Mike The Profit

Michael “Profit The Problem” Strong has been in the industry for more than 15 years. Strong has been featured in multiple films, commercials, and movies such as Magic Magic Chocolate City, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and more. In 2021, Strong co-produced season one of the BET series All The Queens Men. The show was produced by Tyler Perry Studios and highlights the lifestyle of Marilyn “Madam” DeVille, portrayed by fashion model and television personality Eva Marcille. The series also shines a light on exotic male dancers. Strong was transparent in his interview with The Official Black Magazine about how his years as an exotic male dancer contributed to the successful storyline.

Jackson What is the objective of exotic male dancing and the biggest misconception? Strong

We move our hips, we skit. We tap into the souls of women. You have to give women something that they want. Giving women something was my biggest draw. I contributed insights into the different personalities of women. I went to school to be a psychologist. For some women, male exotics are therapy. I know women that set aside budgets for male exotics. Being called a male stripper is quite

MIKE STRONG TALKS CO-PRODUCING SEASON ONE OF ALL THE QUEENS MEN AND HIS LIFE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A MALE EXOTIC.

written by NaShaye Jackson

disrespectful because it’s not that.

Jackson How was co-producing a show that displays the idea of dominion over men?

Strong

Well, I wouldn’t say it’s dominion over men. It’s a fabricated show about what that type of “life” is. I really know what it’s like in all facets. I know real madams, and because I knew what was needed, I got the majority of the entertainers. I gave the production the real deal, an inside look. When the project was brought to me, the storyline was initially wrong, but they had the idea. Once I let them into the male exotic world, that’s when they started to change a lot of stuff.

Jackson What makes Mike Strong feel complacent? Strong

The only thing that could make a person like myself feel complacent is getting comfortable. Honestly, it’s not my nature to feel complacent. Because I always keep my feet moving. One of my coaches told me, “to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” You have to be continually evolving. Continually reinvent yourself. Growth is not comfortable. Do you think a butterfly just magically became a butterfly? No, there were some sacrifices.

Jackson How has the industry changed you? What has been your most significant discovery? Strong

In this evolution of 16 years, I can say the way that it’s changed me is it opened my eyes to people. I learned that everyone is not your friend. I’ve learned that people want what they want when they want it. I’ve learned that the person to believe in is yourself. At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, no one gives a crap about your family as much as you do. No one gives a crap about you as much as you do. Another quote I’m familiar with is, “if you’re a friend of everybody, you’re an enemy to yourself.”

Jackson What’s the ultimate goal for you? Strong

One of my ultimate goals is to build an entertainment empire. When I say entertainment, I mean music, movies, and productions. My goal is to tell the lives of people. We didn’t start with slavery. It’s a shame that I found out about someone like Mansa Musa in my thirties. My goal is to tell true stories of people of color.