We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lloyd Henry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lloyd, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Music has always been a part of my life… I grew up in a multicultural household in Baltimore, MD. My mother is from Baltimore. My father is originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Due to this cultural diversity, I was introduced to a vast range of different genres of music. My mother would always play classic soul and R&B artists such as the following: The Temptations, Earth Wind & Fire, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Teddy Pendergrass, and more.
My father would play reggae and dancehall classics from Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Yellow Man, etc.
My sister introduced me to the Hip/Hop & Rap and alternative artists such as the following: Jay-Z, Tupac, Biggie, DMX, Busta Rhymes, The Fugees, De La Soul, and more. This helped foster a deeper love/passion for music.

In elementary school, I was a member of the school band. I learned how to play the violin. When I was in middle school, I attended a Christian Bible summer camp (Camp Seton), where I learned how to play the drums on a drum kit. During high school, I discovered that my passion for pursuing music went beyond listening and enjoying the art. I discovered that I could pursue music professionally and turn my inner dreams into reality. My godbrother, Kendall (Skinny) Marvin, and close friend, Monte Hendrix, played a significant role in this belief. Utilizing both their expertise, I learned the following: the art of music recording, studio etiquette, brand/music marketing, fashion designing, graphic designing, distribution, and other gems that I would use later in life. After I entered college, I unofficially started my music producer journey (learned how to produce music). During my sophomore year at Penn State University, I worked at UPS. While working at UPS, I met Charlie Cuff (an artist, producer, and lifelong friend). He initially taught me how to produce a beat from scratch.

After graduating from college, I went through bittersweet and pivotal moments in my life. During this time, my godbrother and a few other members started a joint brand named 8892 the Brand. The brand included members born in 1988 and 1992. The name is derived from combining the last two digits of both birth years. We developed a logo, merchandise, and a potential music label/team to start the process of branding ourselves. Sadly in late 2015, my godbrother passed away due to medical issues. After his passing, I have embarked on efforts to master my sound and craft ( to rebrand myself).

Lloyd, 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?

My musical producer journey began in Baltimore, MD on December 26, 2014. It was the birthday of a friend (Russell). I remember telling my godbrother, Kendall, “I’m going to start making beats”. Kendall always had a fun way of getting someone to commit to something. He stated, “I’ll believe it when I see it”. He was unaware of my determination. So, I began to learn and practice the craft of producing.

Kendall and other peers were already pursuing their individual music careers. Occasionally, I participated in their various music sessions, meetings, video shoots, discussions, networking, etc. Through my peers, I was introduced to the art of music recording, music studio sessions, production, marketing, promoting, etc.

At some point, I believed that I was not good enough to professionally pursue a musical career for myself… Sometime before Kendall’s move to Atlanta, GA (to pursue his music career), we had a deep discussion… From that discussion, I gained a new sense of confidence/ perspective to pursue music seriously and not as a hobby. After Kendall’s passing, I was determined to pursue my musical career without doubts or regrets. Soon after, I consistently worked to master my sound and craft. I have been blessed to be able to work with numerous upcoming artists and people who have similar interests. I have produced and collaborated with multiple musical projects. Below are some examples.
– “Legenday Giantz” (ft. LamarxLegend &RRTheGiant)
– “Stay Tuned” (ft. Swoozy Dre) [Instrumental Beat Tape]
– “Goat Writer” | “Leave A Legacy” (ft. Eric Ivan)
– “Potent Herbol” | “2 The Point”| “Runnin Water”| “Check 4 Static” (ft.Herbology) [Collab projects]
– “Forever Grateful” (ft. TNC Laid)
– “Sink or Swim” |”Beauty in the Struggle”| “Just Until I’m Free” (ft. SDotWot)
– “Redefined”|”Pushin P”| “3 AM” (ft. DTHRell)
– “Infiltration” (ft. Ghost 674)

Faith is my anchor through life’s unpredictable storms. I was tenacious in pursuing my musical passion, even when there was self-doubt. I have seen many artists give up on their passions/ dreams or undermine their gifts as only hobbies. From my trials and errors with producing, I learned consistency and persistence. One cannot expect to bear fruit from unapplied labor.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I have never been a person who sought fame or wanted to be famous. My sole purpose for pursuing and creating music stemmed from the passion I had for it. Also, creating music for me is soul-fulfilling and therapeutic. The fact that I can use one of my God-given gifts to connect, potentially heal and help others is unbelievable at times.

Being able to collaborate with people from different walks of life, cities, states, and countries. Meeting and networking with people outside of my comfort zone will help propel me towards greatness… As an artist, creativity has helped me expand my horizons. I compete with myself…trying to become the best version of myself.

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

Since music is my passion, I would love to work with artists from diverse backgrounds. However, the ultimate goal is to get my family to a better place. My family has many traditions. Due to them, some family members did not take opportunities to better themselves. Some relatives continued to keep a tradition active by following the actions of predecessors… I want to be an example to show my family that I could create a new tradition by pursuing my dreams/passions. This includes exercising faith and not giving up when plans and opportunities fail. In other words, when life’s circumstances stall your progress, keep believing and working towards the goal… Whatever you want in life is obtainable. Keep God first, work consistently, sacrifice, and have pure intentions. Don’t just be potential… You only fail in life when you stop trying altogether.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/potenthenry?utm_source=qr&igshid=OGU0MmVIOWVjOQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.henry.71
• Youtube: Potent Henry

Image Credits
Chaz Louee Photography (Cousin Chief)