Today we’d like to introduce you to King Sonic
Hi King, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Who is King Sonic?
In a quiet neighborhood in Largo, Maryland, the street was alive with energy. A crowd gathered, their shouts echoing as they placed bets on an unlikely race. On one side stood a 17-year-old athlete, tall and muscular, aptly nicknamed “Turbo” for his blazing speed. On the other side was me, a skinny 14-year-old who had never raced before.
My friend Marco nudged me, his eyes steady with belief. “You got this,” his nod seemed to say. I wasn’t so sure. Turbo was a legend in this neighborhood, a force of nature. But there I was, far from home, about to face him in a showdown.
We lined up, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. “On your mark, get set, go!”
The world blurred. I ran with everything in me, feet pounding the pavement like thunder. Turbo was fast, but that day, I was faster. When I crossed the finish line ahead of him, the crowd erupted in disbelief. A new champion was born. From that moment, I wasn’t just another kid; I was Sonic.
But Marco’s belief in me wasn’t new. It had been there since the first week of middle school. I was sitting in the gym, drumming a rhythm on the floor with my fists, freestyling lyrics under my breath. My makeshift beat caught his attention. He walked over, introduced himself, and asked, “Want to start a band?”
I didn’t hesitate. That question marked the start of a friendship that would shape my life.
Music became my playground. I taught myself to play piano and keyboard, joined the choir, and fell in love with the rich harmonies of gospel and the precision of classical music. I dabbled in percussion—though that experiment ended in chaos—and let my curiosity guide me through countless genres and sounds.
Then came a pivotal day that changed everything. I was sitting in a Narcotics Anonymous meeting with my father, who was battling drug addiction. Amid the stories of struggle, my father stood up and recited a poem. His words hung in the air, raw and powerful. I looked around and saw people leaning forward, tears brimming in their eyes.
In that moment, I understood the power of words. I didn’t know if I could ever match my father’s presence, but I was certain of one thing: I wanted to use my voice to move people, to inspire them, and to leave an impact they’d never forget.
And so, King Sonic was born—not just a name, but a journey of discovery, music, and purpose.
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?
Throughout my career as an artist, hurdles and challenges have been constant companions. Coming from the DMV—Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia—it’s no secret that the path to mainstream success is steep. Few artists from our area break through to the big stage. Most of us find our rhythm in the underground scene, honing our craft as performers and musicians.
This phenomenon, often called “The DMV Effect,” is rooted in a lack of mutual support among artists. Instead of lifting each other up, there’s an overwhelming need to compete, each person clawing to “make it out.”
I wanted no part of that narrative.
So, my wife and I packed up our home and two kids and drove to Atlanta, Georgia. As creatives, we envisioned more for ourselves—more opportunity, more connection, and more room to grow. We saw Atlanta as fertile ground for our dreams. And it was, in more ways than one. While chasing our artistic ambitions, my wife gave birth to two more beautiful children, bringing our family to six.
But life in Atlanta wasn’t the fairy tale we imagined. The city that started as a launchpad for our dreams turned into a relentless hustle to survive. Providing for my family became my primary focus, and music often slipped to the background. Walking in my father’s footsteps, I refused to sit and wait for life to hand me opportunities. I worked wherever I could, determined to keep my family safe and defy the system seemingly designed to stifle Black men like me.
Still, no matter how far I strayed, music never left me.
I performed on stages in front of hundreds of people, crushing competitions and battles. I opened for big names like Roscoe Dash and Wale and even stood face-to-face with Da Brat, delivering an a cappella freestyle that left an impression. Yet, I also faced the darker side of the industry—broken promises, overhyped opportunities, and the exhausting grind of trying to be seen in a crowded room.
Through it all, music remained my compass, guiding me back to who I am.
That’s when it hit me: being an artist isn’t about waiting for someone to hand you your big break. It’s about creating it.
I had spent years longing for another Marco—someone who would see my potential and believe in me before I could fully believe in myself. But the truth is, the spirit of creation and perseverance that my father carried, that I inherited, doesn’t wait for validation. It acts.
Today, that’s my mission: to chart my own path, to build my own opportunities, and to live without limitations—up or down. My story isn’t just about the music I create. It’s about defying odds, embracing challenges, and proving that dreams are worth the hustle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a producer and Christian Hip Hop artist with over 15 years of experience perfecting my craft. Over the years, my music has evolved through several phases, gaining and losing fans along the way as my style shifted. However, about five years ago, everything changed when I reshaped my sound and message to become fully Christ-centered.
Though I have been a believer for most of my career, it wasn’t until I clearly heard God’s voice that I realized my music was meant for something far greater than entertainment. He revealed to me that my music could change lives for His glory, a purpose far beyond anything I could achieve on my own.
In obedience, I left behind the artist I once was and embraced the calling to become the Christian artist God intended me to be. Today, my music is a reflection of that transformation—a vessel to share His message and inspire others.
How do you think about luck?
While I understand how some may attribute life’s twists and turns to luck, I personally don’t believe in the concept of luck—good or bad. Instead, I see everything in my life and business as part of God’s divine plan. His grace, favor, and wisdom have guided me through successes and challenges alike.
Rather than luck, I attribute every opportunity, breakthrough, and even the obstacles I’ve faced to God’s sovereignty. He has used every moment, whether joyous or difficult, to shape me, grow my character, and lead me closer to the purpose He has for me. For that, I am deeply grateful.
In fact, every downturn that I have ever faced, only brought me closer to God and, for that, I’ve gained wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsonicmusic
