NOW THST IS BAD HUMAN SELLS WITH FREE ADVERTISEMENT. WOW THINK ABOUT THAT now who know if the other accusations are true or not.
September 25, 2019 @ 3:27 am
Not only are they shady, Mikel Knight’s practices with his employees are damn near a form of human trafficking. The psychological strain he puts on these people is no different than a pimp slapping prostitutes or a crazed cult leader demanding his followers kill people.
April 3, 2016 @ 2:20 pm
Spotted acroas from Walmart in Harrisburg, PA yesterday and the day before…
April 4, 2016 @ 6:04 am
Spotted this morning in a Walmart Parking lot along 422 outside of Reading, Pa
April 4, 2016 @ 12:27 pm
Spotted and I was swindled by the young man that claimed he was a “Veteran” on the MDRST @ the WAWA in Upper Macungie, PA today. I certainly hope he served his country. Then I can sleep knowing at least I helped a vet of our country!
April 6, 2016 @ 6:47 am
His team of thugs have apparently crossed the Mason-Dixon line and have been hitting cities in the North. They’ve been spotted all over Eastern Pennsylvania the past few days, including my own hometown of Hazleton this past Monday.
April 6, 2016 @ 8:25 am
Country Rapper is an Oxymoron.
April 7, 2016 @ 6:27 am
They are here in Rome, New York still as of today. http://bigfrog104.com/if-you-see-mikel-knight-vans-and-tour-buses-in-utica-rome-area-stay-away/
April 7, 2016 @ 8:37 am
Bad move coming to NY.
April 10, 2016 @ 2:10 pm
Saw them at the 7-11, in Canaserage,NY (just north of Hornell), at about 1pm, Sat. the 9th.
April 11, 2016 @ 5:57 pm
Sheetz in Lewisburg Pa after midnight 4-11-16. Bombarded me at the gas pump pushing cds and selling stories. While one person getting into a van said to the guy trying to peddle his cds “whered that fat nigger fag go” … just gave him money to get out of my face and left.
April 12, 2016 @ 7:48 pm
The community against this clown has moved him in at least one respect. He’s now FINALLY doing shows. He’s been called out for not playing for over a year and now has finally got a tour schedule and I believe if it weren’t for the online community he’d still just be sitting on his behind while those weirdos travel around the country selling those product CDs. I think he’s trying to claim that he wasn’t on tour because of his parole which just ended, but if that were the case why was he announcing that he’d soon have tour dates in 2014 and 2015 knowing he couldn’t honor those announcements? Anyhow, let’s see how these tours sell and if he can actually rock a crowd. I’m dying to see what those who attend the shows say about them.
April 15, 2016 @ 6:16 am
Bwahahahaha! This dork books one measly little show in some piddlyshit little venue in Florida, and all of a sudden, ding! He’s got a “tour schedule.” I checked out the venue online and admission is get this THIRTY DOLLARS! Also, I’ve heard he and his “band” have lip-synced in the few shows they’ve played in the past. LOL!!! Anyone wanna volunteer to go that night and report back? Hahahahaha didn’t think so
May 12, 2016 @ 3:52 am
hey i will try and with stand this crap these kids are selling the came up to me in cocoa Fl i bought 3 cd s for $30 buck on the 10 th of this month they told me the money was for a Florida prision work rehablition that i was in my self years back didnt like the hole country rap crap or hearing the word cracker used be Irish desent was slap in the face that word down in Florida is not taken lighty this knight sob is spreading hate and violence if you listen to the un popular songs long story story short i felt like i was giving back but all this this street team is doing is using each state charities and using them as sell tactics COMPLETE FRAUDS
June 9, 2016 @ 6:49 am
Who are you or anyone to dictate how he should conduct his business. There are lots of bands that don’t tour. I think the real issue here is that he won’t fold and conform to the norm..
That’s his prerogative.
If you don’t like him, don’t buy his material. But to hate on him for making millions without selling his soul to a label is moronic.
Do you know how many seriously good talents have cracked under the pressure and schedule of the labels? How many have died trying to get to that next show?
These people are all following their dream. THEIR DREAM, not your dream.
April 13, 2016 @ 8:05 am
Stop by my house and harass me and they would be staring down the Bartell of a 9mm.
