We recently connected with Jehlad Hickson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jehlad , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Man, I think I always knew deep down. Like, I didn’t have the exact words for it when I was a kid, but I felt it. I remember being little, maybe 6 or 7, just vibin’ in the backseat of my mom’s car, and certain songs would come on the radio and I’d feel something shift in me. Like, music wasn’t just background noise — it was healing, it was power. I’d be harmonizing with whatever was playing, turning the car into my first stage.

But I think the first real moment I knew I had to chase this for real was in high school. I was dealing with a lot mentally, emotionally — trying to figure myself out in a world that didn’t always make space for sensitivity, for soul. Music was my way to survive it. I remember performing at this school talent show, and the reaction I got… people were crying, clapping, hugging me after. That was the first time I realized — oh wait, this isn’t just my escape, it’s other people’s too.

That night shifted something in me. I realized I had something bigger than me. A gift. And it hit me: I could either keep it quiet, or I could go all in and use it to connect, to heal, to inspire. That’s when I made the decision to chase this professionally. I didn’t know how it would happen, but I knew it would.

Jehlad , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Yeah, so I go by Jehlad — I’m a soul/R&B artist, performer, songwriter, entertainer, and music entrepreneur. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, but this became real when I started performing live, connecting with audiences, and realizing I had something to say that could move people. I’ve done over 500 live shows, sold out venues, sung the National Anthem for six MLB teams, and even got the golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent — and all of that comes from a real place. I’m not just singing notes — I’m telling stories, I’m channeling something bigger.

How I got into this industry? Honestly, through grind, grit, and God. I started out doing every gig I could find — coffee shops, weddings, small clubs, and built my name from the ground up. I also studied music production and artistry through programs like LAAMP, where I honed my skills behind the scenes — writing, producing, and building my business mind as well as my artist identity.

Now, I run my own music brand and entertainment company. I’m not just an artist — I’m building something. I offer live performances, original music, vocal arrangements, creative direction, songwriting, and even consult with other artists. I’m building a label and a platform that helps soul artists get seen, booked, and heard in spaces that usually overlook us.

What sets me apart is the experience. My shows aren’t just concerts — they’re spiritual. They’re a moment. I bring old-school soul with new-school intention. James Brown energy meets modern-day vulnerability. I care about presence, about moving people deeply. I also care about being accessible, about bringing music to the community, to people who need healing and truth in this noisy world.

I think what I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come without compromising who I am. I’ve stayed soulful. I’ve stayed grounded. I’ve built something real off of love, faith, and resilience — and I’m still building.

If you’re just getting to know me, I want you to know this: I’m here to leave legacy. Not just fame, not just streams. Legacy. I want to impact lives, build platforms, give back, and shift culture. My brand is about truth, soul, connection, and excellence. Whether it’s through a show, a song, or a conversation — I want you to feel something real

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is legacy. My mission is healing. I’m not just doing music to be famous — I’m doing it to shift culture, to make people feel, to remind folks of their power, their emotions, their story. I want people to hear my music or come to a show and walk away different. I want to be that artist that brings people back to themselves.

My goal is also to open doors. I want to create spaces for other artists like me — especially Black soul artists — who don’t fit into the mainstream boxes but have world-changing talent. That means building a label, owning venues, and creating platforms for the next generation. I’m doing this not just for me, but for my family, my community, and every dreamer who needs to know that faith, grind, and purpose will take you places.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Whew — yeah. I think one thing non-creatives might not fully get is how much emotional and spiritual energy goes into this. It’s not just talent or output — it’s living with your heart wide open all the time. When you’re creating, especially from a place of truth, it costs something. You’re pouring from your own healing, your pain, your joy, your lessons — and trying to turn that into something that connects with others. That’s beautiful, but it can also be draining.

People also sometimes don’t see the grind behind the art. There’s admin, emails, marketing, rejection, late nights, self-doubt, and still showing up with passion like it’s day one. This is a business, too — and for a lot of us, we’re not just artists, we’re the manager, the promoter, the booking agent, the social media team.

But despite all that, I wouldn’t trade it. Being a creative means you get to turn your life into something meaningful. You get to alchemize your experiences into sound, visuals, words — and that’s sacred. It’s a calling. It’s not always understood, but it’s deeply worth it

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jehlad.com
• Instagram: @jehladakin
• Facebook: Jehlad Akin
• Linkedin: Jehlad Hickson
• Twitter: @jehladakin
• Youtube: Jehlad Hickson
• Yelp: Jehlad Music LLC
• Soundcloud: Jehlad Akin