19Keys: A Visionary Voice for Our Time

Backstage at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas, the energy was electric. The hum of equipment being packed up filled the dressing room as a production team wrapped up an interview with 19Keys. The show was set to start in about thirty minutes, and you could feel the weight of that countdown in the air.

As my videographer and I walked into the room, guided by his manager, I could tell 19Keys was locked in. His manager said, "Hey Keys, I got one more for you," and for a second, I wasn’t sure if he’d have the space for us. He was in that pre-show zone, the kind of focus that performers carry when they’re about to step into their moment.

But instead of brushing us off or letting the weight of the moment get in the way, 19Keys turned his full attention to us. And the first thing he said wasn’t about the show, or even about the interview—it was about our jewelry.

Now, that might sound small, but it wasn’t. My videographer and I have had recent conversations about the jewelry game these days—how hard it is to tell what’s real and what isn’t, how 10-karat hollow can look just like 14t-karat solid if you don’t know what you’re looking for. And here was 19Keys, in a moment where he had every reason to be distracted, noticing that detail and acknowledging it. 

It wasn’t just a compliment. It was a sign of someone who truly sees people and as black men, giving and receiving compliments isn't a culture standard.

That moment set the tone for everything that followed.

I remember standing there, as the videographer was setting up the camera and realizing how impactful it felt to have a conversation with someone whose work I’d followed and respected for so long. It wasn’t nerves—it was clarity. I was face-to-face with someone who didn’t just talk about change but actively embodied it.

Roots in St. Louis and Oakland

To understand 19Keys, you have to know where he comes from. Born in St. Louis but raised in Oakland from the age of two, he embodies the dual influences of both cities. His parents divorced when he was young, leading him to split his time between these two distinct environments.

Oakland, with its rich history of activism and consciousness, instilled in him a militant awareness and a drive for social justice. The legacy of the Black Panther Party and the spirit of revolutionaries like Huey Newton were part of the air he breathed. This environment nurtured his consciousness and awareness about societal structures and the importance of self-determination.

St. Louis, on the other hand, exposed him to the harsh realities of street life. It's a city known for its challenges, and 19Keys has spoken about how many people he knew from there are no longer alive due to the treacherous environment. These experiences gave him a firsthand understanding of the struggles faced by many in marginalized communities.

This blend of environments provided him with a unique perspective—combining the street smarts and resilience from St. Louis with the revolutionary consciousness of Oakland. It’s this duality that allows him to connect with a wide audience, speaking to both the struggles and the aspirations of the culture.

A Journey of Self-Education and Empowerment

19Keys didn’t follow a traditional educational path. He attended Elijah’s Educational Center in Oakland, a school that tailored its curriculum to the intelligence and capabilities of each student, rather than adhering to government-mandated standards. This approach fostered a love for learning and self-improvement from a young age.

However, his journey wasn’t without obstacles. As a teenager, he faced false accusations of assault, leading him to drop out of college to focus on his defense. This period became a pivotal moment in his life, prompting him to study law and various schools of knowledge independently. He was determined not to place his freedom in someone else’s hands, showcasing his commitment to self-reliance and personal responsibility.

These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of self-education and the importance of mental and spiritual elevation as foundations for success. They also deepened his commitment to empowering others to unlock their full potential.

As he put it during our conversation: “I teach people how to save themselves. Right? So for me, I’m a representation of what I always wanted to see in culture.”

One thing I took away from listening to him speak about financial literacy was how he described cryptocurrency—not just as a quick trading opportunity, but as a store of value. That perspective shifted something in me. It wasn’t about flipping coins for fast cash; it was about building something sustainable, a tool for long-term independence.

A Modern-Day Thought Leader

Today, 19Keys is recognized as a visionary thinker and motivational speaker, blending science, spirituality, and real-world insights to provide a blueprint for living life to the fullest. His teachings emphasize the development of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual mastery, aiming to inspire others to transcend their circumstances and limitations.

Through platforms like his "High Level Conversations" podcast, he engages in thought-provoking dialogues on topics such as financial literacy, self-development, and cultural empowerment. His influence extends beyond motivational speaking into real-world applications, including ventures in technology, digital media, and health.

During our interview, he said something that stuck with me: “The goal is to shift culture… It’s really to change, you know, the way we think about entertainment. You understand me, the way we think about our daily habits.”

A Personal Reflection

Meeting 19Keys was more than an interview; it was an encounter with someone who embodies the principles he speaks about. His ability to connect, his depth of knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting the culture left a lasting impression on me.

I thought back to something a coach told me when I was younger: “You don’t know it yet, but you’re going to be a leader.” That message stayed with me, and in moments like this—sitting across from 19Keys—I’m reminded of why that matters.

He’s not just a product of his environments; he’s a testament to the power of self-determination and the impact one individual can have when they commit to personal growth and the betterment of their community.

He’s one of the next generation’s cultural icons to look to. And if you’re paying attention, the blueprint is right there.