nakEdtruth... one word, all lower case letters, capital E
Artist. Engineer. Entrepreneur. Sound Designer. Music Producer. Educator
Background
Award-winning songwriter, nakEdtruth, carries many titles, each one a testament to his multifaceted journey. A creative force since childhood, he first expressed his artistry through drawing comics with pencil and paper. Soon, he picked up a pen and began writing, channeling his creative energy into lyrics and stories. By his teenage years, he was actively recording and performing as part of the hip hop trio Pure Genius in his hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Though his roots were firmly planted in music, nakEdtruth's path also led him to the field of engineering. After graduating with a degree in engineering, he embarked on a professional career, but his love for music remained a constant pull. Determined to carve his own path, he adopted the moniker nakEdtruth and began his solo musical journey in 2013 with his debut single. A year later, he released his first mixtape, Still Young. Still Grown., a project that not only showcased his talent but ignited a movement that extended beyond music, with the mixtape's merch line becoming a cultural staple.
This success, paired with the challenges of navigating a corporate career, led nakEdtruth to a bold decision: he would leave behind his job as an engineer and embrace his artistic calling full-time. It was a leap into the unknown, a decision that would prove to be transformative.
Bodies of Work
Over the next few years, he honed his craft, touring, releasing singles, and collaborating with other artists. This period of growth culminated in the release of his highly anticipated album Innocence to Experience in 2019. The album was a raw and self-reflective body of work, with tracks like "Starving Artist" capturing the difficult realities of a musician's journey. The project also included the animated music video for "Makeda," a powerful visual tribute to the strength and beauty of young women of color.
As a songwriter and sound designer, nakEdtruth's artistry continued to evolve. His sophomore album GROW (2020) marked a significant milestone in his artistic and personal development. With this album, he showcased his refined skills as a creative director and sound designer, marking the next phase in his artistic journey. He also earned a Master of Arts in Sound Design, further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted artist and creative professional.
Beyond Music
Beyond his work as a musician, nakEdtruth has expanded his focus to education. His passion for inspiring and mentoring others led him to teach and serve as a facilitator for emerging artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Drawing on his personal experiences and expertise, he has become a beacon of support for those navigating the challenges of the music industry.
As he continues to push the boundaries of his creativity, nakEdtruth remains a visionary—an artist whose work transcends labels and defies easy categorization. From his early days as a comic book artist to his evolution as a master sound designer and educator, his journey is one of constant growth, reinvention, and dedication to his craft. So, what’s next for nakEdtruth? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: his story is far from over.
“What you choose to be is dictated or manipulated by the world, but who you are is how He made you. Stay nakEd..”
— nakEdtruth