Life & Work with Ready! of New York

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ready!.

Hi Ready!, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but I spent a huge part of my childhood in Ghana until I was about six years old. Growing up between two completely different cultures shaped how I see the world. Ghana gave me a strong sense of community, family, rhythm, and culture, while coming back to the United States and eventually graduating in New Jersey taught me how to adapt, dream bigger, and find my own identity. After high school, relocating back to New York felt like coming home, but this time with a purpose.

I’ve always been someone who loves creating happiness and unforgettable experiences for people. Long before I started releasing music, I found myself immersed in nightlife, social events, fashion, and creative spaces. Whether I was organizing events, connecting people, modeling, or simply curating an atmosphere, I realized I loved making people feel something. I love bringing people together, creating vibes, and giving people a moment they’ll remember. That passion naturally became part of who I am as an artist.

Creativity has always been my language. As a kid, I was constantly writing journals, poems, little stories…anything that allowed me to express emotions I didn’t always know how to say out loud. Poetry became one of my first forms of therapy. It taught me that vulnerability could be powerful, and eventually those poems evolved into lyrics. Writing has always been how I process life, and music became the next chapter of that journey.

Musically, I grew up inspired by artists who weren’t afraid to create their own worlds. I gravitated toward the raw energy and authenticity of Chief Keef and Lil Durk, but I was equally inspired by the haunting emotion of Florence Welch, the cinematic soundscapes of Agnes Obel, the storytelling of Lana Del Rey, and the vulnerability of BANKS. Those influences might seem unexpected together, but that’s exactly what makes me, me. I never wanted to fit into one box. I wanted to build a sound that felt dark, emotional, powerful, and honest while still carrying the energy I grew up around.

Outside of music, I’ve been fortunate to work as a model and collaborate with incredible brands, which has allowed me to explore another side of my creativity. Fashion has always been an extension of how I express myself, so being able to work in front of the camera while continuing to build my own artistic identity has been an amazing experience. At the same time, I’m a full-time college student pursuing a degree in Business Marketing because I believe creativity and business go hand in hand. I don’t just want to make art I want to understand how to build something sustainable and create opportunities for myself and for others.

At the end of the day, Ready! is more than just a stage name. It’s the culmination of every place I’ve lived, every lesson I’ve learned, every poem I’ve written, every room I’ve helped bring to life, and every version of myself I’ve grown into. I’m a multifaceted creative who’s still evolving, and I hope that when people experience my music, my fashion, or my energy, they leave feeling seen, inspired, and ready to embrace who they are too.

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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride. There have been a lot of moments where I questioned myself, faced setbacks, dealt with financial struggles, and had to balance being a full-time student while chasing a dream that doesn’t come with a guaranteed path. I’ve had to learn how to stay consistent even when things weren’t going my way and keep believing in myself when no one else could see the vision yet. But every challenge has made me more resilient and given me something real to write about. I don’t think I’d be the artist I am today if everything had come easy. My story is still being written, and every obstacle has become part of the foundation I’m building on.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, I specialize in creating immersive worlds through music. My sound blends the raw energy of drill and trap with cinematic, emotional production to tell stories that feel both personal and larger than life. Every song I make is rooted in honesty whether it’s about ambition, heartbreak, resilience, or self-discovery. Beyond music, I’m a creative director at heart. I have experience in modeling, event production, nightlife, marketing, and fashion, and I love bringing all of those worlds together to create an experience rather than just a song.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never limited myself to one lane. While pursuing music, I’ve built a career in modeling, collaborated with recognizable brands, produced events that brought communities together, and continued my education as a full-time Business Marketing student. Every role I’ve taken on has taught me something that I bring back into my artistry.

What sets me apart is my perspective. Growing up between Brooklyn, Ghana, New Jersey, and now New York has given me a unique lens on culture, creativity, and identity. I don’t create to follow trends I create to build a universe people can step into. Whether someone hears my music, sees a visual, or experiences one of my performances, I want them to feel like they’ve entered the world of Ready! My goal has always been bigger than making songs; it’s about creating moments, telling stories, and leaving people with a feeling they’ll carry long after the music ends.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I’d tell anyone just starting out to stop waiting for everything to be perfect. There will never be a perfect time, perfect budget, or perfect opportunity you have to start where you are and grow as you go. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Everyone’s journey looks different.

Something I wish I knew earlier is that talent is only part of the equation. Consistency, discipline, and relationships will take you just as far, if not further. Protect your peace, stay true to your vision, and don’t let rejection convince you to quit. Every “no” is usually redirecting you toward the people who are actually meant to connect with your work.

Most importantly, create because you genuinely love it. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. If your art is honest, the right audience will find you. Just keep showing up, keep learning, and trust that your time will come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readynelly
• Twitter: https://x.com/readynelly
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Readynelly