We caught up with the brilliant and insightful K Rollin’ a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

K Rollin’ , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I think as an artist, I’m often being perceived by others, and a lot of the time It is misguided perception and sometimes off the mark. I always like to ask people their first impression of me just to get an idea of how I could be presenting myself in society, and we’re also in the age of social media and that plays a big part of that. I think that based on my social media and RBF, a lot of people mischaracterize me to be unapproachable and stuck up, but that’s not the person that I am at all or even close. A lot of my close friends find out that I’m super considerate, caring, and my heart is open for the development of our relationship, until something I wouldn’t even consider doing has been done to me. This happens in relationships too, which is sad, but I think that the right person would appreciate my transparency.

At first it used to make me sad to find out that people’s perceptions of me were so negative, because I feel like that is a part of the legacy that we leave behind, but I’ve also learned to listen to the universe and their guidance as to whether someone should be in my life or not. It’s taken me a lot of time and patience to realize that we do need to be observant of people’s actions and character traits to decide whether or not we align with our purpose and legacy that we want to leave behind. Some people don’t even think about things like that and that’s something that we also have to be observant of.

From these experiences I also learned that we have to be confident in the person that we are and the choices we consciously make to better our community and inspire people around us. A lot of drama and offenses that are taken are often ego driven and the need to prove to people that we are worthy, but if we are confident in our choices and the paths that we are taking, then there is no need to prove yourself because the effort that we put in pays off in a more fulfilling way than receiving recognition from people who don’t always necessarily want us to win.

K Rollin’ , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Kay, better known as KRollin’, I’m a Music Artist, Model, Creative from Oakland, California. I’ve been making music since I was a kid, literally writing songs for me and my friends, but I’ve been putting out music since 2019. I remember my passion started when I was put on the spot in church to sing ‘yes Jesus loves me’ and I loved the feeling of performing in front of people. In my teen years, I did show choir for many years and started writing songs with chords I would play on the guitar, then in 2018/2019, I got asked to come to the studio and things changed from that day forward. I love being able to play in the studio with the different vocal styles, and It really solidified my confidence in making music.

I also model, I’ve walked in a number of fashion shows, and was published in a Forever 21 Ad that debuted in Times Square. I love modeling, taking photos, and really bringing people’s visions to life. I’ve been modeling since about 2019 as well and have starred in a number of music videos across the years, some of which were for Empire Records. I really enjoy being in music videos and that’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was watching 106 & park on TV back in the day, so I’m super grateful that I can star in a timeless piece of history of the times.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’ve recently began to understand what it means to be in community with people and what that looks like around me. I feel like society can support these creatives and keep a thriving ecosystem is to be inclusive. A lot of times people overlook those in their circle for their talents because of many reasons, but the most important way is to be inclusive. If there’s a show you’re trying to put on and you know there are a number of artists you admire or want to see win, include them. Same goes for literally every creative in the industry, videographers, clothing brand owners, models, dancers, there’s always a lane that someone you know fits in. I admire a lot of the collectives around because they make sure to promote their members for whatever It is that they do, and include them in the activities they’re involved in. Attending shows and buying artist merch is another way that you can support artists. Being there to cheer them on and be a listening ear to the new work they’ve created means so much. Recommending artists for some work on a project that you know they would align with is also a way to support these artists. Create a cycle for them to nurture their creativity, and a lot of the time these things will be reciprocated when it’s time to support your passions and goals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have a specific original goal that really changed my perspective on what music means to me, and that has driven me and also evolved into not only achieving this goal for others, but for myself as well. When I was in my teen years there were a lot of things that I didn’t understand about my mental health and who I was as a person and It really affected me to the point I would lay in my bed for hours just staring at the wall. I didn’t understand what I was feeling at the time, but I was heavily connected to music and the feelings that It allowed me to connect to. I used to listen to Paramore heavily and I feel like they had songs that fit into a number of emotions that I was feeling but couldn’t put my finger on. I remember watching their warped tour performances back in the day and really being inspired by their stage presence, performance, and the reactions from the crowd. That really inspired me to want to share and showcase the music that I’ve written and really be a rockstar. I feel like seeing people who made a specific genre of music and survived, and succeeded in sharing and helping their supporters really made me want to do that. Having fun with people on stage who know your songs word for word is really affirming the significance your creativity and part of your soul has played on helping people in the world overcome as well.

I feel like my goal starting out was to be a beacon of hope and drive in the same way the artists I grew up listening to were. I think wanting to show people that we can come out of all of the adversity we face is really something I hold close to my heart. As I’ve grown older and evolved as a person I realize that I also NEED music in my life. Music is one of the reasons why I’m able to come out of these dark holes that I find myself in, and allows me to express myself and my emotions. It’s extra rewarding when It sounds good and other people enjoy It as well. Now my goal is not only to inspire, but to also authentically be myself and understand that’s it’s okay to share these intimate parts of myself with the world and know that someone out there is in or has been in the same places that I have and visit and heal from those things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/KRollinmusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Krollinmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krollinmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaylahugzalott
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KRollin
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kaylahugzalott
• Other: Tik Tok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdnREL8o/

Image Credits

Cover: @samadshootspics

@Artbyblack
@ok_cam_
@heath.photographs
@ok_cam_
@avividlife
@lifebyjohnny