IAMBORNKING stopped by our headquarters this week and we put him in the hot seat for Straight Official Sit Downs. @klassikceo chopped it up with the New York MC and the vibe was dope! Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more emerging artists worldwide.
Q&A WITH IAMBORNKING
What is your Name? Tell me where you’re from and what interested you in the entertainment industry?
I go by the name of IAMBORNKING. I’m from Bed-Stuy Do or Die Brooklyn, New York, born from Nigerian father and American mother. What interests me the most about the entertainment industry was the opportunity to create a culture. A following of genuine believers. People who will invest in what you have to offer. Musically, brand and as a person authentically.
To create a movement that pushes forward your agendas and obtains goals. To clarify and broaden your vision. The dynamic of just taking pen to paper with a thought and making it a reality. Creating something that people can see and touch the world over. It’s just amazing to me. I always wanted to be a creator when I saw that dynamic.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Who and/or what inspires you to create?
Some of my top influences include Jay-Z. His ability to just create a whole culture on his own within the culture. Plus, he’s from my neck of the woods. Kanye West for his bold and brazen views of political issues and real issues that we face outside the music. He will risk himself for the betterment of community and music culture, which I respected. He’s definitely an inspiration of mine.
People might not like me for saying this one, but R. Kelly. Aside from all his misfortunes, and his legal issues that I won’t talk about. His ability to create is on such a high level that it impacts. He’s pivotal to many different moments in music. As a creator, I look up to his ability. He’s the Tyler Perry of music.
IAMBORKING FEAT. JAY EM | FOUND YOU
How would you describe your sound?
My sound has evolved over time right now, with the current record, Found You ft. Jayem, that I currently have on all digital platforms and in all digital stores. Shouts out to everybody who supported the record. Continue to love it, stream, like, share, add to your playlist, and make it apart of your everyday journey. To make it the major success that it should be.
Sometimes my sound is melodic. My primary genre and culture is Hip-Hop. I started out as a rapper. My content and lyrics are all about authenticity of life. The struggles that we go through in society as a young black men. Growing up in the Sumner housing projects, Bed Stuy Brooklyn. Being incarcerated for 11 years. I’ve seen much of life‘s pitfalls through my own eyes and vicariously through others.
I speak of those struggles with the anticipation of sending a message to the culture. Especially Hip-Hop culture, Black culture and real music fans. In a way that brings awareness to the happiness and harsh realities of life. My music is primarily based on awareness of real life. I’m a songwriter. There is no territory in genre of music that I won’t enter.
Never give up. Not on your journey, dreams, family, friends, grounded beliefs, and most importantly yourself.
IAMBORNKING’s message to his supporters
What is your creative process like?
I really like these questions these all really good. My process is like copy and paste pretty much. I think of the feeling that a certain track gives me, or inspiration from some sort of experience. Be it my own, which is most of the time, or through someone else. The inspiration copied from my mind, heart & soul pasted to the instrumental. In most cases I’m able to tailor fit or be cohesive to the track. Giving the overall effect of motivation, inspiration & love.
SHIFTING GEARS
What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
I would love to work with Jay-Z, Drake, Kanye, Wizkid, Tems, Ice Spice & Sha Everything K, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Annuel, Ne-Yo, Diddy & Khalid. There’s SO many of them! (laughs).
What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I am a former professional culinary chef. I have a paralegal certificate in New York State Law.
Who are some artists/people you admire and why?
Maino, Jim Jones, Dirk, Juicy J for their amazing comebacks in music I adversity. My team Respect Da Grind Music Group, my good friend Rehan, and my lady Tabitha Acaba.
IN CLOSING
What is the best advice you’ve received?
To never give up on my dream, and to take this multicultural direction with my current record, Found You feat. Jayem, go stream it! My business partner David L was instrumental in coming up with some of the ideas it took to create it. He had a vision.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would change whatever causes these senseless deaths. Predominantly rap artists and our brothers and sisters in Hip-Hop.
What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
At the Hip-Hop awards, at the BET Awards, all the awards! Bookings across seas and ghost writing for new artists that are going to be great. Making an enormous impact on the world with my music in that changes the dynamic of how people digest it. Lending myself to worthy causes. Completing the puzzle to change in the world.
STAY CONNECTED WITH IAMBORNKING
Follow IAMBORNKING on Social Media
Instagram @livendie4king
Facebook as https://www.Facebook.com/Iambornking
Twitter @bkbiggamoney
YouTube on https://YouTube.com/Iambornkingsvision
Official Website https://unitedmasters.com/iambornking7320 and on Sonicbids
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity. Big shouts out to Straight Official Magazine, Straight Official Radio, SiriusXM LL Cool J, Rock The Bells, DJ NoPhrillz, DJ Epps, Rehan & my team. I respect the grind and everyone who helped me push and allowed me a platform to tell my story.