Q&A: 2AM Ricky Makes ‘Moves’ Finding Activism Through Music
☆ BY Lauren Audrey ☆
A PASSIONATE ACTIVIST, WRITER AND RAPPER, who’s rapidly gaining a following on social media, it seems as though 2AM Ricky does it all. The Atlanta-based artist has a clear mission to use both his musical talent and his platform to amplify marginalized voices within the LGBTQIA+ community. With an ability to resonate with his audience through captivating vocals and groovy beats, 2AM Ricky recently made music history as the first transmasc black artist to chart on the iTune electronic chart. In fact, he impressively hit #3 within 12 hours of the release of his newest track ‘Move’.
‘Move’ is a hip-hop based electronic tune swirling with feelgood basslines and his signature lyrical flows. With additional vocals from the talented Godzena, the song has an undeniably infectious energy that serves as a testament to Ricky’s innovative spirit. He’s also releasing a corresponding music video on June 20.
2AM Ricky continues to push the boundaries between his art and advocacy, as the GLAAD EMEI cohort member recently performed at MobiFest this pride month in New York City. Just the beginning of his promising career, Ricky is set to appear in season 2 of the hit series ‘TransWorld Atlanta’. We got the opportunity to speak with 2AM Ricky about the track, his advocacy, upcoming projects, and more.
LUNA: Hey Ricky! Can you please tell us a bit about your newest song 'Move'?
RICKY: ‘Move’ beautifully captures the energetic punch of funky house, blending EDM and retro disco vibes to create a nostalgic sound that reminds listeners of the golden era of the 70s. It features the vocals of GODZENA, a Miami native pop vocalist and songwriter. ‘Move’ is one of my personal catalog faves - it's infectious, and makes you want to gather the family for a cookout or take a beach ride with your friends!
LUNA: What was the inspiration?
RICKY: As a young black transman raised in the South, it can be difficult to find inclusive spaces where black queer people can be free, be themselves, and find community. I wanted to create a summer anthem for bois like me, masculine-presenting queer folks who often feel overlooked or out of place in modern nightlife culture. ‘Move’ is more than just a record that blends genres, it was intentionally created to be a song of intersectionality, removing the barrier that separates the black queer experience from the black community, unifying listeners through song.
LUNA: Tell us a bit about the song's creative process!
RICKY: ‘Move’ was originally created in 2021 and perfected over the course of 3 years. Produced by Mexico’s own WICK, we worked virtually to develop a sound that brought my vision to life (thank God for Apple voice notes!).
I had the pleasure of working with multi-platinum Grammy-nominated songwriter Tami Latrell. She vocal arranged the record and administered it through the Mezzo Agency, a global administration service provider. As a new member of the Recording Academy, it was a dream come true to collaborate with Tami. That moment at Bravo Ocean Studios, hearing ‘Move’ for the very first time as we all danced together, is something that I’ll never forget.
LUNA: In about 12 hours, you reached #3 on iTunes. How did it feel to see your song rise up on the charts that quickly?
RICKY: When I first got the news that we had reached #3 on the iTunes charts, I shed tears of joy. I cried not only out of joy and celebration for myself, but for what that moment meant for black music history.
According to GLAAD’s 2021 Studio Responsibility Index, only 1.4% of characters in major studio films were depicted as transgender, with an even smaller fraction representing trans men. To be a black trans man in music recognized on such an esteemed platform was a monumental victory for black trans creatives across the nation. I don’t take for granted the opportunity to be a voice for many and rising up the charts gave me a new sense of pride and passion for the impact my music has on the world.
LUNA: You're also an active advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. What are some ways you combine your music with your advocacy?
RICKY: As a recording artist and trans rights activist, I've forged a path that intersects with both the music industry and the ongoing struggle for trans visibility and equality. I utilize my platform to uplift marginally perceived voices while bridging the intersection of LGBTQ+ advocacy and entertainment, empowering reproductive justice, mental health, trans education through storytelling.
In 2023, I partnered with SkiimooTech to lead marketing and development for the VDOM, the world's first ultra-humanistic prosthetic device designed to revolutionize the lives of those grappling with erectile dysfunction and identity affirmation. I’ve helped industry professionals across the world to develop language and best practices for safety & harm reduction techniques, artistic development for black trans creatives and niche audiences, and strategies to increase access to reproductive health resources and improve policies surrounding care for trans men.
LUNA: Any exciting projects or shows coming up for 2024?
RICKY: I’ll be on the road and smashing stages across the globe all 2024, beginning with MoBiFest on June 8th in NYC! I have an amazing support system in the Deuce Crew, and I’m looking forward to meeting my fans in every city as we travel for shows. I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be in Season 2 of the hit series “TransWorld Atlanta”, available on Amazon Prime and Tubi. Tune in for new music, good laughs, and my life and journey from a place of vulnerability never seen before. To stay up to date on new music and upcoming tour dates, visit www.2AMRicky.com.
LUNA: What's something you learned over the years through your growth as an artist?
RICKY: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through my journey as an independent artist is the importance of using your voice and knowing your “why”.
Navigating the music industry as a trans creative hasn’t been easy, and finding safe spaces and genuine allyship has come with many obstacles. After experiencing discrimination from industry professionals who attempted to utilize my gender identity as a target for harm and bias, I vowed to not only protect myself, but others who may have similar experiences. Being an artist and public figure is more than having influence, it’s using what makes you influential to make an impact. That’s why, whether I’m on the stage or behind the scenes, my focus is always on the people that my work touches and the stories that shape their lives.
