Today we’d like to introduce you to Lloyd Mcintosh.
Hi Lloyd, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
LAM — OFFICIAL PRESS KIT BIO
Executive Producer • Multi‑Platinum Media Architect • Utah Hip Hop Gatekeeper
Lloyd A. McIntosh Jr., professionally known as LAM, stands as one of the most influential figures in Utah’s Hip Hop and broadcast landscape. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, he emerged from humble beginnings to become a multi‑platinum producer, executive media architect, radio gatekeeper, and cultural powerhouse whose impact spans more than two decades.
LAM’s story begins at age ten, when his mother broke his Too Short cassette and replaced it with a Christian rap tape. That moment sparked a duality that shaped his artistic identity — the raw honesty of street music fused with the uplifting spirit of positive Hip Hop. At age twelve, he entered Karl Malone’s recording studio with the group Hype C, experiencing his first professional session. That same year, he delivered his first solo performance at Liberty Park, igniting a lifelong commitment to music and culture.
Over the next twenty‑plus years, LAM became a defining force in Utah’s Hip Hop scene. He performed alongside legendary acts including Method Man, Slick Rick, Scarface, Mac Dre, Ice Cube, Tech N9ne, Bubba Sparxxx, Ying Yang Twins, Baby Bash, Pitbull, T.I., D12, Bone Thugs‑n‑Harmony, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, and many more. He rocked over 1,000 shows, commanded crowds of 10,000+, performed at the 2004 Winter Olympics, and held down the Vans Warped Tour for six consecutive years. His group Expression was voted #1 Hip Hop Group in the SLC City Weekly Slammys, and his music reached Microsoft Xbox, national television, and major streaming platforms.
Beyond the stage, LAM reshaped Utah radio from the inside out. With 26 years at Cumulus Media, he became one of the longest‑tenured producers in the Salt Lake City broadcast market. Google identifies him as a “Cumulus Media Powerhouse,” highlighting his mastery of technical production, automated programming, audio compliance, and multi‑station control. His imaging, sweeps, IDs, liners, and commercial production have powered stations including B98.7, KBER 101, Power 94.9, KUBL 93.3, 860 KKAT, ALT 101.9, KRCL 90.9, U92 FM, 94.9 The Vibe, and more than 20 stations nationwide.
LAM programmed and produced several of Utah’s most iconic radio shows, including The Friday Night Fall Out, TNT Tuesdays & Thursdays, The Friday Turn Up, The Local Vibe, and his flagship platform The 801 Takeoff. Google calls him “The Gatekeeper of the 801” — the curator who bridges underground talent with mainstream FM radio. Through The 801 Takeoff, LAM has broken countless independent artists into commercial rotation, including Stella StandingBear, whose feature Google described as a “prime‑time spin” that injected Native American Hip Hop into Utah’s mainstream airwaves.
As CEO and founder of Self Expression Music (SEM), LAM built one of Utah’s most respected independent Hip Hop labels. He has produced records featuring Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, T.I., D12, Ying Yang Twins, Bone Thugs‑n‑Harmony, Miron Glass (Tony! Toni! Toné!), Blackalicious, Mr. Shadow, and more. His project The Lam & Grins Collection earned national acclaim, with the single “Oh God” reaching #1 on college radio for two straight months, surpassing major artists such as Nas and Lupe Fiasco.
LAM’s business acumen extends far beyond music. He architected sponsorship deals with Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Mitsubishi, Redbull, Monster Energy, SHURE, Kangol, Skullcandy, Empathetix Wellness, and others. He built SEM’s entire digital ecosystem — website, e‑commerce, SEO, branding — and grew an organic network of 300k+ followers, achieving full Meta monetization and passing all audits. His studio produces “Ready‑to‑Air” audio, video, and film assets for artists, brands, and broadcasters.
A man of faith and purpose, LAM has spent over 20 years mentoring inner‑city youth, teaching positive Hip Hop, media production, and community leadership. His influence reaches far beyond entertainment — he is a cultural architect who has shaped Utah’s music ecosystem from the streets to the corporate broadcast boards.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was far from smooth. LAM’s journey into Hip Hop began in the 1990s, a time when the culture in Utah was still developing and often misunderstood. Coming from an Irish, Spanish, English, and Native American background — and being a white artist in a predominantly Black genre — he faced barriers that had nothing to do with talent and everything to do with perception.
In those early years, industry gatekeepers often made assumptions before ever meeting him. Labels, promoters, and executives would schedule meetings expecting someone completely different. More than once, people openly admitted, “Wow, I thought you were Black,” revealing the bias and disbelief that someone from Utah — and someone who looked like him — could authentically contribute to Hip Hop.
