Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayatta Patton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayatta, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

This year I collaborated with the City of Santa Rosa and Kimzin Creative as part of a civic engagement to discuss and curate the City of Santa Rosa’s 30-year plan regarding housing and health. This project comprised many layers, such as developing writing workshops to gather information from citizens aged 16-24. We worked with students in the juvenile hall and Santa Rosa Community College. Once we conducted our workshops, I took the information gathered and produced an original record telling their stories. This was a challenging project for multiple reasons, I was telling someone else’s story, and I wanted to stay true to my sound and brand. Luckily we were able to accomplish both of those ideas. This project taught me that there is power in our youth telling their stories. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who worked to make it happen.

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

My name is Kayatta. I am an American songwriter, educator, and hip-hop artist. These three ideas constantly intersect and overlap in the realm of Social Justice. I grew up on the West Side of Oakland, where my mother struggled with drug addiction. It was during that time I discovered my love for music and sports. The latter would help me earn a BA in Mass Communications. Initially, I figured I would do sports radio with my degree, but that didn’t pan out the way I envisioned, and ultimately, I landed in a group home for boys as a counselor. There, I got my first whiff of working with youth, which would be the beginning of a lengthy career in working with underserved and underheard youth.

While figuring out life in general, I always had a propensity to write. I’d write on napkins, paper bags, line paper, and journals: you name it. It was a way to get my feelings and my ideas out. I’d also kick a few lines for my friends until they encouraged me to take it more seriously. At that moment, my career as an mc and songwriter started to grow roots. I would freestyle, hit up open mics and work tirelessly to improve my craft. The truth is once I commit to something, I’m focused and disciplined. This approach typically creates results. With this approach, I have curated a God- and community-centered brand planted firmly on a hip-hop foundation. A sound that fuses poetry with drums and bass to create a sonic experience soaked in audacious honey.

Through trial, error, and experience, I have found a vibe rich with a message and lots of soul. With raspy textures that deliver colorful and poignant layers to storytelling, highlighting the black human experience in America. If you are ever in attendance for a show be prepared to go on a journey and be wowed. You may cry, you may laugh, you will dance, and you may want to go and start a revolution. Either way, you will leave with wonder.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Early in my creative journey, I wish someone had told me about grants and the value of language when writing a grant. As an independent artist with everything being paid for by the artist, it gives them some resources to help finish the deal. For example, maybe you want to start a podcast but need logos, microphones, promo, and setup. A grant can help you with items like that. A few years back, I received a grant, which helped me complete my first studio album. I didn’t necessarily have the money to do the little things outside of the music, like album art and merch, to name a few. Free money is excellent.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The one book that has helped me to restructure my approach and thinking around being an artist is the book entitled “How to Steal Like An Artist” This book gave me insight into how all of us steal in some fashion when it comes to art and that we shouldn’t be ashamed but embrace it. It also reinforced some homegrown practices, like journaling and work time. Writing down our ideas, saying our thoughts, and then putting them into action is a whole vibe; each is connected to the next. It also talked about not abandoning the things that make you authentic. There’s another book that everyone should read after this one titled “Show Your Work,” which shares different ways to share your work. Both of these books are short, sweet, and powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.poemsandpaper.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayattamusic/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bonswae
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kayatta