King Vashti on Entrepreneurship in Hip Hop & The Makings of Hip Hop Agenda (Interview)

Hip Hop and the hustle go hand in hand. Who has better made something out of nothing than the Hip Hop Nation? So, we thought what better way to exemplify the grind than with an exclusive interview with innovative visionary and California native, King Vashti. From working in radio at LA's Power 106 and K-Day to delving into streetwear with The Hundreds (it's huge!), King Vashti has been on the move, just like true hustlers do.

Most recently, she made that jump from the 9 to 5 grind to doing her own thing and putting out Hip Hop Agenda, which is both a functional and educational asset for content creators in love with the artform. Tap in below to learn more about King Vashti's evolution, favorite tracks off her Money Makin' playlist and the makings of Hip Hop Agenda. Then head on over to kingvashti.com to make that purchase. Because real support real, right?

Thanks for coming thru! You’re pretty transparent online, but what is something about yourself people don’t know that you wish they did?

That I’m back on my bs. (just kidding) Well, I’m obsessed with learning; so feed me knowledge! I love those random moments or conversations when someone shares something I didn’t know, or new music I’ve never heard before, and then I’m totally mind blown.

I live for those moments like that. — Also, I wish people felt how much I really care and want them to win. No need to be so hard on ourselves. We’re all trying to figure it out, no one has all the answers.

Aside from doing your own thing you’ve also worked for Power 106 and the originator K-Day. How’d you get your start in radio?

After finishing school for broadcast journalism, I was soo eager to get my foot in the door that I would help a friend during an overnight board opp shift. Then I got my own board opp gig but it wasn’t for a hip hop station. I would say I really started having fun when I was helping out on a classic hip hop show as a social media coordinator and blogger. 

When did you know you wanted to be involved in the entertainment industry?

I knew from a really young age. I was watching music videos and always listening to the radio. I can remember listening to Big Boy in the morning and Tito’s top 4 @ 4 on the way home. I looked up to people like Big Boy, Lala, Luscious Liz, [laughs] Ryan Seacrest

You’ve also worked with The Hundreds, which is huge! What bridge do you see between Streetwear and Hip Hop?

Being fresh has always been a part of Hip Hop. It’s not just about the music, it’s a community and lifestyle. Creative street style and trends have helped define hip hop fashion for a while now. Streetwear is part of the culture. It’s another form of expression. 

From owning your own LLC to putting out the Hip Hop Agenda, I can tell you’re a hustler at heart. What inspires your grind?

I’m driven by fear to be completely honest. I’m scared of living an unfulfilled life, scared to give up on my dreams. Fear of being broke. What inspires me to grind? I’d say money and being able to help others with it. I’m happy and feel blessed to have found a career in an industry that I’m passionate about.

As someone doing their own thing, being 100% independent now, what is the significance of owning your own business?

Being self-employed has a lot of fun and cool advantages but it’s really leaving your 9-5 for a 24/7 gig at times. Starting your own business or you following your dream can be liberating and more fulfilling than working for someone else. — It feels good getting the recognition and respect from peers for taking a leap of faith and having the courage to work on your own. I’d say the significance of owning your own business is personal fulfillment.

"I want y’all to be able to organize your creative ideas, write down your goals and be able to break them down and execute everything needed to leverage your brand or business on social media"

- King Vashti

Entrepreneurship also plays a huge role in Hip Hop’s foundation. What are your favorite money makin’ tracks?

I have an entire playlist. I really believe manifestation is a big part of entrepreneurship. You gotta feel it and believe it. So some of the songs are: 

• Lil Baby - Boss Bitch
• A$AP Ferg - Work 
• Lil Uzi Vert - Loaded
• Doja Cat - Moo!
• Jay Z - Legacy 
• Beyoncé - Formation 
• Megan Thee Stallion - Cash Shit
• Too $hort - Gettin’ it
• Kendrick Lamar - Money Trees
• Jay Rock - Win
• Dipset - I’m Ready
• Kanye West - Last Call
• Kanye West - Can’t Tell Me Nothin’
• Eric B & Rakim - Paid In Full
• Wu-Tang - C.R.E.A.M
• Nipsey Hussle - Double Up
• Nicki Minaj — LLC
• BTNH - Foe The Love of $
• Big & Junior Mafia - Get Money
• Solange - Binz

Speaking of entrepreneurship and Hip Hop, your Hip Hop Agenda makes it easy on creatives to plan their day, meet their goals and learn some Hip Hop history in the process. What sparked the idea to give back to the community in such a progressive way?

When I learn something new and I’m passionate about it, I want to share that information with everyone. I created the agenda because it was a tool I needed. I was assigned to share hip hop history on social media every day. I needed to organize my content and editorial content and still have room in my planner for my personal things. The agenda is a combination of all that… creative marketing, strategizing social media and hip hop.

From concept to final production, how long did it take to put together?

I was collecting Hip Hop History in my phone for a few years before I realized I had enough info to create a book. I worked on everything the last half of 2018. It took about 6 months to really get the designs down and ready everything for print. 

"I really believe manifestation is a big part of entrepreneurship"

- King Vashti

What is your goal for someone using the Agenda?

I want y’all to be able to organize your creative ideas, write down your goals and be able to break them down and execute everything needed to leverage your brand or business on social media. I want you to use the agenda and learn a little about branding and marketing. I’ve included social media and budgeting tips. BUT MOSTLY I want you to learn and be inspired by Hip Hop. Look up the artist and research the music you’re not familiar with yet. There’s a lot of history included in the Hip Hop Agenda.

When is the 2020 edition coming out?  

I’m aiming for my birthday 10/17 or The Real Black Friday. 

Where can we make that purchase?

You can cop your Hip Hop Agenda at kingvashti.com or Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Anything else we should know before you go?

Thank everyone who’s continuously supported me and lifted me up! I love you and only hope to inspire and empower in return.