So, let’s talk about the man behind the mic and the business empire—Vlad. You’ve probably heard of VladTV, that go-to source for all things hip-hop news and street-level gossip. Yeah, that was his brainchild. Vlad, the DJ and sharp-minded businessman, is best known as the founder and CEO of VladTV, a platform that really changed the game when it comes to urban media content. But wait—it doesn’t stop there. He also stepped into the director’s chair, helming the BET documentary series American Gangster, which gave viewers an inside look at some of the most intense stories from the streets. Oh, and did you know he co-created the mixtape Rap Phenomenon? That project got serious praise and cemented his influence beyond just online interviews.
Now, before all the fame and flashing lights, Vlad was building a completely different kind of foundation. He actually graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in computer science—yes, the same guy who now sits across from rappers and gangsters once coded for a living. After school, he worked as a computer programmer and even launched a staffing company called GigaStaff, showing off those entrepreneurial chops way before VladTV blew up. Pretty impressive pivot, right?
Oh, and fun fact: his real name? Vladimir Lyubovny. He was born in Kiev, Ukraine, which gives him that international edge, and later made his way to New York City—specifically New York, New York—where he really started shaping his path. So whether you call him Vlad, Vladimir, or just the guy who brought raw street narratives to mainstream screens, one thing’s clear: Vlad has built something powerful, one interview at a time.
Back in 2010, he made a notable appearance by lending his voice to the popular Adult Swim cartoon The Boondocks, which really helped boost his visibility. Since then, he’s continued building his presence online—VladTV, known for his engaging content, has amassed over 950,000 followers on Instagram. He definitely knows how to connect with his audience, and that’s part of what makes him stand out. He’s been consistent, and honestly, it shows in the numbers. He’s built something impressive, and he’s still going strong.