Moetivation was born in Brooklyn New York in December of 1976. At 3 months old his mother sent him to stay with family in her native Haiti while she struggled to make her life more stable in America. He had no contact with his mother and did not return to the U.S until the age of three. He grew up during Brooklyn’s crack era on one of the most notorious strips of concrete in Flatbush. Riddled with drugs and crime, Argyle Road was a hard reality check into how cold the world can be.
Moetivation was an intelligent child and very much the avid reader. His love of books cultivated itself into an interest and love for writing. With hip-hop music at its creative pinnacle at the time, he started writing rap music. He and a friend formed a rap group and record label and sold thousands of units independently.
Although he has no acting experience whatsoever, Moetivation is determined to deliver the role of ”Rafe” with all of his ability. He sees Rafe as a mastermind of some sort. A great thinker who could have chosen to be a Fortune 500 company CEO. This guy Rafe is seasoned and has been on the streets long enough to be able to foreshadow events and read people. “Although the activities that he chooses to get himself into are not legal, because of his principle and moral compass, it is hard to label him a bad guy”, says Moetivation. Aside from acting, Moetivation wears multiple hats in the creation and production of the “MONEY & VIOLENCE” series. He is the writer, director and editor of the project. Although a very time consuming task, he embraces it.
Moetivation has also written two novels that have yet to be published. Both of these literary works are inspired by true events that have transpired in his life. He is a literal Jack-of-all-trades who through this project hopes to use his talents to bring the world a better understanding of not only the who’s and what’s of these events but also the why’s, in what some would refer to as the gutter.
Ray Guercy is one fourth of the novice team behind Cloud9 TV, the production/web company that produces the hit online series “Money & Violence,” and co-star of the series. His character Miz leads the show’s narrative as a loyal and dangerous stickup artist. With over to 19+ million page views, immense support from hip- hop’s elite and a ton of media coverage, the 24-episode show has turned into an online sensation. Heralded by the TriBeCa Film Festival as accurately “showing the anger, pain and fear of living outside of the law through myriad of diverse male characters,” “Money & Violence” has drawn comparisons to HBO’s “The Wire” for its rawness and gritty story line.
Born in Haiti and raised in Brooklyn, Ray’s childhood was a reflection of the harsh realities of growing up surrounded by poverty and violence. After losing his father, who was shot due to violence stemming from Haiti’s 1991 coup d’etat of then president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Ray emigrated to the United States with his mother. He was and only child with little knowledge of the English language, Ray was forced to grow up quickly and adapt to the cultural differences in New York. He developed a detached attitude towards school because of the language barrier. The frustration lead him to misbehave, fight and perform poorly in class. It was only after a cousin introduced him to hip-hop, the first thing he was able to relate to since moving to the United States, that he was able to fit in.
Through his tough exterior, Ray has been able to solidify the character of Miz on the show. Fans can see the depth and levels that go into playing him with each episode. Though centered around the drugs and violence to catch the attention of viewers, larger themes about faith, integrity, friendship and loyalty anchor the show. Those themes are the universal characteristics that all great stories hold. On the cusp of its second season “Money & Violence” looks to partner with a new production company, launch a new site and expand its brand. Ray will continue his role on the show as he looks to expand his acting career.
Ace General was born in Miami, Florida but was raised in New York. As a child he had interest in sports and music. He played football in high school and was part of a rap group named “Team Playboys”. His love for music caused him to lose interest in football and his main focus became rap group. His parents constant need to relocate every couple of years due to financial situations making it difficult for him to grow roots and commit to anything. On a positive note, it helped him garner social skills, having to make new friends and adapt to new environments so frequently.
Ace General is now enjoying his first season as Kane in the new hit web series MONEY & VIOLENCE. This is his first role, as he does not have a history in acting at all. He is enjoying this experience as he gets an opportunity to show the growth of his character as the series moves along. Although he and Kane are very different from each other, he likes the challenge of the role. He appreciates the authenticity of the character because he feels that although a larger part of the audience gravitates towards the more streetwise characters like Rafe and Miz, Kane is a very realistic look at the other side of the fence.
An avid party promoter, Ace General has worked with many renowned nightlife personalities from Funkmaster Flex to DJ Mister Cee. As one of the heads of Cloud9TV, which produces MONEY & VIOLENCE, Ace General also helps with the production.
Aside from acting, Ace General is also a rap artist who is currently working on bringing back New York club music.
Du was born February 24, 1988 and grew up in Far Rockaway,
Queens. As a youngster, Du was heavily involved in sports. Although his range included all sports, basketball is where he excelled most. That led him to playing college basketball for Monroe College averaging 14 points, 9.8 assist and 3 steals a game as their point guard. After college, Du went on to become the top sales rep in the nation for one of the top internet service providers. He simultaneously started working with a few childhood friends in the world of party promotion and event coordinating. Working with the likes of Joe Jaxson and Showcase Empire, he went on to become one of the original co-founders of www.cloud9tv.net which produces the hit web series “Money & Violence”.
Being a man of many talents, Du plays a character by the name of Shane on the series along with helping with camera work. A lover of new challenges along with a competitive nature, Du has grown from playing sports to now acting. One wouldn’t be able to tell prior to the show that he has never acted. He delivers the role of Shane with an originality that is refreshing. Shane is a young man trying to find his way while avoiding the pitfalls of those Brooklyn streets.
Although the character is relatable to some of those people he grew up with it was difficult to find the balance between being a knucklehead and a man of honor. Du hopes to bring the world a candid peak into the inner workings of the streets of Brooklyn. With the tool of Cloud9tv.net and the series Money & Violence he will accomplish that and much more.