With the emergence of the innovative new Down South Books, a subsidiary of Down South Entertainment Empire, CEO and Founder Derrick Handspike brings a new paradigm to the publishing game. Boasting a myriad of compelling new titles slated for release in 2009, including Power of Love: The Andre Rison Story That Remembers The Late Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes, Invested Housewives: Marrying Rich Can Be a Bitch by Sheree' Whitfield (Real Housewives of Atlanta), Katt Williams’ imminent comedic tome, and many more, Down South Books is poised to become and remain a powerful force in the publishing for years to come.
With worldwide distribution capabilities, Down South Books has an expansive network of global wholesale accounts to ensure that its high-demand properties are delivered expeditiously to the masses. With distribution partners such as Atlas Books, The Distributors, Starbury Corporation and others, Down South Books’ titles are made available in major retailers and independent bookstores throughout the country. Down South Books has also established online and overseas distribution.
Derrick Handspike: Founder and CEO, Down South Books Handspike is a renowned hip-hop music producer and executive, best known for working with popular music acts including Goodie Mob, Ghetto Mafia, R&B sensation Silk, and a host of others. Handspike credits his limitless contacts and resources in the entertainment industry to his firm 15 years of expertise in the business. Now turning his attention to the literary world, he is now cultivating his reputation as a respected author and book publisher. Under the umbrella of Down South Entertainment Empire, Handspike also recently started an internet company called EntertainmentRWe.com , a social networking site that lives by the mantra, "Where Future Stars Get Plugged In, and the Business World of Entertainment Meets." The site has been credited as "MySpace meets YouTube", providing services for people who are serious about breaking into the entertainment industry. He also co-owns Xtra Point Records and Films and has several music and film production projects due for release in 2009. Handspike resides in Atlanta.
Yusef Hoard: CTO/COO, Down South Books Hoard is a long-standing business partner of Derrick Handspike’s. Following obtaining his BS in Electrical Engineering, he had a successful career working for some of the largest Telecom and Engineering companies in the nation.
Joseph Lovett, Strategic Business Partner, Down South Books Lovett is a respected entrepreneur and successful real estate guru with experienced success in the entertainment world and the foresight to identify the inherent value of the Down South Books publishing empire.
