Life & Work with Kenya Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya Carter.

Kenya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Music has always been part of my life. Growing up, I remember I would go in the kitchen and beat on the pots and pans to make sounds. Just creating my own beat and finding my rhythm was something I was passionate about. As time progressed, I became interested in lyrics and wordplay. My earlier influence was DMX, as I was intrigued by his storytelling abilities. I could literally see the things that he would rap about.

I grew the courage to become a rapper at 13 years old. When I decided to actually rap, I can definitely say I was not that good. There was a guy in my neighborhood, Terry, whose mom had given him a studio setup. This was the first time that I tried to record a song. I had no knowledge of song structure. So, I spent days, weeks, and countless hours working on my craft, building my knowledge and experience through the craft, leading up to my first single, “Warrior” produced by SMB.

Since then, I have continued to perfect my craft. I’ve learned a lot over the years. I’ve done battle raps, freestyle and have created a wealth of music over time. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, I decided to create my own label and put out my own music. I’ve worked exclusively with my sound engineer BHE and have put out some great songs. People know me for what I do… music. Ask anyone who knows me or are familiar with Yayo Da Don and they will say that I’m one of the most talented when it comes to being a lyricist.

Aside from the music, I have been a narrator for urban fiction audiobooks, I’ve produced a soundtrack for Author Takara James on the recent book “Wrongfully Convicted,” a short novel about police procedural, the injustice system, and injustice against African Americans. I can say that music has taken me beyond simply being an artist, but knowing how to recognize talent and help coach and develop other aspiring artists.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Hell no. It’s been far from easy. The biggest struggle is coming from a strong religious background. It was hard trying to do music and not be concerned about what others think. I also valued the support from both of my parents, so knowing that I had music that involved things they didn’t really care for, I was worried about that too.

Aside from worrying about what my family would think, the lack of resources was probably the biggest issue. Back home, Alabama, Terry was the only person who had the recording studio setup. When he died, there were no other sources to really help with recording. Then, it’s bigger than that. You have to have the studio setup, the right equipment, an engineer who’s knowledgeable but who can also recognize your sound, then someone who could master your sound. Back then, not everyone had that talent.

Life changes also made things difficult. So, over the years, I sort of battled back and forth on doing music or not. Eventually, after being in the military, college, and a host of other life achievements, I finally found my focus again. I realized that no matter what, music is my passion, it is what I’m good at, and regardless of how challenging things may get, I have to roll with it to see the success I ultimately desire to have.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am rap artist Yayo Da Don. My specialty is music. I write my own music and have recently begun learning how to mix my sound. I wanted to learn some of the engineer skills so that I could work from home in my recording studio to create music at my leisure. With me having full control of my career as a music artist, I get to try my hand in various things. I have done my own marketing, creating different graphics for both social media and hand-to-hand interactions with potential and existing fans. I have also created my own website and other social media pages to keep the engagements up with my music. This has allowed me to do other work such as audiobook recording, soundtracks for books, and more. Two of my albums have been used as soundtracks for an author’s book.

I also direct my own music videos. I’ve put together treatments, creating fully written scripts for those who are onset of each of my shoots. I work directly with my videographer, “The Visual Goat,” to create content for my fans and keep up the engagements. I am always working and building on my skills. My company, “Carter and James Enterprise,” is a partnership I have with my wife, and under that company, I develop all of the marketing materials for my brand “Full Circle Artist Group” for me as an Artist. We also create my clothing line, where currently, I press each shirt or outfit so that those who shop know everything is handmade by me.

What matters most to you?
My family, my children, my wife, and the rest of my family provide that foundation of support that everyone deserves as they matriculate through their daily lives. They set the standard, which helps me do the same. I have always been driven by family, so they are ultimately what motivate me to thrive through everything music can offer me. Every day, I wake up and share my vision and dreams with my wife. She listens and then creates a plan.

My mom always says, “work the plan and plan the work,” so that’s what I do. I can’t say that I see all the monetary value of what I’m doing right now because it doesn’t quite outweigh the investments, but once I do, I know it will be because I wanted this more for my family than me.

My dad is the one who knows the business. He’s been in the life of entrepreneurship as far as I can remember and as an influencer, author, and businessman, he always gives me insight on what to do and how to do. So, like I said, having that level of support is all anyone needs.

Pricing:

• Features – 500.00
• Video Features – 250.00
• Narration – 250.00+
• Shows (local) – 250.00
• Shows (Travel) – 500.00 + accommodations

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://fullcircleartistgroup.square.site/
• Instagram: yayodadon_42
• Facebook: facebook.com/yayodadon
• Twitter: yayodadon42
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzbYPeYxJ-UaqrqqIxX_hQ/videos
• Other: https://beacons.page/yayodadon

Image Credits
Darrius Smith