We had the good fortune of connecting with E-KYD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi E-KYD, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Great question! This is something I’ve been dealing with currently in my life. I feel bad if I’m not working on my craft 24/7 but then on the other I feel bad neglecting my friends and family as well. I’ve actually tried both and what I’ve come to find is that by working 24/7 on your craft with no breaks you start to become burnt out and overwhelmed with the process. Going 24/7 makes you resent the chase. I find that when I take a few days off I’m refreshed, revitalized, armed/secure. I come back with a fresh perspective. So pretty much my answer is work-life balance is definitely needed to succeed in whatever venture you’re after. Don’t get me wrong it’s hard sometimes because you always hear that statement, “while you’re sleeping someone else is working.” It can be a battle within your psyche but it all comes down to checking in with self. If your body is telling you to chill and take a step back then do that. Your mental health is top priority. The climb to the top isn’t supposed to be brutal and overwhelming. When you start feeling those waves of emotions running through you then that means it’s time to take a break.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hello, my name is E-KYD, I’m a rapper out of Dallas, TX! So let’s jump into it… What I’m most proud of? Honestly, I’m pleased that I haven’t given up yet. Being a creator isn’t easy. There are so many ups and downs, bumps in the road, lots of money spent investing in your craft, and many sacrifices. I thank God that he’s blessed me with the energy to keep pushing forward amid adversity. How did I get to where I am today professionally? By surrounding myself with people who believe in me, networking, and staying consistent. Was it easy? No! Most definitely worth it, although. How do I overcome challenges? I think back to all the talks me and my dad have and every conversation, he tells me don’t quit. You can do everything else but don’t stop. My dream means a lot to me. I know it will scar me for the rest of my life, knowing I gave up because things got “hard.” What are the lessons I’ve learned along the way? To believe in yourself, surround yourself with the right people, go at my speed, don’t compare my career to someone else’s job, and it’s ok to take a break. What do I want the world to know about my brand and me? So backstory on my logo… my logo is a picture of me sitting on top of the world with my index finger pointed to my brain. I’m trying to explain to my audience that to succeed in life; you have to have mind power! I’m in control of my world; we all are!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, great question! So my favorite places in the city would be Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts District, and the Gayborhood! I would take the homie to explore these places. Foodwise we would hit Fuel City, Zenna Sushi off Akard, Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Urban Rio in Plano for $1 mimosas on Sunday, Ottos Coffee in The Adolphus, Austin Avenue, ect! I said etc. because there are so many great places I know that I’m missing, but these are the places I kick it at as of recently. Barwise, we would hit the Statler, bar hop in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, Gayborhood, and Greenville Ave. The music scene out here is dope, we would hit open mic at The Green Elephant and The Freeman. I have honestly been a hermit crab since covid so my places are a bit dated! Please reach back out to me so I can add to my list. I’m ready to explore more this summer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Terrance Summerville, Alicia Najera, and Ryan!

Website: https://songwhip.com/ekyd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imekyd/

Image Credits
Carter @nupe_shooter

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.