Throughout history, music has been an integral part of culture around the world. Through music, we can do almost anything. Music brings people together in amazing ways, and it can reflect the state of society when it was made. It provides an outlet for people to express themselves, destress and escape from reality. 

Almost everyone enjoys music in some shape or form, but not everyone can say that they make music. Young people have been a part of the music industry for as long as it has been around. Many well-known artists have been making music since their childhood—Stevie Wonder, for example, has been making music since he was 13 years old.  

At a similar age to Stevie Wonder, junior Mark “Seven the Vibe” Dickson began producing his own beats when he was twelve years old, but his love for music began long before that. 

“When I was six years old, my dad played Kendrick Lamar for me for the first time when I was in the car, and I was like, ‘Yo, I want to do this,’” Dickson said. He began writing songs in hopes of truly making it big in the music industry, and, eventually, he went on to record his songs on his laptop.

Oftentimes, people don’t understand the significance of the name Seven the Vibe. An artist’s stage name is an essential aspect of the persona they create as a musician. “There are seven main chakras in the human body, and [the number]  777 indicates gracefulness. Also, Naturo and Sakura were in Squad #7, so it’s just an important number to me. I also just love the word vibe and that’s what I strive to do, so I just put two and two together,” Dickson explained.  

With his plans as an artist, Dickson lives by a “go big or go home” mentality. “[I’m] going to keep pushing and pushing. Some people just want to do [music] for a passion project. But I’m inclined. I want to get rich. I want to be famous. Some people say ‘Money doesn’t buy happiness.’ But I mean, if I could have a million dollars right now, I’d be pretty happy,” Dickson said.

 Along with money, the ambitious artist also finds happiness in his music, “My music defines me because I let my light shine through what I create, you know? When I record something or make a beat, it’s really how I’m feeling. So when people say that they like what they’re hearing, it’s as if they like me. That’s just a cool feeling,” he said. “If you have a dream, you can really do whatever you want to do. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something, or if someone clowns on you, don’t let it drag you down.”

Student Body Vice President Jakye “KhytheArtist”  Nunley’s start in music came from outside his love for it. 

“What got me into music…honestly, I liked writing. I always had a passion for writing, and then I found beats. So then I combined the two and said, ‘Well let me just go ahead and be an artist,’” Nunley explained.

His inspirations include: “Drizzy” Drake, Lauryn Hill and Mariah the Scientist. “These are some people [who] have influenced my music very heavily,” he said. 

When making his debut in middle school, Nunley chose the name “KhytheArtist” from the nickname his little sister gave him: Khy. Since then, he’s also created a YouTube channel under the name “KHY THEYOUTUBER.” 

When it comes to his music, Nunley’s process is often sparked by events in his life. Whether it be from anger or happiness, his music reveals the many complex parts and emotions that define him.

“My music shows a different perspective that people may not usually get from me. It shows a different creativity in me. And when people usually encounter me, it’s usually in a business or mentor-mentee sense. [Music] kind of shows me in a different light,” he added. 

The young leader describes his love for music as a hobby and a freeing sport for him. “Just being able to put words together the way artists do, it’s like a sport to me, and I love it. I love the sporting nature of writing and recording Hip Hop,” he detailed. Instead of pursuing a full-time rap career,  Jakye hopes to go to Howard University, a historically black university (HBCU), to receive his Masters in Business Administration. “I definitely want to own my own business and become a CEO. I’m very excited for what the future holds,” he explained. “When you think of me, think dynamic. You never know what to expect, I’m so dynamic.”