2AM Ricky
2AM Ricky | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | J. Ahmir Vines |
| Born | July 20, 1997 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Website | Official Website |
2AM Ricky (born J. Ahmir Vines on July 20, 1997) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, model, and advocate known for his genre-bending sound, dynamic performances, and contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in music. He gained prominence with his single "Move," which debuted at #3 on the iTunes Electronic Charts.[1] His work blends themes of mental health, self-love, and intersectionality, positioning him as a leading voice in music and activism.
Early Life and Background
J. Ahmir Vines was born on July 20, 1997, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Introduced to music at a young age by his grandfather, Big Jerry, he was inspired by Motown classics and developed a deep love for storytelling through sound.[2] In 2014, while attending Quality Education Academy, he founded T.R.U.T.H. (The Reality Under the Hate), Winston-Salem’s first student-led social justice movement. This initiative blended performing arts with political advocacy, highlighting racial injustices and empowering Black youth through performances centered on stories like those of Renisha McBride and Trayvon Martin.
Career
2AM Ricky first gained attention with his mixtape 805 in 2013, followed by Hiatus in 2015, a deeply personal project dedicated to his best friend Hesakahi McCoy, who was tragically murdered.[3] Hiatus incorporated McCoy’s voice and witness accounts, serving as both an artistic reflection on grief and an archival project of a life lost too soon.
In 2020, Ricky released his EP Carolina Boy, a six-track project that showcased his Southern roots and ability to blend multiple genres. That same year, he collaborated with CeCe Peniston on the single "Whatchu On," which topped the LGBTQ Urban Charts for 10 consecutive weeks, making him the first Black trans artist to reach #1 on that chart.[4]
His 2024 single "Move," featuring GODZENA and vocal production by Tami LaTrell, further solidified his place in the industry. The song reached #3 on the iTunes Electronic Charts and was submitted for GRAMMY® consideration in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category.[5]
Beyond recorded music, Ricky is recognized for his dynamic performances, captivating audiences with high-energy sets that incorporate storytelling, choreography, and innovative stage production. He has shared stages with industry legends like CeCe Peniston and has performed at high-profile venues, festivals, and LGBTQ+ advocacy events, including London Pride, MoBiFest, the National Trans Visibility March, and the Stonewall Day Performance at the National Human and Civil Rights Museum.
Advocacy and Impact
2AM Ricky is a dedicated advocate for Black trans visibility, mental health awareness, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. He was a member of the Year 2 GLAAD EMEI Cohort, a program aimed at increasing LGBTQ+ representation in media.[6]
He founded the MOVE Initiative (Mobilizing Opportunities for Visibility and Empowerment), a program designed to increase industry accessibility for BIPOC trans and queer artists. Through this initiative, he mobilizes community resources and stakeholders to support trans creatives and amplify marginalized voices in entertainment.
Discography
- Albums
- Listen If You're Lonely (2024)
- EPs
- Carolina Boy (2020)
- Mixtapes
- 805 (2013)
- Hiatus (2015)
- Singles
- "Whatchu On" (ft. CeCe Peniston) (2020) – #1 on LGBTQ Urban Charts for 10 weeks
- "Move" (ft. GODZENA) (2024) – #3 on iTunes Electronic Charts
- "Cream" (2023)[7]
Awards and Recognitions
- **Forbes BLK History Maker** (2024)
- **Pioneer of Culture – Trans Life Awards** (2024)
- **Community Honors Award – State Representative Park Cannon** (2023)
- **Artist to Watch – Noisescape Magazine** (2024)[8]
References
- ↑ "2AM Ricky Aims for GRAMMY® History with "Move"". GLAAD. October 8, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Exclusive Interview: 2AM Ricky Makes Us Want To 'MOVE'". The Honey POP. June 15, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Meet 2AM Ricky". CanvasRebel Magazine. August 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "2AM Ricky is Revolutionizing Hip-Hop's Inclusion Culture". ENSPIRE Magazine. October 21, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "2AM Ricky Brings an Infectious Energy on "Move"". Earmilk. May 28, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "GLAAD's LGBTQ+ EMEI Cohort Announced". Blavity. 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "2AM Ricky's Latest Release "Cream"". Roadie Music. 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Artists to Watch". Noisescape Magazine. 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
External links
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