Today we’d like to introduce you to Slizzy K.
Hi Slizzy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
While growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, I used to watch the BET Awards and I could always imagine myself on the same stage with the bright lights and cameras all on me. In middle school, I began to rap and learn how to use apps such as Soundcloud. I released my first remix to “Watch Out” by 2 Chainz. Since everyone had a positive reaction to it, I began to perform at school talent shows. When I was 14, I moved to Charleston, SC where I started to record in professional studios. At 16 years old, I released my second mixtape, called Slizz Season 2, on all platforms, but when I released the song “Stepper,” attention came from several Charleston radio stations. People were surprised that the song was coming from a 16-year-old artist. In February of 2019, I performed “Stepper” in my high school talent show, which connected me to several people in the industry. The following year, I released my EP, Slizz Season 3, where I began to use the phrase “Ride With The Slizz”. By using this phrase, my supporters have been able to connect with me on a more personal level. After beginning school at Claflin University an HBCU in Orangeburg, South Carolina, I created a song by the name of “Hilltop Shawty,” which I’ve performed on many occasions and remains an anthem at the university. I also released a music video to the record which contained multiple students from my HBCU. Throughout the years, I’ve been able to network with photographers, videographers, and other artists in the area. Recently, I released my EP titled Girls Love Slizz, which has gained major attraction in the Carolinas.
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?
There have been several bumps throughout my journey. For starters, I released my first piece of music at the age of 13. By joining the industry at such a young age, those older than me often looked down or disregarded me. Also, being that I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, it was a complete culture shock moving to a city like Charleston, SC. The Charleston dialect and lingo is completely different than the dialect and lingo in Little Rock. When I first moved to Charleston I often felt like an outsider until I made a real effort in getting to meet new people. Lastly, since Charleston doesn’t have many major hip-hop figures, it’s not as simple to obtain a cosign that could boost your work. Once I realized the predicament I was in, I began to network even harder.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a recording artist, but I also specialize in songwriting, being a social media influencer, and an entrepreneur. My focal genre is hip-hop, yet I’m able to write and record in multiple genres. When people hear the name “Slizzy K,” my creative use of figurative language and how interactive I am with my supporters is the first thing that comes to their minds. It’s common for people to say I wear multiple hats, being that I’m independent. I write & release my music on my own. Although I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I’m most proud of balancing student duties while pursuing my musical goals. Often, people see artists choosing between school and their music, but in the end, I’ll be able to say I tackled both. I’m not only humble and down to earth, but I’m also authentic and hands-on with everything I do.
What matters most to you?
Everything about my artistry is important to me, but what matters most is being able to tell my story in my own way. Too often, black content creators’ stories are changed to fit a different light that doesn’t coincide with who they truly are. Although it may sound cliché, I’ll always stay true to myself regardless of the platform given. With that being said, my ultimate goal is to be put in a position where I’m able to give others opportunities, especially those from my community. In the end, staying true to myself and striving to reach my goals is why telling my story matters so much to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: kylonwatson@gmail.com
- Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/slizzyk/girls-love-slizz-2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamslizzyk/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theofficialslizzyk
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamslizzyk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVHgVsSEXv4I3BUklRAEQlQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/iamslizzyk
Image Credits
Brandon Pope
Madison Owens
Lazy Couch Media
