We caught up with the brilliant and insightful King Morelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi King , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I feel that my most meaningful project may be one that is currently in process so I will speak on completed projects to give you a clearer understanding of King Morelli. My album Stay Ready Truniversity is a compelling melodic flowtastic project that has been quite successful for me as an independent creative. I created the album with producer Justin DiCenzo who I have known since childhood. One of the songs from our first recording sessions together (“David & Goliath”) was placed on the closing scene of season 1 finale of Lee Daniels and Danny Strong’s #1 rated tv show Empire by editor and childhood friend Joe Leonard. Our interview with Fox 2 news in St. Louis aired right after the episode went off, which was exciting. A second single, “Harriet Tubman,” was placed in the closing scene of Daniels hit tv show Star as well and we were interviewed by Shawndrea Thomas a second time for Fox news. That moment was filmed inside the new Fox News/KTLA studios in Los Angeles. “Hey Daddy” and “Counting Cash” are some more notable songs on that epic project that is also in independent and international films (Knuckle Up, The Set Up).
Designing dancers outfits for Megan Thee Stallion’s Pride LA performance was an exciting experience as well. I got a call from celebrity stylist Winnie Stax asking me to create some looks in 2 days so essentially I had one day to get it done. Publications called the performance dazzling so that was great to be a part of.
Furthermore, my fine art exhibition, “The Future of Ancestry,” was another awesome and beautiful experience. I showcased my paintings and exclusive designs in a lovely space in the heart of Inglewood, California that I assisted artist Aaron Fowler in creating for his organization N2Existence. Paintings on view varied from self portraits to abstract and works that include ancestral figures. The turnout was vibrant. New and familiar faces showed up and a painting sold which is always awesome.
King , 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?
I am creative and producer King Morelli. I am from St. Louis and based in Los Angeles. I live by my trademark phrase “We Are Who We Need To Know.”™️ I am a firm believer that when you get to know yourself and tap into building upon making yourself your best, you create desired opportunities. When you take into account that many opportunities, methods of becoming better and enjoying life involves collaboration with others, you recognize their value. True belief and knowledge in your skill sets with effective communication and connection with others who obtain the knowledge, skill and work ethic that you believe in, are key ingredients to greater success. Being consistent while presenting particular qualities has shown a standard and uniqueness that is impressive to people I meet and those who come across my work. I show genuine interest in others and form many bonds through support and service to others. By being creative and connecting with others I have been honored to continue to showcase my talents in spaces and communities across the nation and have been a part of an ever expanding network of special people since my youth. This has granted me to be a part of the art department for films such as Deadly Desire, Born 2 Hustle and Drought (which I also act in and helped produce the soundtrack). My music plays globally on tv shows and movies. The latest solo album released is RIVASIDE and my next album soon to come is Saints To Lost Angels. I am grateful to learn valuable insight and connections from some of the best. I exhibit art in awesome spaces such as CAAM, Black Wall St. Cultural Center, Life Is Studios etc. I also design high end fashion for K.I. Morelli™️ and The Morelli Hat™️ Clients include De’Aundre Bonds (The Wood, Snowfall) Tiffanie Holloway (White Men Can’t Jump). My versatility, style, creativity and showing leadership with a willingness to assist, sets me apart from most. I create exclusive art for your home, custom designs for your style, set design for stage and film, music to vibe to and live performances from music to fashion shows to painting. Let’s connect.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Indeed there is a main purpose behind my vision. We Are The C.U. R. E. continues to serve and inspire as many kids as possible from underserved communities to express themselves well and connect with others to make a positive impact on society. We give free art workshops for kids with YMCA, Boys and Girls clubs, Los Angeles Recreational Centers and privately. We want to inspire massive growth and creative methods of problem solving by youth from the ghettos. Our goal is to expand beyond volunteering and donating to help establish infrastructures that support the development of artful expressive skills. We must be true to the stories that connect with them, open to their ideas, and welcoming to their empowerment and voices.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Effective methods of support include purchasing art directly from someone you know or are interested in. Pay full price for someone’s merch/tickets. Decide on 2 artist you or your people actually knows or have been to their exhibit to and spend a minimum of $500 with them annually. Go to art shows and everyone interested in a piece, buy at least a print if their favorite piece is beyond their budget. Buy the t-shirt at indie performances. Adding independent artist to your playlist and playing their music is free. Sending donations and even purchasing a ticket to shows you can’t make it to is supportive. Pay the creatives. Support their grind and they will be able to spend more time creating valuable things you love. Invest in art scholarships and organizations that offer creative programs. Drumm On.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/kingmorelliart?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themorellihat?igsh=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: @Iamkingmorelli
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k8uqTYx1de-Xnvh-Fw9eUv_8h9mnJPcdE&playnext=1&index=1
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/nySqbYUwinEFLBrw7
Image Credits
Adrian Drummond
Keith Mangione
Golden Hour Photo and Video
We Are The C.U.R.E.™️