Instead of letting those moments discourage him, LAM used them as fuel. He doubled down on his craft, his authenticity, and his respect for the culture. He worked harder, produced more, performed more, and proved himself through consistency, skill, and integrity. Over time, the same industry that doubted him became the industry that relied on him — for production, for radio programming, for breaking artists, and for building platforms that didn’t exist before.
His struggle wasn’t just about being accepted; it was about breaking stereotypes, earning trust, and showing that Hip Hop is a global culture that welcomes anyone willing to put in the work, honor the roots, and contribute something real.
As you know, we’re big fans of Self Expression Music LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Self Expression Music (SEM) is the multimedia engine built and led by Lloyd “LAM” McIntosh Jr., and it has become one of Utah’s most influential independent entertainment brands. Founded in 1999, SEM operates as a full‑service record label, production studio, media architecture hub, and artist development platform. What began as a small independent Hip Hop label has evolved into a multi‑disciplinary powerhouse known for world‑class audio engineering, radio‑ready production, digital content creation, and artist elevation.
SEM specializes in high‑fidelity audio and video production, broadcast‑quality imaging, studio recording, mixing and mastering, visual branding, web architecture, and full content delivery for artists, companies, and radio networks. LAM is known for producing “Ready‑to‑Air” assets — meaning everything that leaves his studio is polished, formatted, and immediately usable for radio, streaming, television, or digital platforms.
What sets SEM apart is its combination of industry‑level quality and grassroots authenticity. LAM has produced records featuring major artists such as Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, T.I., D12, Ying Yang Twins, Bone Thugs‑n‑Harmony, Blackalicious, and more — while simultaneously breaking and developing local talent through platforms like The 801 Takeoff on 92.5 The Beat. Google identifies him as “The Gatekeeper of the 801” because SEM and LAM have become the bridge between Utah’s underground scene and mainstream commercial radio.
Brand‑wise, LAM is most proud of SEM’s reputation for consistency, integrity, and results. The label has produced multiple #1 nationwide singles, earned a #1 college radio hit for two straight months, and built an organic digital network of over 300,000 followers — all without corporate backing. SEM has also secured sponsorships with Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Mitsubishi, Redbull, Monster Energy, SHURE, Kangol, Skullcandy, and other major brands, proving that independent creators can operate at a national level.
Beyond the music, SEM is a community‑driven organization. LAM has spent more than 20 years mentoring inner‑city youth, teaching positive Hip Hop, media production, and creative entrepreneurship. The brand stands for empowerment, authenticity, and excellence — showing artists that they can build their own platforms, own their work, and create opportunities that didn’t exist before.
For readers, the heart of SEM is simple:
It’s a homegrown Utah brand delivering national‑level production, breaking new artists, elevating the culture, and proving that independent voices can lead the industry.
And for artists looking to get involved with 92.5 The Beat’s 801 Takeoff, LAM welcomes submissions and inquiries at selfexpressionmusic1@gmail.com.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Growing up in Utah gives a person a unique perspective on how much the culture has changed over the years. LAM has toured across the United States, performing in major cities from California to New York, and those experiences helped him realize something important: Utah is far more of a melting pot than people give it credit for. The diversity, the acceptance, and the way people embrace differences here has grown tremendously, and he loves that about his home state.
What LAM appreciates most is the balance Utah offers. Unlike fast‑paced markets like Los Angeles or New York — where everything can feel rough, rushed, and competitive — Utah has a slower, more grounded energy. It’s a place where you can breathe, build, and raise a family without losing your connection to culture. As a father, that means everything to him. His son, Silas, is now a Christian rapper who has already performed at the Maverik Center, Valley Fair Mall, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Utah gave him the space to grow, to express himself, and to find his own lane.
LAM often describes Utah as “family‑oriented with an edge.” The people here love Hip Hop, they support local talent, and they show up for artists in a way that feels genuine. The community is strong, the culture is evolving, and the city continues to surprise him with how open and supportive it has become.
As for what he likes least — it’s simply that Utah is still growing into its identity. There are moments where the city feels on the verge of something bigger, and he wishes certain parts of the industry would move faster or embrace change more boldly. But even that is part of the charm: Utah is a place becoming something new, and LAM is proud to be one of the people helping shape that evolution.
Pricing:
- contact Self Expression Music for more information at selfexpressionmusic1@gmail.com or visit selfexpressionmusic.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selfexpressionmusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/selfexpressionmusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/selfexpressionmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/selfexpressionmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/self-expression-music
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@selfexpressionmusic