April 14, 2016 @ 6:01 am
A few days ago they were in Warren, Ohio and took my mother for two CD’S they told her that the proceeds where being donated to the battered woman’s shelter. My mother is a handicap and on limited funds, she took what money she was saving for new shoes to buy these cd’s ! I hope they come to the Chicago area !
April 16, 2016 @ 11:12 am
They were In Rittman Ohio and Wadsworth Ohio And Seville Ohio On 4/15/2016!! I heard there was arrest made but I am not sure!!!
April 18, 2016 @ 8:37 pm
They’re in the tri cities (saginaw, midland, bay city) area of Michigan right now…
April 18, 2016 @ 9:11 pm
Midland, MI today!
April 19, 2016 @ 11:30 am
In Hastings, MI today 4/19/16
April 21, 2016 @ 6:04 am
They were in Goshen, IN yesterday
April 21, 2016 @ 7:06 am
I was in hastings and was also blindsided by these men…..thought i was donating to a good cause……all though they can fool men and woman they cannot fool God…..i as a Christian will Pray for them……especially for the young boy that sold me the cds that he will turn from a life of lies…..
April 21, 2016 @ 8:26 am
they were in the Battle Creek Michigan area yesterday April 20th ..and it is now going around that they are into human trafficking and for every one, especially women to beware because they are luring them in and kidnapping them. i was curious to how legitimate this claim was….probably not into human trafficking but they sound like people to stay away from regardless! Thanks so much for this Article!
November 6, 2016 @ 8:54 pm
Wow human traffic that call prostution.now we as that really going on or dirty ppl selling to them or just selling them self.who know or do you know for sure. OK just said that why people dont stop the real crap going on go to backpage.com that’s real human traffic an they get free ads to sell threw that and it’s been around for year’s. That’s real!! In any city free.nice..THATS REAL..all I saw was a bunch of young men selling music CDs that’s so small compared to human traffic.
April 21, 2016 @ 9:27 pm
They have been in Chelsea, MI and Dexter, MI this past week. Hearing the same thing about drawing young girls into the vans.
May 15, 2016 @ 12:30 pm
Mikel Knight VS FACEBOOK Inc here is the case file available to the public http://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2159&context=historical
May 24, 2016 @ 5:10 pm
The arrests I see on here are recent within the last couple weeks and I just seen them and was approached yesterday (May 23, 2016) in Homosassa Florida.
May 31, 2016 @ 5:57 pm
In Bolivar missouri
June 1, 2016 @ 7:21 am
They were selling under the name “Kool Whip” in Miller, Mo last night..
June 1, 2016 @ 1:01 pm
They were just in Riverton Ks….then Galena KS…and went to Walmart in Joplin mo. just within the last hour
June 2, 2016 @ 7:38 am
What a douche canoe.
June 2, 2016 @ 6:36 pm
What police department do I need to contact anyone know? I seen their vans in republic mo last Friday.
June 5, 2016 @ 3:01 pm
Where is the difficulty if proving 100 % that Mikel knight /John Cross is the same John Cross/ John M Cross in the rap sheet? I don’t think this would be difficult to prove at all. So Mikel knight said he has a criminal past, and no one can find his rap sheet and prove 100 % what his crimes were? To me that is just silly, and what do you mean by we cannot prove 100 %? Are you saying it is alleged but unfounded?
March 16, 2017 @ 2:42 pm
This investigation was clearly done by a country music blogger. Who, although doing a nice job of explaining the story and painting a picture or what a bunch of clowns these idiots, the albino gorilla and his travelling band of misfit toys, are he is not a trained or experienced investigative journalist. This connection should not have been difficult to verify.
