By: Maria Williams

Ataah King, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, has had music since he was a child, shaping his aspirations and fueling his creativity. As he prepares to release new music in the coming months, he reflects on the path that brought him here and his mission to inspire others to feel free through his art.

Ataah’s earliest memories of music are intertwined with everyday life. “It was both inevitable and ever-present,” he recalls. “Whether watching a movie, shopping or hanging out with friends, music was always there. Even when I wasn’t actively searching for artists, the songs found me. It was like a soundtrack to my life.” This omnipresence of music ignited his passion and led him to start creating his own sounds.

Growing up, Ataah was surrounded by musical influences. His uncle, an international performer, was a significant inspiration, along with several friends who were also involved in music. “Music is a big part of our family culture,” he says. “We had events every year, often at big halls where all kinds of music was played. The vibe and spirit of those gatherings influenced my sound.” 

Born in 1996, Ataah’s early musical influences ranged from mainstream giants like Lil Wayne, T.I., Snoop Dogg, and Eminem to underground artists. He appreciated underground artists’ journey to mainstream success, viewing them much like sports players, complete with stats and teams. “I look at it more from that side of it, almost like trading sports cards,” he explains. “It’s about understanding where an artist is in their life through their music, a true narrative.” This diverse range of influences has shaped this musician’s sound, giving it a unique edge that resonates with a broad audience.

His journey to becoming a professional music artist was not without challenges. Ataah faced difficulties connecting with the right team and dealing with altercations that delayed his progress. “There were times when I needed a direct partnership to convey my ideas, but connecting with the right people was tough,” he says. Legal issues and school commitments also posed significant obstacles, delaying his musical pursuits and adding stress to his life.

Music, however, has always been a source of solace and expression for Ataah. “It’s been a way to experiment and express different parts of my personality,” he shares. His creative process varies, sometimes freestyling over beats and other times writing lyrics down. “More recently, I’ve been letting a beat play and freestyling until I find what works,” he says. His early attempts at recording with makeshift setups and sound experimentation laid the foundation for his professional career.

Ataah’s professional journey began in earnest with the rise of platforms like SoundCloud in 2010 and his first official release in 2012. He initially documented his process through mixtapes, collaborating with Miami-based music publisher FlapJack and capturing the raw essence of his creative exploration. The phase attracted thousands of monthly Spotify listeners and generated hundreds of thousands of streams across various music platforms. “I wanted to document everything, from the first time I heard a beat to the final song,” he says. This approach allowed him to hone his skills and develop a unique sound.

In 2018, Ataah joined Sony Music through AWAL and The Orchard, a subsidiary of the media conglomerate, marking a significant career shift and temporarily withdrawing from streaming platforms. Today, his music streams on all major music platforms.

In his older music, Ataah aimed to inspire listeners to feel a sense of freedom and possibility. “I wanted to convey that pressure and the sentiment that anyone could do this,” he says. His tracks often featured imperfections and experimental elements, reflecting his desire to maintain authenticity and emotional resonance. “I let certain errors slide because they added to the overall vibe and felt I was going for,” he explains.

Ataah’s goals for the future are quite multifaceted. He aims to continue creating impactful music, collaborating with other artists, and exploring new opportunities in the music industry. “I’m always looking for ways to grow and evolve,” he says. This rapper’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and the importance of perseverance. As he prepares to release new tracks and inspire others with his art, he remains committed to expressing freedom and creativity through music.

Published by: Holy Minoza