Attending a III Kings Inc. party gives patrons the impression that they are in attendance at an effortlessly planned event. Good music, good crowd, and good times. However behind the scenes a lot of hard work and planning is involved. David Burgess, Kalen White, and Darnell Tennial are the “III Kings”. These young men have worked hard to make a name for themselves in party promotions within the African-American community on the UT-K campus.
The drive, creativity, and talents that they individually possess has resulted in them developing a virtual monopoly in the party promotions arena. Within their company they possess all the necessary tools and connections to properly promote and execute any event, which is why the majority of parties have their hands somewhere in the mix.This is where the questions arise: Who are these III Kings? What motivates and inspires them? How did they start? What do they have planned for their future and III Kings Inc.? This is their story.
Based out of Knoxville, Tenn, III Kings Inc. specializes in entertainment promotion and planning. From graphic flier designs, party and business promotions, disc jockeying, and photographic services III Kings Inc. is the first choice for most organizations to promote or collaborate on events. What with the members of III Kings Inc. being no strangers to UT-K, one an alumni, one a current student, and the other a constant fixture on campus, most students relate to and associate outside of the business realm with these fellows.
David Burgess
“Our first party was on November 22,2008...the Presidential Black Affair...” recalls Burgess, the oldest partner in III Kings Inc. and 2005 graduate of UT-K. “I'm really against splitting parties on campus. I don't like going against fraternities and sororities since I'm a member of one, so felt that it was only natural that we join forces.”
Prior to that date the “III Kings” were sole proprietors of their own entertainment/promotions companies: Burgess with DB Entertainment, White with Kal3n.com Promotions, and Tennial with Coolbreeze Entertainment. Three well-known promoters having three separate parties on the same night meant decreased profit for promoters and a split crowd for those in attendance.
Burgess used his wisdom, business savvy, and close ties with both White and Tennial to unite them all into one entity. Burgess' decision not to split the proverbial baby led to the lucrative business venture that III Kings Inc. has to date. Where did his natural inclination toward business and being self-made stem from? Burgess credits his upbringing. “I've been involved in business since the age of seven. Not the entertainment business, but working for my father. He owned a store and laundromat, and at age 12 I was managing both of those businesses.” Later on during his college career, Burgess became involved in party promotions. His membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, helped him build lasting connections with club owners and other promoters in Knoxville.
A natural leader and businessman who is respected, admired, and seen as a “big brother” by his partners, Burgess is the brains behind the operation. Already an owner of two commercial properties and with his unassuming demeanor and unparalleled insight he will continue to lead III Kings to higher heights.
Darnell Tennial
“Basically we said [the black population] at UT-K wasn't big enough for everyone to be throwing parties at the same time. So we, the top promoters, decided to combine together”, says Tennial. Better known as DJ D-Nell, Tennial is the unofficial face of III Kings Inc. Acting as both sole graphic design artist and DJ for the company, one could say he is the hardest working man in party promotions. At least here at UT-K.
He can be found behind his $1200 turntables moving the crowd at parties to fashion shows. His adoring fans can't seem to get enough of him so you're also likely to see one to two girls at his side while he's at work: “It's kind of nerve wrecking though, because it's like 500+ people at a party and when somebody comes up trying to talk to me I can't really switch up my music”.
However in the privacy of his own home in West Knoxville, Tennial is far from distractions and is able to design the amazing party fliers he's famous for. Turning his passion for graphic design into a career is Tennial's primary goal. A self taught graphic designer, Tennial hones his skills with a major in graphic design at Pellissippi. “I don't plan on [djaying] for long because I get money everyday from graphic design. It's where it's at”.
Kalen White
Cool, calm, and collected best describes White, a fifth year Computer Engineering major. Naturally charismatic, it is only makes sense that White is III Kings Inc. primary connection with the public. A fixture at most events (III Kings sponsored or not) White makes sure III Kings Inc. is never too far off party goers mental radar.
One must wonder though how White managed to get into a business so far off from his major. “After co-oping I realized I didn't want to be sitting behind a desk doing some computer engineering stuff. I didn't want to be working for some big corporation for someone else. I wanted to be my own boss”. Which is exactly what White is doing. Contrary to popular belief amongst III Kings. Inc. patrons they do not promote purely for their egos or the money it brings.
“The main reason we're doing this is because this town can make you feel alone as a black person. We help to connect the black community and give students a reason to actually remain in Knoxville instead of going back home”. “A lot of people see us as hustlers, but it's not even like that. It's business. They don't want to take you seriously because you're friends but when I come to you with a contract telling you this is what needs to be done it needs to be done. This is a real business. I could care less about people thinking '[III Kings Inc.] throws the best parties, we're doing this because this is what we like to do.”
In addition to party promotions, III Kings Inc. has already put into motion expansion into other areas. .From adding tattoo artists to their brand name [III Kings Tattoos], and plans for expansion into other cities [Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Dallas] these young men are on the path to national recognition.
***My feature story on the III Kings. Not journalistically correct but this is my blog so I don't care. I'll edit it later though. I actually listen to Morgan Hardy. :)***
