American music executive Johnny Marines has vehemently denied any affiliation with Flip2DAO and an alleged real estate ponzi scheme. Real estate “flipping” company, Flip2DAO has recently been named in legal complaints accusing named individuals, including radio host DJ Envy, of running a real estate Ponzi scheme and bilking thousands from complainants. Further investigation by SOHH reveals an apparent connection with Marines listing Flip2DAO as one of his companies as recently as November 2022.
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In a Cease & Desist letter to SOHH dated August 4th, Attorney Henry Marines, Esq, categorically denied Johnny Marines’ involvement in Flip2DAO and any affiliation with the alleged fraudulent activities of the company. Recent legal allegations against Flip2DAO accuse DJ Envy, Cesar Pina, and Jennifer Pina, of participating in a fraudulent scheme through the real estate flipping business, Flip2DAO.
DJ Envy maintains in a counter-complaint that he was himself a victim of the Pinas and not a co-defendent. Marines is listed as a “co-founder” of Flip2DAO on the official website along with DJ Envy.
In the strongly worded statement to SOHH, the attorney for Marines called his client’s involvement “fabricated.”
“This information is entirely fabricated and has no basis in truth. Our client has never participated in FLIP 2DAO, nor does he have any affiliation with the company or its activities.”
Despite the denial, the current website for Flip2DAO still refers to Johnny Marines as a “co-founder” alongside DJ Envy. Additionally, an archived version of Johnny Marines’ official site from September 2022 shows Flip2DAO listed as one of Marines’ companies. The Flip2DAO logo appears to have been removed sometime after November 2022.
This contradiction raises questions about Marines’ involvement level and the veracity of his denial.
Johnny Marines is an American music executive and serial entrepreneur as well as a 3x Billboard LATIN POWER PLAYER according to his Instagram. His official website currently includes a list of his companies including Ikonic Books, a restaurant called Lit21, and a supplement company, SupGrade. Flip2DAO is not currently listed, though the logo appeared in earlier versions of the “Companies” page.
Updated by Kynedei Hobbs on August 23rd, 2023.
DJ Envy, along with his business partners Cesar Pina, Jennifer Pina, and Johnny Marines, faces another lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges their involvement in a real estate Ponzi scheme. The total amount in question is a staggering $1.5 million.
The saga began in July 2023 when two real estate investors, Barone and Martini, filed a lawsuit against DJ Envy and his associates. The investors claimed to have been ripped off, with their funds allegedly going toward the fraudulent scheme orchestrated by the defendants.
Seeking justice and restitution, Barone and Martini demanded a return on their investment, plus damages. As the legal battle unfolded, a shocking development emerged in August 2023.
DJ Envy revealed that he had fallen victim to the same scam he was accused of perpetuating. Court filings indicated that he had been scammed out of $500,000 by the Pinas, yet he continued to promote their “business” despite the betrayal.
In an attempt to distance himself from the scandal, DJ Envy claimed he had no affiliation with the Taylor Apartments LLC, which the Pinas own. However, a recorded phone call of Envy’s contradicted his statement. In the call, he can be heard referring to Cesar as his partner, suggesting a deeper involvement than he initially disclosed.
He states, “…Cesar, which is my partner, which affected me…”
Raashaun Casey on call with business partner TheCreditDude saying he was Cesar’s partner 🤦🏾♂️😂 pic.twitter.com/RzKNchzPRo
— Tony “The Closer” Robinson (@tonythecloser_) August 2, 2023
Currently, neither the Pinas nor Johnny Marines have publicly addressed the lawsuit. Their silence has only fueled speculation surrounding their culpability in the alleged Ponzi scheme. This ongoing legal battle remains a developing story, and further updates are expected in the future.
Updated by Kynedei Hobbs on August 3rd, 2023
DJ Envy is facing allegations of involvement in a real estate Ponzi scheme along with author Cesar Pina, his wife Jennifer Pina, and musician Johnny Marines. The Breakfast Club host is a named partner in their real estate business, Flip 2 DAO, where investors claim DJ Envy and Pina disappeared with nearly $1.5 million invested in an apartment project. Now, investors Anthony Barone and Anthony Martini have filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the alleged scam.
In 2018, DJ Envy, one of the hosts of The Breakfast Club, discussed his partnership with Cesar and Jennifer Pina. He mentioned their activity of purchasing undervalued Paterson homes and flipping or renting them.
The following year, DJ Envy and Pina pitched the idea of Taylor Apartments to Barone and Martini. Martini received documents, including a stock purchase agreement, for acquiring a 25 percent stake in the project, while the rest was allocated to Angela Pina.
The company promises investors opportunities to own vetted real estate properties below market value and earn passive income. According to the lawsuit, Martini’s investment covered cost overruns and early operating expenses, with the project being funded by $2.5 million from Jennifer and $3.5 million in construction financing.
Barone later invested $500,000 for a 12.5 percent stake in the project. However, the Pinas allegedly forged Martini’s signature and failed to provide clear updates on the construction progress.
Furthermore, Barone was convinced by the Pinas to invest $300,000 in another business venture involving fractional ownership. Despite these investments, there has been no communication from DJ Envy or the Pinas to address the concerns of their investors.
The lawsuit filed by Barone and Martini seeks compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages against DJ Envy and Pina. As of now, this is an ongoing investigation into the allegations of running a real estate Ponzi. scheme.
According to a report in October 2020, DJ Envy was promoting the same real estate business on a webinar.
In 2022, Lupe Fiasco faced backlash from fans claiming his NFT “hustle” was a scam. Additionally, the renowned fashion brand SHEIN faced a lawsuit alleging involvement in a federal infringement scheme, further highlighting the prevalence of such scams within various industries.
