Celebrating Black Music Month means honoring the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of the Black artists who shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From soul and R&B to hip-hop and beyond, our music tells our story—and I'm proud to be a part of that legacy.
June is Black Music Month, a time to celebrate the legacy and evolution of Black music. How does this month resonate with you personally and as an artist/entrepreneur?
Black Music Month holds a special place in my heart because I stand on the shoulders of so many legendary Black performers who came before me—artists like The Isley Brothers, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Michael Jackson, Prince, Raphael Saadiq, Usher, and countless others. Their music, creativity, and courage broke barriers and opened doors that allow me—and so many other Black artists—to perform freely and proudly today. I'm deeply grateful for the path they paved and the legacy they left for us to build on.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you first break into the industry?
Being an artist has always felt like part of my destiny—I just needed the right moments to see it clearly. Whether I was writing songs alone, recording with my sisters, or staying up late watching Beyoncé's behind-the-scenes videos, it always clicked. From performing "Rush" by Aly & AJ in my elementary school talent show to leading "Uptown Funk" with my college a cappella group, each experience shaped who I am as an artist. I know I still have a long way to go, and even when I "make it," the journey won't stop there. What excites me most is the growth—pushing limits, breaking ceilings, and constantly evolving.
Black Music Month is about honoring past legends and shaping the future. Who are some artists or business moguls who have inspired your journey, and why?
Beyoncé has been a huge influence on me—not just for her talent, but for how she's built a genre-defying, ever-evolving brand. She refuses to be boxed in, and I admire how boldly she embraces every part of her artistry. Her journey reminds me how dynamic and powerful we are as people. When she won Album of the Year, I was in tears—screaming, jumping, the whole thing! She finally got the recognition she's long deserved. One of my biggest dreams is to work with her one day.
If you could leave a message for the next generation of artists during this special month, what would it be?
To the next generation, I'd say this: don't be afraid to believe in yourself. Sometimes life won't give you the opportunity you're waiting for—you have to create it yourself.
When I didn't have the money to hire a producer, a mixing engineer, or even musicians for my albums, I learned to do it all on my own. I believed I had something worth sharing with the world. And once you take that first step, the right people will see you, support you, and help you grow—but it starts with you. Do it scared! I'm scared all the time. But I never let that fear stop me from taking a leap of faith. What's waiting on the other side might just change your life. What inspired your new single "Smile," and is there a story behind its creation?
"Smile" was born from my desire to explore a more mature, evolved sound. I'm turning 29 this year, and it felt like the right moment to fully introduce the world to Steven Thad—not just the artist, but the man. I had the honor of collaborating with GRAMMY-nominated producer Dana Sorey and his incredibly talented daughter, Dana Jayy. Together, we blended the richness of old-school R&B with a fresh, new-school vibe—and the result was pure magic. Every time I listen to it, I'm reminded of how special this record is. I hope you're feeling the love and energy we poured into it—because it was truly made from the heart.
