Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Kidd.
Hi Shane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would describe myself as a polymath, a person who has a wide range of learning. My story is about the intersectionality of faith, hip hop, sociology, creativity, and mental health advocacy, especially in the African-American context. Although I don’t exclusively work with the African American community, my aim through my music and work as a counselor is to advocate and transform my community. I am a hip-hop artist who is an advocate for mental health. I began rapping in high school and became serious about myself as a musician in college. My first album, “Student of Life,” was released in 2010, and “Learn to Live,” my second, in 2013. 2010 was a pivotal year for me as Shane Kidd, the musician, and Shane Kidd, the person. In addition to releasing two albums, I’ve performed with Christian artists such as Lecrae and Andy Mineo.
Shortly after releasing my first album and graduating with a B. A. in sociology from the University of North Texas, I moved to Atlanta for an opportunity to impact lives by helping to lead a church plant called Blueprint. Around 2015, I stepped away from the music scene because of the toll that it can have on you, but I continued in the work of helping people. Although I enjoyed what I was doing, I felt dissatisfied and experienced some depression during 2016-2018 as I tried to find my passion again. It wasn’t until 2020, after going through therapy, that I rediscovered my love for music. I began writing again and focused my writing on helping people find the courage to confront themselves and the world around them. I want my music to allow people to experience purpose and meaning, transforming their pain because, after all, “pain that is not transformed gets transmitted,” and counseling is a means of transforming that pain. While I am writing this, I am getting ready to graduate with my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and release my latest album “Good mourning,” which will be on all streaming platforms on May 19, 2022.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has not been smooth. My first album was received with mixed reviews and gave me an uphill battle as a music artist. My life in Atlanta had me looking for a job in an economic recession for almost a year as I hoped the music would pay more. While I eventually found a steady job for a time, I had to navigate a few fights with depressive seasons of life. I doubted myself and my potential to do anything useful. What hurt the most was pretending to be okay because I did not want pity. I was trying to look like I had it all together while falling apart inside. My pain was transmitting into how I managed relationships, feeling I had to be in control of every situation.
In 2019, I experienced a broken engagement, which led me to spend some time in therapy. It honestly took me a bit of time to find a therapist who was a good fit, which helped motivate me to pursue a career as a counselor. I wanted others to have an easier time finding a Black Male therapist to help them process their challenges and pain, something the black community knows all too well. Therapy was a revival moment for me; that time to process my life made me understand I’m valuable with all my complexities, and it inspired me to make music again.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
You could call me a conscious rapper. And when you hear I’m a Hip Hop artist, I feel like it’s easy for people to respond like “Okay, cool” because there are so many artists out there. It’s not until people hear the music that they are like, “Okay, you’re something different.” Those who enjoy my music have described me as doing a great job of smoothly progressing with thought, story, and metaphors while still being interesting. I consider myself someone who will stand out in the music because I’m willing to say what is not being said as frequently. My content is lyrical with social commentary, spiritual dialogue, mental health reflections, and personal insight.
My album “Good Mourning” is about how change can feel like the death of who you once were. Loss is heavy, especially when it affects your identity. You have to grieve and heal as you adjust to the new normal of who you are. My losses and pain transformed me into a different person, and I had to take time to process that. I initially thought recovery was about recapturing my past self before the pain but I learned it was about accepting my present self. I don’t have to be 2019 Shane Kidd to feel alive, 2022 is the best version of me today, and I’m thriving. I want the album to be a conversation starter about mental health and doing the internal growth work. I hope this album encourages people to know that while healing may feel like forever, be kind to yourself in the forever space.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Getting to wear was not a solo effort. I’m grateful for the people who have refined me as a person and artist. Charlene, my wife, has been a day one support since she met me. I have to credit one of my music mentors, Sho Baraka, for helping me learn how to be a good and faithful storyteller. Erinn Knight and Matt St. Fleur of BYOD (Build Your Own Dreams) for helping to know my brand as an artist. I’m thankful for my therapist helping me rediscover I am enough regardless of my complexities. I am also grateful to my Grad School, Richmont Graduate University, for teaching me about the world of mental health and counseling. I have lot more people I could name, but the list would be too long. I’m thankful for my friends who have believed in and supported my dreams and inspired me to be great.
Pricing:
- Speaking Engagements: $150
- Guest verse: $200
Contact Info:
- Email: shanekidd214@gmail.com
- Website: www.shanekidd86.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanekidd86/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanekidd86
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaneKidd86
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRXz3oD61OnBRoJKGWQWkIQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0UdYqgh9lUSJSkFvtb36Xi?si=53TPx5u2SJaL4xTni0pX_w
Image Credits
Zach Thomas and James L. Morgan