June 8, 2016 @ 5:08 pm
Saw,them in Shenandoah Iowa today when I pulled in to check out the music the young man that approached my truck was very polite, when asked if I wanted to buy a cd I said I wanted to hear the music first so he opened a cd & I played bits & pieces of several songs I wound up buying a few , none,of them got aggressive with me
But I’m 5’11” 280lbs & I carry a loaded 9mm with 124gr hollow points & I’m ready to ROCK & ROLL at the drop of a hat if the need arises
June 10, 2016 @ 8:11 pm
At Walmart in Saint Joseph Mo currently and ,have moved to Lake contrary In Saint Joseph as well
June 14, 2016 @ 10:21 pm
In west des moines iowa today. And ames iowa. They better get out. I miss rittman ohio. Anyone live there say high to my cheating lieing disgusting wife teala hutton cant miss hershe lives on w ohio ave
June 21, 2016 @ 6:19 am
Saw the bus stuck at Gas station in Richmond ,Va. Googled him to see what he was about. Don’t like Rapp Counrty Rapp I like if it’s Kid Rock. Iam former country Musician myself.Spent more to tour than I made. CDs help with the Gas money ! Had a lot of fun solo tours maybe lonely but no Bull from members of band.Wish him Luck with his tour. Day jobs Suck ! Live Your Dream !
June 21, 2016 @ 11:34 am
They were in our parking lot in Chesapeake, VA today and once I googled who they were I called the local police and had them escorted off the property.
June 27, 2016 @ 6:47 am
today, june 26th they are now in the parking lot of walmart Kinston, nc. 4 vans. at 8:15 about 17 members were in a circle in the parking lot doing exercises….like a warm up routine.
June 30, 2016 @ 1:07 pm
Today. (30 June 2016) they were located at a gas station in a small town called Vass in North Carolina. They bombarded my wife trying to get her to purchase their CD. She declined because something didn’t feel right about it and their aggressive tactics turned her off to any potential sale.
July 2, 2016 @ 3:52 pm
There was a bus & 2 vans at the gas station at the Walmart in East Burlington on 7/2/2016. We managed to escape before they came to our car, but maybe a dozen guys were swarming the parking lot. Creepy. I’ve watched some of his videos now & they’re not bad, but this marketing strategy is weird.
July 3, 2016 @ 9:20 pm
Ward, Arkansas on July 3, 2016. Unfortunately, I had to drive by them several times today, and get gas at the station they were at. Gross. I’ve been a part of street teams/fan clubs before. This is not what that is.
July 12, 2016 @ 5:21 pm
12 July 2016. Fountain Colorado parking lot near wal-mart on hwy 85-87, by Panda Express.
July 22, 2016 @ 2:44 pm
I saw two large motor home and 3 vans with his band name and everything on them today at the Walmart in hendersonville NC. That is scary.
July 25, 2016 @ 6:39 pm
There are in Asheville North Carolina as we speak. They are claiming that the sales proceeds are given to veterans. 100% of the sales made today, they claim are going directly to help veterans and their families.
July 28, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Just saw these clowns in Blacksburg, VA and the police were already on to them. I just drove by and laughed. They are soooo country (sarcasm), just look at this picture from his Instagram…definitely aint Waylon…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIBEHeJDDzN/?taken-by=countryrapking&hl=en
August 7, 2016 @ 11:16 am
They were in Browning,Montana yesterday in a bug tour bus ..is this tru ..THIS SOUNDS LIKE A CULT ..THESE GUYS SURE ARE DUMB IF THEY NEVER GOT TOO ME THIS Jayson cross
August 10, 2016 @ 9:27 am
Aug 9- they were in Hershey and Palmyra, PA today- heading towards Mechanicsburg PA
August 10, 2016 @ 10:52 am
Mainstream country and mainstream rap are at their lowest points ever in terms of credibility. None of them are actually doing it for the music it’s all to line their pockets. It’s horseshit but the mainstream actually deserves no better folks/cats like this punchline of a trite joke. But what do you expect with the modern morals and values being purely superficial and materialistic. The problem root is in the greed. Also in folks ignorant ears if you will and low brow messages which are seemingly passed on and accepted without question by the general music community at large. There is a spiral of silence concept at work herein and the green back gobblers are taking full advantage of our group moronic’s working overtime with major cuts in wages and payouts going unquestioned. Dig deeper, expand your intellect and tastes. Know why you like something and understand your own tastes and you will eventually look back in relief at the horrible music you once were led to believe were anywhere near good viable music. That’s one opinion. It’s mine and means nothing. But music is my truest solace in life and I’ve never been more content in my musical discoveries as the present continuously unfolds intangible audio gold before this humble pair of ears. Blessings for all. Country must die anyway if it is to have a miraculous rebirth and resurgence. Country rap is defiantly a malignant growth. Hopefully it gets the job done quick. Services are held. And the dead can begin to rise and snatch up the minds of the real zombies… music fans of the mainstream public. I make music too so if you want to buy a cd to hear the music your shit outta luck. You gotta download it for free instead. I get payed in joy. The joy of others. And because music is the greatest thing ever invented. It’s my religion. It’s my obsession. And it’s… well it’s just one of many addictions I have. But you get the point and that’s my 23 skidoo mark folks. Treat each decent. To benevolence. Cheers. — AT via )c)C)c)
August 10, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
These clowns tried approaching me at the flying j in Milton pa. I already knew about their scam and walked away. The guys music is straight garbage anyways
August 12, 2016 @ 9:02 am
Just saw a van near Binghamton, NY where a major road rage incident was unfolding.
