Today we’d like to introduce you to Yakim Herriot (aka Kimbo Navé).
Hi Yakim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been around music. From playing the congas, to being around my mother and father who’d sing around me. To my big sister and Uncles playing music outside of their bedrooms, who would then put me on to artists we know today like Biggie, Tupac, Michael Jackson, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West etc. Looking back I’ve always seemed to have an ear for music and I’d describe it as like a “sweet tooth”. Throughout my school days I found myself playing percussion in the band from elementary school to college and would also be the kid walking the hallways who’d always have his headphones on listening to music still to this day. What started my journey as an artist/producer/engineer and understanding the music business was my big sister handing me her laptop she got to keep after she attended SAE Institute Atlanta.
Ever since then I started messing with this DAW called Logic Pro X which is how I began making beats. Eventually it evolved into getting my own microphone, and studio set up. Then, I learned how to record and engineer myself. Looking back I’ve realized, how much effort and time it took to get where I’m at today. Starting from Covid year 2020 back in Lovejoy High School, GA to attending UGA and being apart of the UGA Music Business Program. Continuously releasing music (and through which I also got to collaborate with UGA Football Player Christen “Percy” Miller). Which lead to the release of our “Endeavors” Mixtape that’s out now. The main aspect is to take what I’ve gained from the UGA MBUS program and connect it with what I’m doing in ATL. Utilizing my resources to take it to further heights. From late nights working in my parents garage, to recording myself in the college dorms, and now having a studio space to develop my craft while working with Dasilva Worldwide Prosperity Group and Off The Line ATL.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say smooth but in a way the journey has tested me for sure. Some of the struggles I’d say was the continuous long hours I’d put in year after year to work towards being better than yesterday. Experiences like staying up til 2 or 3 in the morning trying to find a good mix for the song. Listening back to the track to make sure mastering is on point, or figuring out how can I make my tracks standout by changing, cutting, editing, or adding little things to make the music more vibrant. Also I didn’t fit in with everybody, in a way I wanted to take that and showcase it within my artist identity. Trying to figure out how can I reflect that in my music. Most importantly it was all about having a patience mindset as well. For we live in an age where we seem to think that everything is supposed to be fast and instant but it’s not. Throughout my journey it took time, constant recording, constant listening back to projects I’ve done, then listening to artists that have inspired me and see what I can implement from them. Hearing myself now, I can say it’s truly amazing how far I’ve come and I just want to keep getting better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d say I’m a Music Creative. I go under the stage name Kimbo Navé. I can sing/rap, produce, engineer, make music for films and contribute to works in a way that helps projects stick out from others. What I’m most proud of is my willingness to be a standout. Solely because when I make music, I don’t follow the same sounds or trends but am able to isolate my world to stand out creatively. Through my music I showcase what I represent. Expressing my personality in a way that is authentic and different. What sets me apart is my drive. The energy I bring when I step into the room gives a bit of mystery/curiosity. But when it’s time to put on a show, it’s a different atmosphere I feel whenever I perform and it’s liberating.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Don’t be afraid to say hello, (quick shoutout to David Barbe director of the UGA Music Business Program who’s given me this advice). How I started was simply getting the reps and experience in feeling out what was right for me or not. Another piece I would say is to put ego to the side, for we all have one. It’s basic human nature to think highly of ourselves, but be humble enough to take in knowledge especially if it’s valuable. When it comes to working with people, understand who you are first. Don’t lose yourself trying to connect with someone who isn’t as passionate as you are. For it’s not about having a huge network of people but connecting with the right people who have that same drive as you if not more. Those type of connections last much longer. You’ll be amazed at how many more doors open simply because you and this other person are working towards a bigger picture. That’s what happened when I began working with Dasilva Worldwide Prosperity Group and Off The Line ATL
Through working with Off The Line ATL I’ve been able get music placements and IMDB film credit working with CW Studios under director/mentor Charles West. I’ve also been able to get mentorship through Diwang Valdez (Motion Family) who’s worked with numerous established clients in Atlanta and beyond. Once again through the work/product I’ve been able to showcase, it not only has shown me how people take a liking to my sound. But it has truly opened up more for me along with gaining more mentors to give me wisdom along the way. All I want to do is take what I have, continue to evolve, and take it as far as I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kimbonave
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekimbonave/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekimbonave
Image Credits
KD Muhammad (studio shots)
