2am Ricky

A Winston-Salem, NC native, recording artist, songwriter and actor, 2AM Ricky is breaking barriers and making strides in the industry. An advocate for the LGBTQ community, he is bridging the intersection of advocacy and entertainment, one song and conversation at a time. Known for utilizing his platform for the uplifting of marginally perceived communities and trans awareness, he collaborates on the brand strategy, creative direction and artist development of BIPOC women and queer creatives while providing inclusion and safety education to labels, non-profits, and corporations. In 2021, Ricky became the first black transgender male artist to land #1 on any music chart, with his single "Whatchu On (ft. CeCe Peniston)" peaking at #1 on the LGBT Urban Chart. A published model, he was seen in the 2021 Atlanta Polo Classic Fashion Week (Alani Taylor), Lindbergh's 2018 Fall campaign, and was the first Trans Man to grace the cover of Obvious Magazine in the 2022 Fashion Edition. Behind the scenes, Ricky is a notable songwriter and keynote speaker with expertise in branding and diversity & inclusion. He has helped educators, industry professionals and community leaders nationwide to define language and best practices for transgender healthcare and education, intersectionality, inclusive strategies, wellness for trans men, harm reduction and mental health within the music industry. In 2023, he was awarded the Artist Impact Award for his ongoing community work and efforts towards a more inclusive music industry and culture. He recently released his new album "Listen If You're Lonely", a musical exploration of mental health, relationships and life from a black masculine perspective.