Charles A. Paris
Charles A. Paris
Born	Charles Anthony Paris April 30, 1980 Urbana, Illinois, U.S.
Nationality	Black American
Other names	Brother OTG, 365OTG, Charles Paris Music, O.T.G, I Double L, Supply The Work
Occupation	Record producer, composer, software developer, author, brand consultant, community activist
Title	CEO & Founder, Over Time Grind Productions LLC
Years active	1998–present
Website	Charles Paris Music
Business Card	Charles Paris Business Card
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Charles Paris Music

Over Time Grind Productions, LLC, Midwest Ill Muzik Group, & Brother O.T.G

Charles Anthony Paris (born April 30, 1980), known globally as Brother OTG, is a pioneering American record producer, self-taught software developer, and visionary author. As the founder of CHARLES PARIS MUSIC and the architect behind the Over Time Grind philosophy, he has carved a unique niche at the intersection of music, technology, and entrepreneurship. His work as a strategic partner and executive producer has powered the careers of icons like Beanie Sigel,^[1] generated over 6.3 million plays on TikTok, and includes the #1 debut theme song for VH1's "Tiny and Toya 2."^[2] For years, he was a respected voting member of the Grammy Awards, and he continues to shape the industry not only through his music but also by developing authentic, cutting-edge educational content and web tools for the next generation of creators.

Career Journey

Born in Urbana, Illinois, Charles A. Paris's entrepreneurial spirit ignited early. From 2002 to 2009, under the moniker "I Double L," he founded Midwest Muzik Group,^[3] rapping and producing while honing his craft. After winning hometown hero contests with songs like "Candy Sweet," he signed a contract that ultimately stalled his career. It was legendary street figure and 50 Cent manager Chaz Williams of Black Hand Entertainment who provided the pivotal advice to start over.^[4] This reset led to a publishing deal with hip-hop legend MC Lyte^[5] and her DuBose Music Group in 2009. From 2009 to 2011, Paris strategically built the infrastructure for his next venture, creating the music and business plan that would allow him to relocate.

In 2011, he made the pivotal move to South Philadelphia, officially establishing Over Time Grind Productions, LLC at the historic corner of 8th and Tasker. Immersing himself in the community, he partnered with local institutions like Vic's Coffee Shop and engineered for two years at Jazz U Up Studio. He worked on promotions for Glenn Lewis's "Can't Say Love" with Ruffhouse Records^[6] and served as Social Media Manager and A&R for Phillybassd Records from 2012-2016, where he mentored students from Temple, Drexel, and the Art Institute. Under the guidance of the legendary songwriter Bruce Hawes of Philadelphia International Records fame,^[7] who famously wrote The Spinners' "Sadie"^[8] (sampled in 2Pac's "Dear Mama"^[9]), Paris mastered the intricacies of the music business, setting the stage for his rise as a key figure in the city's music scene.

The "Over Time Grind" Philosophy

"I've had many names, but the one that sticks is 'O.T.G.' It's my life, Over Time Grind. It's motivation." This philosophy was forged on paving roads, in factories making chrome rims, building forklifts for Toyota, and working in the 100-degree heat of industrial annealing. It's a blue-collar work ethic applied to the creative world. It means doing whatever it takes: photography, driving artists, recording, providing security, and creating opportunities where none exist. It's the core of the **Supply The Work** movement. For years, people couldn't find him online, and his story was co-opted. Now, all aliases—365OTG, Rich Rising, Brother Charles 7x, Big Bro, Big OG—are being consolidated under the formal brand of **Charles Paris Music**, but it is still Over Time Grind that powers it all. To the streets and the culture, he remains OTG.

A Visual Archive

The Tone Trump Era & Brand Development

For a decade, Paris was a pivotal strategic partner in the career of artist Tone Trump. Serving as President of his label, Paris was instrumental in shaping his public image, developing impactful marketing plans, and managing road campaigns. Their synergy led to historic achievements, including Tone Trump's role in the blockbuster film *Creed*.^[10] This long-term collaboration was a testament to Paris's ability to build an artist's career from the ground up, blending creative direction with sharp business acumen.

The Beanie Sigel Era & Podcasting Influence

From 2015 to 2020, Paris served as a digital-era consigliere for hip-hop legend Beanie Sigel, guiding his transition into the new media landscape. His role was not of a traditional producer but a master strategist; his ear for production led him to source beats from legendary producers like The Streetrunners,^[11] while his business acumen helped Sigel secure the State Property patent, leading to the group's historic reunion. Often the one behind the camera, documenting history, Paris orchestrated one of the most significant moments in modern media: the Beanie Sigel interviews on the Taxstone podcast.^[4] These interviews became the biggest in the platform's history, sparking a monumental wave that many credit with igniting the urban podcasting boom. His work with Sigel extended to the legendary Bad Boy Reunion Tour, solidifying his role as a key architect behind one of hip-hop's most notable comebacks.

