We recently connected with Blkchrist and have shared our conversation below.

Blkchrist, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Out of the many great things my parents did, one stuck with me and made me who I am today. My mom and father are both educators. Owners and founders of arguably the biggest Martial Arts School in Brooklyn, Elite Martial Arts of Brooklyn. They taught me about individualism and standing out. They always told me that I could do anything I put my mind to and that I cannot be slowed down by the perception of myself. People are constantly stifled by their thoughts of themselves. When really you control the power you have and what you can do with that power. As a kid I wanted to be an artist. They made sure I had the support to do that. No dream was too big. They told me that if it’s what I want then I have to figure out how to get it. I love my parents for that. Nothing is off the table.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a multidisciplinary artist. I am a Rapper/Producer as well as a professional dancer. I started off dancing at the age of 12 and from there I continued to become a professional. I danced for The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at age 19 and on. I loved the way the movement and music combined. It was like a perfect marriage. I saw Agon by George Balanchine and I was hooked. I went on a world tour, dancing on every stage imaginable.

While all of that was happening I loved to rap and produce songs in High School. I attended LaGuardia High School in New York City. The students there pushed me to want to become this amazing artist because they were all so talented. The most talented in the city at their age. This was the school that created the future Picassos and Misty Copelands. I was elated to be named in the same vain. I had a group of friends who used to rap every single lunch period. I got in and had a natural talent. So I continued. Years later I created a collective named Brokeland where we make art all in house. I make most of the beats for the group. We have had multiple shows within NYC and will soon have some out of the country. Multiple albums released and some more coming in 2024. Our first album Brokeland Vol 1 is a fan favorite.

My goal is to show kids that they can literally do whatever they want in this world. Nothing is off limits. No matter who says what. My music is motivation music. I want people to hear their own voice through me. My songs make you a fan of you.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I think the biggest resource artists should listen to is themselves. Rule one is to just trust in yourself and your talents. The second is to use other people as roadmaps. Don’t close yourself off to ideas.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I don’t think any lessons should be unlearned. Everything is fuel in your car to take you far.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brokeland.wixsite.com/blkchrist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkmfchrist/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/blkchrist99
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC076vPhFQ0gv_X1mZw2IvfQ

Image Credits
Nikki Young Shookeez Hannah Alissa Richardson Ari B Salerno Spencer Katz