Guys were hanging out of their van, swerving, screaming and yelling at some driver.
Didn’t see the original incident but it was clearly not a good scene.
August 15, 2016 @ 6:51 am
Currently at Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany NY!
August 16, 2016 @ 2:02 pm
They were in NW Montana’s a week and a half ago. I also saw them in Ritzville ID on the 115th of Aug
August 17, 2016 @ 1:18 am
They are now in Western WA ….in my town, Chehalis today.
August 22, 2016 @ 5:01 am
Looked like two motor homes in the shopko lot in Salem, OR Saturday around midnight. Car club or etc was out and lot was packed. I just drove by.
August 22, 2016 @ 12:15 pm
Saw them in Austerlitz, NY yesterday pushing their CD to everyone at a busy gas station.
September 5, 2016 @ 6:31 pm
Saw these scammers in Ukiah, California today when I stopped for gas. I ended up telling the manager of the gas station what they were about and she ran them off.
September 6, 2016 @ 2:15 pm
Today in augusta maine in a parking lot approaching people to buy cd’S saying a certsin percentage goes to veterans
September 7, 2016 @ 6:38 pm
Two of their vans are in Madison Maine this evening at McDonalds. A young skinny man claiming to be from Texas had CD’s in hand.
Augsta is less than an hour away. Chances are they’ll go as far as Bangor.
September 8, 2016 @ 9:10 pm
Had a friend see them in Newport, ME
September 16, 2016 @ 1:15 pm
In Turlock, CA. last night.
September 21, 2016 @ 6:09 am
A friend saw them in Selma, CA a day or so ago-
September 18, 2016 @ 9:02 pm
i just saw them in Bristol ,CT
September 28, 2016 @ 12:04 pm
Lancaster ca. Gave them money. Listened to the cd expecting country. Gave it back. God bless you. Deception. Wish I’d known.
October 10, 2016 @ 10:40 am
October 10, 2016, at the Valero on Hwy 287, Jolly, Texas, just outside of Wichita Falls.
October 22, 2016 @ 6:00 pm
In Lake Charles La. @ Walmart On Nelson Road
October 23, 2016 @ 5:59 pm
In Orange, Texas at Wal-Mart. Sunday afternoon, Oct. 23
October 25, 2016 @ 2:13 pm
In Vidor, TX @ market basket
October 26, 2016 @ 2:12 pm
In baytown texas 10/26/16 at walmart on Garth rd
October 27, 2016 @ 8:45 pm
I’ve always had my own opinion of Mikel Knight, but even I cannot deny the affect he’s had on country hip-hop. Mikel Knight with the help of long time friend/producer Kevin “DJ DEV” Grisham and many others is changing the face of country hip-hop. Together they all have a musical chemistry that produces music like no other. Not only is Mikel musically inclined, but he’s incredibly generous. His help with the Hope program, and donations to many shelters he’s helping change lives for the better. He takes boys off the street gives them jobs with his MDRST team. He gets them off drugs, gives them shelter, and provides them with the tools to make a better life for themselves. He cares for every member of his MDRST team like family, and when tragedy strikes he steps up like a man, and provides peace of mind financially and emotionally. So is Mikel Knight Nashville’s humanitarian? He has my vote!
