| 2AM Ricky is breaking barriers and making GRAMMY® History as “A Voice for the Voiceless” First Black Trans Man Considered for GRAMMY® in Melodic Rap Reflects on Advocacy, Loss, and the Healing Power of Music |
For 2AM Ricky, music has never just been about rhythm and lyrics. It has been a lifeline. Today, he stands at the threshold of making history with his single “Move,” up for GRAMMY® consideration in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category. If nominated, Ricky will be the first Black trans man to receive this honor—an accomplishment that reflects more than musical achievement; it embodies the resilience of marginalized communities. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to a single mother of three, Ricky learned early on how to hustle, selling lyrics to aspiring rappers in the neighborhood before he was even in high school. His alias, “Ricky,” became a shield and a safe space—allowing him to be seen for his talent, not his gender. “I needed a name that could exist beyond labels,” Ricky says, reflecting on the beginnings of his career. “When I found music, I found my voice. It became a space where I could be free, where I could tell my truth.” But it was the murder of his best friend, Hesakahi McCoy, on the campus of NCCU, that crystallized Ricky’s purpose. Hesakahi, more than a friend, was his guiding force, encouraging Ricky’s transition and giving him the strength to embrace his true identity as a trans man. Following the loss, Ricky poured his grief into his art, producing his mixtape Hiatus, which not only helped him cope but also shed light on the circumstances of Hesakahi’s death. “This moment is bigger than just me, it’s about breaking down walls for artists like me and ensuring our stories are heard” -2AM Ricky “I discovered that music wasn’t just a tool for self-expression—it could be used for justice,” Ricky says. From that moment, Ricky committed himself to using his platform for social change. Since then, Ricky has made strides not only as an artist but as an advocate. In 2021, he became the first Black trans man to land a #1 on any music chart with his single “Whatchu On (ft. CeCe Peniston)”—a momentous achievement. Still, for Ricky, his wins on stage are only part of his legacy. Behind the scenes, he works with organizations like GLAAD, Lambda Legal, and the Fund for Trans Generations to raise awareness on issues affecting the Black trans community. As the founder of the MOVE Initiative, Ricky mobilizes resources to empower BIPOC trans and queer artists, working to ensure that future generations won’t have to face the same barriers. Now, with “Move” up for GRAMMY® consideration, Ricky is once again pushing boundaries. “This moment is bigger than just me,” Ricky says. “It’s about breaking down walls for artists like me and ensuring our stories are heard.”Through the potential nomination, Ricky hopes to inspire a new wave of artists and advocates who understand that no matter the obstacles, their voices matter. The GRAMMY® consideration of “Move” signals a cultural shift and serves as a rallying cry for visibility, change, and representation. For more information about 2AM Ricky, his music, or his advocacy work, visit www.2amricky.com/movefyc |
| ABOUT 2AM RICKY A Winston-Salem, NC native, recording artist, songwriter and speaker, 2AM Ricky is breaking barriers and making strides in the industry. An advocate for the LGBTQ community, he is bridging the intersection of advocacy and entertainment, one song and conversation at a time. Known for utilizing his platform for the uplifting of marginally perceived communities and trans awareness, he collaborates on the brand strategy, creative direction and artist development of BIPOC women and queer creatives while providing inclusion and safety education to labels, non-profits, and corporations. In 2021, Ricky became the first black transgender male artist to land #1 on any music chart, with his single “Whatchu On (ft. CeCe Peniston)” peaking at #1 on the LGBT Urban Chart. He has several sync placements with credits including CeCe Peniston, Zeus Network, Tyler Perry Studios, Trevor Project’s national campaign, and more. A published model, he was seen in the 2021 Atlanta Polo Classic Fashion Week (Alani Taylor), Lindbergh’s 2018 Fall campaign, and was the first Trans Man to grace the cover of Obvious Magazine in the 2022 Fashion Edition. Behind the scenes, Ricky is a notable songwriter and keynote speaker with expertise in branding and diversity & inclusion. He has helped educators, industry professionals and community leaders nationwide to define language and best practices for transgender healthcare and education, intersectionality, inclusive strategies, wellness for trans men, harm reduction and mental health within the music industry. In 2023, he was awarded the Artist Impact Award for his ongoing community work and efforts towards a more inclusive music industry and culture. 2AM RICKY SOCIAL X YouTube TikTok Other |
