The Laboratory Celebrates Kickoff in South LA
*Southern California is about to welcome a new hub for music and creativity, thanks to Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer James Fauntleroy.
Today (08-26-25), Fauntleroy lead the ceremonial kickoff for The Laboratory, a new creative space designed to empower artists, producers, and songwriters.
Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting, the event will feature a symbolic sledgehammer swing to mark the start of renovations.
The launch celebration highlights a major investment in workforce development and creative industry jobs in South Los Angeles. More than just a studio, The Laboratory represents a long-term commitment to developing local talent and strengthening LA’s cultural economy.
Fauntleroy will be joined by city leaders, industry executives, and nonprofit partners who are working together to shape opportunities for the next generation of music creators.
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What The Laboratory Will Offer
The Laboratory is designed as a collaborative hub for creatives of all kinds. Artists, producers, and songwriters will have access to a space that fosters innovation, mentorship, and professional growth. The facility expands on the mission of 1500 Sound Academy, the music education institution Fauntleroy co-founded in 2018 with producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson and entrepreneur Twila True.
Through the academy, Fauntleroy has already provided training in music production, songwriting, and industry essentials like studio etiquette and branding. The Laboratory takes this vision a step further, offering a dedicated creative space that connects professional development with real-world opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Described as an extension of Fauntleroy’s commitment to supporting the next generation, The Laboratory will serve as a launchpad for emerging talent in South LA, with a direct link to the city’s thriving creative economy.
James Fauntleroy: Grammy Winner and Mentor
James Fauntleroy’s influence in music is undeniable. A four-time Grammy winner, he has co-written global hits like Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like,” which earned Song of the Year and Best R&B Song in 2018, and Justin Timberlake’s “Pusher Love Girl,” winner of Best R&B Song in 2014. He also co-wrote eight of nine tracks on Mars’ Album of the Year-winning 24K Magic.
Beyond Mars and Timberlake, Fauntleroy’s credits include work with Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and countless others. His versatility and artistry have made him one of the most respected songwriters in the industry. Now, with The Laboratory, he is channeling his success into community empowerment, ensuring that young creatives in Los Angeles have resources to thrive.
“The Laboratory is about more than music—it’s about opportunity,” Fauntleroy has said in past interviews. His mission is clear: to give back to the community that raised him and to help others navigate the often difficult path into the entertainment industry.
Speakers and Community Leaders at the Kickoff
The Laboratory’s kickoff celebration included remarks from influential figures in government, culture, and the creative industries. The lineup underscores the project’s broad coalition of support across Los Angeles:
- James Fauntleroy, Founder, The Laboratory
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
- LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson (tentative)
- Jason Foster, President, Destination Crenshaw
- Nicole Hendrix, Co-Founder, BRIC Foundation
- Ri-Karlo Handy, Founder, The Handy Foundation
- Jermaine Hampton, VP, Workforce Development, LAEDC
- Kelly LoBianco, Director, LA County Department of Economic Opportunity
- Gary Smith, FILM LA
This diverse roster reflects The Laboratory’s mission: combining creative innovation with workforce development and community impact.
Why The Laboratory Matters for South LA
South Los Angeles has long been a hub of cultural creativity, but access to industry resources hasn’t always matched the level of talent in the community. The Laboratory aims to change that by providing both a physical space and a support network for aspiring professionals. It represents a bridge between the city’s rich cultural history and its growing creative economy.
The initiative also aligns with broader goals of workforce development, giving young people real-world skills that can lead to sustainable careers in entertainment. By bringing together city leaders, nonprofit organizations, and music industry veterans, The Laboratory is poised to become a cornerstone of LA’s cultural and economic future.
With the ceremonial sledgehammer swing, James Fauntleroy and his partners are not just launching a building—they’re building a legacy of opportunity, creativity, and community empowerment in LA/Inglewood and beyond.
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