October 31, 2016 @ 1:41 pm
In the Kroger parking lot in Angleton, TX yesterday…
November 6, 2016 @ 7:21 pm
I was able to see them at our stripes in our town .Bishop is found between Driscol and kingsville TX. The bus an vans were very nice. I we pulled in to the parking lot.We got out of the truck an notice the young man who approached us with the energy and spoke of the sales of the CDs of this type of music.He stated they were helpingpeople in need with drugs and many other needs even military.he said if we would like to purchase the music DC’s.we did .an he said he was a recovering an had been stabbed an shot but is now doing great with this help so if he can help others he feel great of the meaning an helping anyone he has made a difference in the world.We listened to the music an enjoyed them.I hope all of this being said about them is not true.there are worst things like drug sales prostitution sales that ppl some how don’t have a problem to stop since they love all of that.all they sale are music CDs hardly is a bad thing and help ppl in need.maybe someone should help them expose there music in a better way an their cause not sound so bad.I know I hate prostition an thats allowed hell they get free ads backpage.com look it up and it’s free!! Advertising for every city that’s not taxed! There’s a real thing to arrest for .sales of CDs really go after real bad ppl they make so much money they have a private security to protect them.that pathetic.Do something about that!!!
December 3, 2016 @ 1:20 pm
I personally think they were good. I showed up to the gas station they offered me some CDs to buy didnt harass me just asked and i said no im good so we keep talking snd i owe a pizza place so i said ill give u a pizza for the cd they were cool with it There grown men if they cant do the job there asked to do dont do it knowone is forcing them to stay on the bus and selll cd there msking and getting to see the different citys I think thats pretty cool If ur weak minded then dont come outside bc im sure someone will prey on uuu its sad u blame him for all this Hes doing what he knows best is hustling and making more money stop hating all u haters need to sit back and watch if not might get run over (AKA) BIG B
December 4, 2016 @ 11:28 am
I just moved from Nashville and I’ve known him and his family for years. This article doesn’t even begin to cover what a low down this guy is. He beat his wife so bad it knocked multiple teeth out of her mouth. While he was in jail for that, he ended up hooking up with one of the inmates and they have been sleeping together behind Stephanie’s (his wife) back for over a year now. Stephanie finally caught them red handed yet didn’t leave him. I don’t know who is worse in that situation.
January 17, 2017 @ 12:57 am
Looks like he’s gonna get time on the VICE network on Tuesday, Jan. 17th on a show called “Noisey” Nashville with Kesha, Jelly Roll”
10pm EST
9pm Nashville Time
Wonder if this show will paint him in a positive light or help put an end to this jack hole’s career.
January 17, 2017 @ 9:43 pm
Mikel: What a shady “scum bag”….. this guy is. Pussy with a cowboy hat. Treating these Kids like animals. The Cops can’t lock this ass-wipe up quick enough.
I’ve seen enough tonight on VICE…..enough to know, this poor excuse of a man needs to be put away.
PLEASE pull into “our” town, Little Mikey will meet some real southern…. down home justice.
January 30, 2017 @ 10:55 am
they are in DeRidder,Louisiana Walmart parking lot they
all seem to have little attitude but old Jim didn’t let em
get away with that, these guys are in Christian Country
February 14, 2017 @ 12:32 am
Saw them in the Walmart parking lot on boonville Indiana February 12 2017. Very cocky and pushy. One was quite aggressive with their tactics when it was my 16 year old daughter. Funny how that all went away with a firm grip on his shoulder from a real redneck! Stay away from Boonville asshat your music sucks anyways
February 15, 2017 @ 6:07 pm
There are in Glasgow KY right this moment. I was about to call the police and let them know, but the cops showed up right as I was about to dial. His “street team” was flagging down cars and running in front of traffic in a parking lot.
March 13, 2017 @ 12:14 pm
Any update on this criminal?
April 21, 2017 @ 5:32 pm
In Greenville, SC now
July 24, 2017 @ 2:29 pm
Any more news on this story?
July 24, 2017 @ 3:57 pm
I continue to monitor the Mikel Knight story, and if developments come up and are deemed worthy to share with the public, I will do so.
July 24, 2017 @ 4:08 pm
Thanks Trigger.
You are the best!
September 27, 2017 @ 6:20 pm
I’m from Fayetteville AR, and just met a street crew and they are total sweethearts down to heart good guys so idk when street crews y’all have been meeting but id love to meet for of the crew including Mickel Knight ❤️