Forbes StaffThe American rapper, songwriter, and hip-hop artist overcame challenges and rose to be one of the most talked-about artists in the US, especially for his latest single, “Kehlani.”
A few individuals across the world realize their dreams much later, but when they do, they make sure to walk on unconventional paths and carve a unique success story for them so that the world can take inspiration from their journey. The music world is a world of its own, which has always given birth to some of the most outstanding musical talents globally. To make a name for oneself in such a saturated industry is no walk in the park, but there are high-performing and determined artists like Hailstackz who have stood distinctive from the rest for reasons more than one.
Hailstackz has had a journey to much acclaim and recognition that most definitely be “hailed” and celebrated. This young rapper, songwriter, and hip-hop artist from Fredericksburg, Virginia, the US, went through several challenges on his path to reach where he is today, shining bright as a one-of-a-kind and self-made artist in the music realm.
The 32-year-old, who is a proud transgender and tremendously talented music artist, is a military veteran who was deployed to Afghanistan at one point. However, in 2018, he felt immensely passionate about music, and that motivated him to dive deep into this magical world. He started recording with just a MacBook and a pair of Apple headphones.
In 2022, his endless love for music led him to debut with his album titled “Metamorphosis” across all streaming platforms. The album, which is very special to him for obvious reasons, is also special because it tells the struggles that he went through the two years before it was released, including trust issues, loneliness, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol addiction. Taking a two year break, he came up with his latest single titled “Kehlani,” which dropped on 24th April this year.
Speaking more on his single “Kehlani,” Hailstackz highlights that the track coincided with the birthday of the renowned R&B singer and songwriter Kehlani, who has inspired him greatly in his journey. Hence, he decided to honor her through his music and the song, giving her a heartfelt tribute. The track will also be spinning soon on radio, he says.
Besides this, Hailstackz will be dropping a new summer time anthem called “Free” in July off of his first 5 track EP releasing in November called “Addicted to Bad Bitches.” This is all about his struggles and experiences of making mistakes of falling for a female based on her looks and not her soul.
This will be followed by his second album, “Enigma,” to be released at the beginning of 2025, which will portray the feelings and emotions he hides while dealing with a toxic situation ship. Hailstackz is also excited about a lot of exciting performances of his that he will be doing this summer, including Pride, and will also be a part of the “We Outside Tour” coming to the DMV.
Hailstackz, an artist who dreamt, believed, and thus achieved today, is a rising name in the American hip-hop scene and through the many life struggles like false arrest, betrayal, and abandonment, which led him to serve almost five months in jail recently for unfortunate reasons, he has only inspired many other up-and-comers who vie to become true artists like him.
He can’t emphasize enough how important it is for everyone to appreciate the little things and life every single day. The struggles and challenges he went through gave a new perspective to him on life when he returned free from jail. It showed him how easy it is for people to take things for granted in this world. He highlights how it took him getting locked up twice to remember to thank God for just waking up in the morning.
Hailstackz wants people to always be grateful for all that they have in life. He wants people, especially the youngsters who dream big and wish to achieve their desired goals in their chosen industries, to take one step at a time and stay focused.
