We caught up with the brilliant and insightful KJ Ricketts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
KJ , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I try my best to network with other musicians and artists when they have shows or events. It allows me to be more aware of the current state of our culture. Sometimes, I find myself getting discouraged and thinking that some of my work is outdated or boring. So to keep my mind fresh, I venture out to outside festivities, the internet, and books. I also get inspiration from many apps such as Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and BeHance.
I make an effort to call on my fellow creatives for help or just a conversation to help motivate me. If it has anything to do with music, I try to pull inspiration from my favorite producers such as The Alchemist, Tyler the Creator, Kanye West, Dez Wright, 9th Wonder, and more. I also take the time to study new sounds and artist. I venture into many genres of music other than hip hop and R&B to gain different perspectives and fresh takes on music today.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an entrepreneur and beatmaker named Kilo from Delaware that currently resides in Georgia. I’ve been heavily involved with music since a child and have been performing since 2nd grade as a drummer. I took my passion for drumming further by becoming captain of my drumline from middle to high school, as well as being in orchestral and jazz band. Since then, I’ve converted that passion into producing, songwriting, and rapping. I’ve always been inspired by my dad who is a Christian rapper, John the Baptist. He writes, sings, raps, records, engineers, and produce his own music. So I followed in his footsteps and made songs for him and myself.
Super producers such as Timbaland, The Neptunes, and Kanye West made me want to take music seriously. I love hip hop/rap music and drew inspiration from The Alchemist, Ye, and 9th Wonder in regards to sampling and chopping soul samples. I’m currently working on a project that exudes their sound, but I’ve added my own spark to it.
On the flip side, I have been investing most of my time in my brand COPE; Continuing Our Personal Evolution. It’s a mental health platform in the works that promotes black minority mental health with a creative twist. I plan on partnering with other organizations to help create events, art, media, and products to help our communities become more self aware and thrive in their environment. I aim to inspire those though my music and other forms of art.
I’m currently in the works of producing candles that includes QR codes that have corresponding playlists, frequencies, and guided meditations for our members. The goal is to be the hub for a plethora of black creatives, from artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who aim to heal and influence the culture. I also have monthly subscription boxes in the works that will include art by black creatives, as well as products from black owned businesses. I plan on making COPE worldwide and the main platform for black people to trust and gain knowledge and resources.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Empathy, confidence, and leadership skills are what helped propel me forward. Working in customer service and participating in community service made me more passionate to help others to my fullest extent. This is integral in my brand, being as though no matter what age, color, or gender, everyone has emotions and ways to explore their mental health. I am able to empathize with those who relate to me, as well as those who are different from me.
Confidence has been an upward battle due to the constant pressures and critiques from society. However, you have to have confidence in yourself in order for people to believe in you. I’m not always perfect in displaying confidence, however, I always see positive results when I show up for myself and know my worth.
Leadership is extremely vital; especially in business. Bad management and leadership can run a business straight to the ground. I’m proud of myself for the jobs I have been blessed with to manage as well as leading my own. I believe it is my strongest skill. I find creative ways to drive employee morale and make work fun and rewarding.
The best advice I can give on developing these skills are to put yourself out there for the world to see knowing that someone is interested in you. I’ve always stood by the mantra of “What belongs to you will simply find you.” Instead of worrying about views, likes, shares, etc., remember why you started it and know that your vision will reach those willing to see it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am constantly looking for creatives and entrepreneurs to help build and expand my brand with. I am looking for intelligent, driven, and business minded people who excel in art in all forms, business ethics, event planning, mental health advocates, and musicians/producers. I plan on having my platform reach millions and would love a helping hand to help promote the vitality of mental health.
If you believe that is you, you can reach me via email at kjanellebusiness@gmail.com. You can also find me on IG: damnkilo.wav
Contact Info:
- Instagram: damnkilo.wav