Marketing Innovator & Tech Visionary

A true polymath, Paris's influence extends far beyond the studio. He pioneered digital and street marketing campaigns for brands like City Blue^[12] and Lady Blue, creating viral social media strategies that resulted in massive brand awareness and significant financial gains. His innovative tactics frequently caused his clients to become trending topics on Twitter for weeks at a time. This expertise led him to be a lead contributor at premier industry conferences like Ad:tech,^[5] where he used automation to generate the highest social engagement, shocking organizers who were amazed to learn one person was behind the surge. The CEO of Rocketfuel, recognizing this unique talent, told him his background in maintenance, automation, computers, and music would make him a "fierce competitor."

His A&R work with Grammy Award-winning artists Helen and Terry Bruner^[13] and his sought-after advice for major brands and cultural platforms like The Shaderoom and Akademiks solidify his reputation as a trusted cultural tastemaker. This work, combined with his branding efforts for Revolt TV host DJ Damage on the "Follow The Dream" campaign, cements his status as a forward-thinking tech and marketing strategist.

A Network of Legends

Paris's strategic mind and authentic approach have made him a sought-after partner for influential figures across numerous industries.

Community Engagement & Activism

Deeply committed to his community, Paris's activism is rooted in his Midwest upbringing during the 80s and 90s, shaped by the legacy of the Black Panthers and the impact of events like the Rodney King beating.^[14] This awareness of his role as a Black man in America has fueled his work on the ground. He helped organize "Hands Up Don't Shoot" initiatives in Philadelphia in 2014 and was on the front lines of the 2020 protests on the Vine Street Expressway.^[15] He has organized and participated in numerous clean-up initiatives, worked with local politicians, and engaged in extensive outreach with the Nation of Islam. From 2008-2010, he coached youth basketball and football at the YMCA. On April 30th, 2017, he joined hip-hop artist Freeway for the Kidney Walk in Baltimore, raising awareness for a vital cause.

His activism also extends to the intellectual and cultural spheres. He has conducted powerful interviews with influential figures like Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., political analyst Dr. Wilmer Leon,^[16] and Tariq Nasheed. This drive to foster critical conversations was the impetus for his book, where he pioneered discussions on black consciousness, spirituality, and conspiracy theories, establishing himself as a thought leader in these important dialogues.

Activism Gallery

The Rebirth & The Future

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point. It was during this period of global reset that Paris fully embraced the power of social audio, using Clubhouse to create the "OTG Safe Space." This was more than just a chat room; it was a digital renaissance of the classic radio shows he grew up on, a safe haven for open dialogue on history, conspiracy, and culture. His influence on the platform was so profound that his terminology, like "Rich Rising," was adopted by cultural commentators like Joe Budden, who was unaware of its origin.^[7] This experience was a catalyst, showing him it was time to take the expertise he had used to build others and invest it in his own legacy. This led to the rebranding of his YouTube channel and the foundational work for what will become the **Charles Paris Music Academy**—a media center dedicated to teaching the next wave of musicians not just how to use hardware and software, but how to build and maintain a truly independent career.

Discography

Published Works

Book

Paris is the author of "The Unforgettable Chronicle", a comprehensive synthesis of historical and theological knowledge that provides a unified timeline of human history and cosmic events.

Web Applications

As a self-taught developer, Paris created the Charles Paris Producer Tools suite—over 15 free web apps empowering the creative community. Leveraging AI and modern development practices, his tools at charlesparis.online provide accessible solutions for artists worldwide.

Educational Content

The Future: Charles Paris Music Academy

The success of Paris's in-depth masterclasses, which offer a rare, over-the-shoulder look into his creative process, has evolved into a passion for teaching. He has expanded his coaching style into personalized Zoom classes for producers and songwriters, laying the groundwork for the future **Charles Paris Music Academy**. The academy's mission will be to provide a comprehensive media center that teaches the new wave of musicians not just how to use hardware and software, but how to build and maintain a truly independent and successful music career.

Professional Services

Awards and Recognition

Paris's contributions have been recognized with a Philadelphia Hip Hop Award^[17] and nominations for the Philly Power 30 for five consecutive years, highlighting his sustained impact on the city's cultural and business landscape.

References

1. See section: The Beanie Sigel Era & Podcasting Influence
2. See ASCAP Repertory for a full list of over 300 placements: ASCAP Writer Profile
3. Midwest Ill Muzik Group - ASCAP
4. Black Hand Entertainment - Wikipedia
5. MC Lyte - Wikipedia
6. Ruffhouse Records - Wikipedia
7. Bruce Hawes Biography - Soul Express
8. "Sadie" (song) - Wikipedia
9. "Dear Mama" by 2Pac - Wikipedia
10. Creed (film) - Wikipedia
11. The Streetrunners - Wikipedia
12. City Blue Official Website
13. Philadelphia International Records
14. Rodney King - Wikipedia
15. Vine Street Expressway - Wikipedia
16. Dr. Wilmer Leon Official Website
17. See image: Philadelphia Hip Hop Award