Na’Kia Evonne Ricks, known as Ayo Kia, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. She is known for her motivating lyrics, jabbing punchlines, irresistible hooks, unforgettable story-telling, and melodic delivery. Ayo Kia began to build popularity after releasing her first project in 2021. Her solo project, “Before I Go” was listed on JukeBox Time’s Magazine as a Top 10 Album, where Before I Go ranked as Number 8 and Number 1 in Trending. 1 In Music meets the artist. Ayo Kia Talks About Life, Relationships, and New Music in Exclusive Interview.
“My girl, it’s so nice to have you here! The Queen! Hey, so the world knows , tell them your name and the city you rep?”
Ayo Kia [AK]: What’s good baby! My name is Ayo Kia and I’m repping the Greater New Orleans Area, …. SJP more specifically.
“I feel you! I feel that! So, Tell us about your latest releases, The Your Eyes video just dropped, tell us about that. What inspired you?”
AK: I’ve been motivated to release songs so they weren’t suffocating in a file folder. I used to always ask myself: like if I died today or tomorrow, no one would have heard these and that wouldn’t be fair to me so, yeah! I said ‘Self! Let’s get it! Hit the button.The Your Eyes song comes from my latest album Before I Go which was an all-night winger project. And besides “Running”, Your Eyes was like a song that I just thought I had to expound upon. So, I thought to myself, let’s do this video, it’s going to be beautiful. It’s crazy because that song was recorded like 7 years ago. And I’m just releasing it and making the video today. It’s not new to me, it’s just new to y’all. And my real day one fans, know that. Back when we couldn’t release music so easily, I used to send this song via email and that was the only way you could get it. But today, I have the leverage to release on all social media platforms, so yeah. I just want to be heard before I pass away or something or have children.
“100% Percent! Speaking of children, you have kids? You dating ? Single?”
AK: I’m single. No kids I always say when I’m single, I’m like Jesus, I’m Christ like.
“That’s lit! That’s what’s up! So, tell me what is unique about you and your music?”
AK: It’s designed by me. I consider it ‘designed’. Like certain words, messages, and sound effects, are hand selected for each song. (laughs) And the way I sit and write a song, you would think I was doing heart surgery how delicate I am with the words and the pen. I even write the words on the paper with a lot of pride (laughs) like I’m doing calligraphy. You really have to see me do this. It’s fun! It’s incredible! (laughs)
“Yes! Must do things well! Loving that my girl! So, right now, what is shaping your music?”
AK: I want to say it’s my emotions, past relationships, past friendships, a motivation to succeed and become rich, a desire to be heard and understood.
“And, when did you realize you were going to make music professionally?”
AK: I never realized it (laughs). I had been doing music for so long you know. Like, I had been going to recording studio since I was like 14. I always viewed it as my unique superpower. I want to say that it didn’t truly hit me until I made it to my twenties. Then I was like, ‘Okay, I’m about to do this for real.’
“Okay! Okay! So for the fans – tell them, What type of music do you listen to?”
AK: Everybody knows I’m in love with Drake, Beyoncé, and DJ Khaled. Love Lil Baby, Kanye is like the bestie. I love everybody that’s really doing their thing right now to be honest, because it inspires me to go harder. I always say that. It depends on the time of the day though, like I listen to Classical, Alternative Music, EDM, Gospel, R&B and Trap Music. Classical music is so sexy to me. But so is Trap Music. But, honestly, I listen to mainly rap music. I don’t think I listen to much of anything else. Unless I purposely step away from rap to create a new vibe in my space.
“Okay! Big fan of those people myself! Let’s get it! What do you do when you don’t do music?”
AK: Look for more things to do and become passionate about like, design something new and create a new world honestly. I just try to zoom in on my goals honestly.
“Okay, Okay, So Tell Me: Happiness to you is…”
AK: Peace. Period. Like if there is no peace, I will not be happy, and I think I need to get exactly what I want to be happy.
What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
AK: To…
Never give up.
I wasn’t told that when I was younger, like so many people were against me doing music telling me it wasn’t me, but I was good at writing songs, and rapping and singing, and it seemed like everyone had an issue acknowledging the talent and so focus on the character that it hindered me from embracing myself fully. Like people would laugh at me, try to embarrass me and stuff when I told them I was a rapper. They never viewed me as a “tough” girl, just a smart, classy woman. They never viewed me as a musical person, but this was like my biggest talent. I wish someone would have been like “forget them people and do this.” Eventually people did start to tell me that, but then it was just like – too late.
“Wow! I feel that. I’m glad you’re still pushing! That’s why we need to hear about these new things in the works! Tell us about your upcoming projects, Ayo Kia…”
AK: Right now, I’m cooking up something special for myself actually. This next project is a little personal. It’s always personal, but y’all can check it out.
“Is it an album, it’s a single? What is it?”
AK: It’s an album.
“So where would we find more about this and your music?”
AK: Everywhere. Like I tell every body: Google Me B————! (laughs) On the real though, I’m on all social media platforms under Ayo Kia.
“Man Ayo Kia, thanks for joining us today, you have some of the hottest music out right now! Glad you could have this talk with me. Y’all keep it locked! We out!”