Today we’d like to introduce you to Aviated Keyaan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been interested in music, art and culture. Even as a child I would draw often and played in the school band from the fifth grade through my junior year in high school and what kid growing up in the 90’s wasn’t immersed in hip hop style? It was influenced from sitcoms like Martin and The Fresh Prince.
My passion for writing lyrics began around junior high, when I would write my first rhymes at a friends house that we call “Westside Boo”. By the time I was in high school I met another friend through track and field named Ray. Ray introduced me to his friend Jason, who lived in a more affluent community than us, his bedroom was set up with 2 computers, tv, internet. And most of all access to a microphone, I remember being influenced by artists like Cam’ron and Pharrell Williams, not only for the music, but for the uncompromising sense of style they both displayed.
I began laying freestyles on wax, they were horrible, but it was practice and preparation to what made me the lyricist I am today. After high school, I attended Kent State University for a year before losing focus and moving back home to Elyria. Once back in Elyria I hooked up with a cousin of mine named Deramus. I was excited to find out him and another high school acquaintance of mine Quion had been recording at my cousins apartment. They introduced me to another artist Jay-R and we soon formed a group we dubbed “Money Tip Klick” or MTK for short. Together we did pay for ticket and pay for play shows in Cleveland along with artist showcases put on by Quincy “BIG HEFF” Taylor, where I was able to begin to develop my stage presence.
My cousin who is still a well known Lorain County artist by the name of F.A.C.T.S. and I continued this along with Quion who still performs under the name STARR for the next few years eventually, though a contact F.A.C.T.S. developed, I was able to open up for artists in club circuits the likes of 2 Chains, Styles P and Jadakiss, Wale and Kirko Bangz. Under the stage name, Blizz Moneybagz, I recorded my first album The Caviar Dreams EP along with several mixtapes before changing my name to Aviated Keyaan. The name “Blizz Moneybagz” had been out grown and sounded childish to me anymore. But the name Aviated came with a lifestyle concept that still resonates through my music and clothing today. In reference to fighter pilots, to be “Aviated” meant flying over storms, obstacles and fighting through adversity. In 2015 the concept of Aviated Clothing began a quirky chibi style pilot design on a box of 100 T-Shirts.
After a long hiatus, I relaunched my music and clothing business in 2024 with the birth of Aviated Nation LLC and aviatedclothing.com. The whole time I was on hiatus I never stopped being a creative and a writer, even if I had no intention on actively recording and designing at the time. My wife was the one who lit a fire under me again when she realized my potential after hearing old stories and music. She became my partner in everything from creating and approving designs to assisting with management in my music career. I began to design my own cover art and take the full creative control that I was unable to achieve in the past, this empowered me to work at a relentless pace, even around my 50 hour a week day job. In November 2024 I released my EP entitled GAMEGIVING. After some pointers from F.A.C.T.S. I learned to record, mix and master my own music as well and I released a concept follow-up EP entitled PAID VACATIONS, which I recorded and mixed entirely in a hotel room while on short 3 day trip to Pittsburgh, PA.
From fall 2024 to the present I have also designed and released 3 Streetwear Collections including hats and more on aviatedclothing.com and I am currently recording my first Full Length Album entitled “Aviated Altitude 2.0”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. The first box of Aviated Clothing sold only a handful of units. My music career seemed to be at a stand still. I had invested every penny I possibly could with no guidance and that led to me getting scammed, making bad business choices and more. I was discouraged and I stepped away from chasing my dreams for over a decade before being inspired to pick up the pieces and build them back stronger than ever.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Hip Hop artist, graphic designer and clothing designer. Aside opening for mainstream artist such as 2 Chains, Styles P and Jadikiss, Wale and Kirko Bangz. I was also featured on “The Red V Mixtape” a project of a well known industry rapper and producer Agallah The Don Bishop. In the past I also designed “ring walk” t-shirts for a boxing prospect who was under Floyd Mayweather’s TMT imprint.
I am most proud of my growth as a creative and my Aviated brand as a whole.
What sets me apart from others musically is my versatility. My music tends to lean toward a blend of Funk and Hip Hop, but I go where the music takes me and I can execute many style of hiphop. Also, my DIY sense of hustle, I had to teach myself how to fill as many roles as possible and do them effectively to execute what many do with a team of people.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I find that networking is most beneficial, even if it is just one conversation. You have to become a sponge, soak in everything you can. Also don’t be afraid to try something new that may further your cause. Pick up the momentum and do it yourself, sometimes that is the only way.
One thing that has worked well for me is being observant of brands and creatives in the positions I wish to be in and becoming a student of the culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aviatedclothing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_almighty_aviated/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AviatedKeyaan
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yUV8P6MDm4sXKgOtrNagv
Image Credits
John Vergara
