RESPECT. Interview: Jaeking Angelo Talks 100th Year Anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and His Latest Album ‘Rhythm N’ King’

Oklahoma singer-songwriter JaeKing Angelo grew up in Haskell, Oklahoma before moving to Wilmington Delaware and has been singing since he was a 6 year old boy in his home church Flipper Chapel AME in Taft, Oklahoma.

Coming from a musical family JKA excelled at learning how to write his own songs by age 8 while also singing his songs in front of his 3rd grade teacher. In later years, JKA moved back to Oklahoma to finish high school, where he was a standout football player. JaeKing Angelo played college football at Oklahoma Panhandle State University before beginning his career in music, but after football was gone JaeKing Angelo had detours that almost cost him a chance at a career in music. JKA began singing in front karaoke crowds before getting his hands on real shows but with few recordings JaeKing Angelo a soundcloud album titled “Kingdom Rise” in fall of 2015 but with no avail. The past in the rear view JaeKing Angelo has now started to bring his smooth baritone voice and sultry hooks to more platforms and has garnered national attention by being one of 50 Oklahoma artists tasked to help complete the “Fire in Little Africa” compilation album for the 100 year anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. On March 14, 2020 JaeKing Angelo released his first studio album entitled “Rhythm N’ King” with hits like “Blossoms Break” prod by Seriously K5ive it’s no wonder why JaeKing Angelo has now, rather than next.

RESPECT.: What does Perseverance mean to you?

JA: It’s that thing in you that tells you never give up even when you might want to give up

RESPECT.: How did you find your inspiration in music?

JA: I used to watch my dad make music as a child and would tell myself I could easily do what he was doing, but he would go all night long working on music. It was my dad who taught me the basis of music so as for inspiration it has to come from a pure love and a genuine one of the art form no matter your passion in this industry

RESPECT.: Who inspires you?

JA: Truly everything inspires me, I get it from all different types of things and people. I had a chance to inspire others with singing and songwriting, and I feel that’s what my purpose is to do now.

RESPECT.: What age did you find your passion in singing and songwriter?

JA: I started singing at age 6 in my home church Flipper Chapel AME Taft OK, a small place where the spirit hits you and it’s genuine love from the church family and that’s where I honed in on my talents, shortly after I started to sing songs I started to write them also so around 8 and 9. I would give my dad written songs and he would critique it to the fullest and let me know what I needed to work on, so I’d write and write and wouldn’t stop and eventually got better at it and now it’s a pride thing when I write, it’s like I have to have you visualize my words coming out of my pen.

RESPECT.: What was the experience like working on “Fire In Little Africa” the compilation album for the 100th Year Anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre? What lessons did you learn?

JA: It was humbling, I truly hadn’t been invited initially, my producer Seriously K5ive pulled some magic for me and I did my thing and my peers agreed that I belonged that weekend and learned I did also but it was special for Tulsa and Oklahoma as a state because for years we hadn’t gotten the looks that other markets get but we’ve found something here and we got something to say. I’m just one of many artists staking my claim right now but I’m excited to be apart of this truly and can’t wait to hear it because the experience was beautiful and I met a lot brothers and sisters for life. Everything Is Us.

RESPECT.: You have a new album out “Rhythm N’ King”, what are you most proud of with this project?

JA: The different people that I’ve touched with this project has been crazy for real, the support has been tremendous also and I think when you hear it you can visualize it, I really dug deep into some core issues in my own personal relationships so for my listeners to be able to understand and relate has been just a blessing.

RESPECT.: What’s the process like searching for a great song and recreating that energy?

JA: My goal is to have 3 more projects out, I’m currently working on my new mixtape series RNB Bane and also Rhythm N’ King 2 but to also connect with more of my fans after this pandemic with shows and pop ups for my new merch line coming Fall called “Chariot“.

RESPECT.: What does RESPECT. mean to you?

JA: I believe It has to be earned but with actions rather than words, your actions and character prove a lot about who you are, so respect for me I’d give you the same energy you give me.

Stream ‘Rhythm N’ King’ below and stay connected with Jaeking Angelo here.