David L Thornton

David L Thornton (born 13 February 1976), popularly known as David L, is an American entrepreneur. He is the founder of Respect Da Grind Entertainment, one of the leading production houses that signed a worldwide distribution deal via KMG/The Orchard & Sony Music. Thornton is also a member of the RDG Music Group that is now under the Rockboy Records and D/R Period.
Thornton in his career has worked with entertainers & entertainment companies across the country like Megatron, Fetty Wap, Tony Anderson, 50 Cent, Joell Ortiz Shady/Aftermath (Slaughter House), Mario, Angela Yee, Hot 97, D Block Records, Juelz Santana and Designer “Kenny Woods” to name a few. 
==Early life and education==
Thornton was born on February 13, 1976, in Harlem, NY. He grew up with his brother in the Bronx and Brooklyn, NY, and was with both of his siblings by the time they reached Jersey. He completed his high school education at Monroe Township in Jamesburg, NJ. He also attended Martin Luther King and Edison High School. 
While growing up, Thornton was vastly inclined towards the entertainment industry, and to have better exposure, he would attend seminars and network with the who’s who working in the music industry. Thornton was a part of various street teams such as Atlantic Records & J/RCA/Jive under the Zomba Group. 
During this time, he decided to go to acting school and attended CUNY in NYC and later received an associate's degree from Middlesex County College, Edison, NJ. While pursuing his education, Thornton appeared on MTV's Direct Effect & TRL, the HBO Series OZ, the “You Don't Know Me” video by the late Black Rob, and movies such as Down To Earth and Step It Up 3D.
==Career==
Thornton started his career in 2007 when he established Respect Da Grind Entertainment, a renowned production house. He then hosted the very first show in 2009 via Violator Management with their Who's Next Talent Search. A year later, Thornton coordinated and found talent for the NYC 5 Borough Stop the Violence Tour with Thisis50 & G Unit. In 2011, Respect Da Grind Entertainment obtained music distribution via E1 Entertainment. For the next three years, Thornton hosted the Promotional Tour Stops for Maino & The Mafia, Fred the Godson, and a Human Album Tour for Joell Ortiz & ILL Mind.
In 2016, Thornton became an iheartmedia marketing representative working under Angelo Rojas and Sergio via Allentown, PA. A year later he co-founded an annual New New York Music Festival with Jamel Stribling, professionally known as DJ Melod. For the year 2018, Thornton worked as a talent scout for Atlantic Records via Yaasiel "Success" Davis alongside Shanae “Squeaky” Monroe.
In 2019, Respect Da Grind Entertainment signed worldwide distribution with KMG via The Orchard & Sony Music. In the same year, he also formed the RDG Music Group with Jason Williams (J Thuro aka J Willz) and Bertram Payne (IamBornKing aka Born King). Two years later this group released its first single titled “Federal Indictment” by Gato Delgado & IamBornKing. This single music video appeared on BET Jams, MTV Yo, and various video shows nationwide. It also aired on Power 105 NY, Shade 45, Rock The Bells Radio, Hot 97 NY, 98.5 FM in Philly, 94.5 FM in Boston. 
In 2021, RDG Music Group signed distribution with Multi-Platinum & Grammy Nominated Producer D/R Period & Rockboy Records via The Orchard & Sony. In May 2022, RDG Music Group will release “Federal Indictment Remix aka FI2,” featuring Maino.
 
==Awards==
* 2004: Bright Future Award
* 2015: True Visionary Award
==Gallery==
==References==
==External links==
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Category:1976 births
Category:American entrepreneurs
Category:American people
Category:People from Harlem