Today we’d like to introduce you to Christylezz.
Hi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story, like many others, is one of glory and triumph, while still being riddled by ego, failure and disaster; and yet still finding its way to love & redemption. It would be a disservice to sum up my journey in a single word because the heart of the story lies within the process, no matter how painful it may be. Shun not the struggle for it is God’s gift.
It began with my first company at 21 years old, hosting & producing events with my late frat brother Kevon Carter (Kappa Alpha Psi). We traveled the east coast to just about every HBCU we could drive to with our aura that both left lasting impressions & inspired a generation of NUPES to follow in our footsteps. We didn’t just represent the culture, we were the culture. This company served a dual purpose, it was the birthing place of my dreams and my internship for my Bachelors degree in Media Communications.
The 3 formative years with my first company allowed me to one day join forces at that time with the largest party event in America. At 24 years old I was on tour from city to city essentially doing what I did best, partying. When people would ask what made me so good at what I do, I would tell them that I sold fun. I ensured that everyone present had a good time and cultivated a vibe that was undeniable; I moved the crowd. From festival stages, to sold out arenas & even private events for A list celebrities like Jay-Z & Beyonce, the next 7 years of my life would be nothing short of a dream for many people, especially to those in the industry. In retrospect I had no idea how major my everyday life was, I had glimpses of the gravity of it all but I normalized it quicker than I could have imagined. All I recognized was how much fun I was having and denying the reality that the fast life is no way to live.
Whilst on tour I was also a Counselor for high school students. It was a double life to say the least. Speaking with inner city students between the ages of 17-21, while coming from Brooklyn myself, I related to them on a deeper level. Truly valuing the bonds with my men’s group (GENTS) & the young adults on my caseload, I adopted two personas sharing the same voice. From dress shirts to expensive chains, my social media contrasted the man that showed up for work everyday. When people would catch me in a viral post, they would often ask me why I even bothered to come to work at high school and full transparency, some days I’d wonder the same thing. But it was only starting to dawn on me just how much of a creative I truly was, and I knew I was only scratching the surface of what that could entail for my future career.
While I was busy hosting, partying, and counseling, I couldn’t ignore the rise of podcasting, and my creative mind was buzzing with ideas. Anyone who truly knows me can tell you that I have always had a fascination with the underworld. From the shows I watched to the people I associated with, my fascination with the minds, habits, and behaviors of those living unconventional lives captivated me. The stories of people in my neighborhood, with its million-dollar narrative from my Brooklyn street corner alone, inspired me. My friends couldn’t reach out to CNN to share their stories, so I came up with a new plan – concealing their voices and disguising their faces, carving out a unique path for myself in the realm of podcasting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I only restricted the show to a 4 episode exclusive podcasting event because truth be told, I expected it to fail. After releasing the first episode, I vividly remember a bird pooped on my head, and all I could do was thank God. From there I knew this podcast would change my life, and in a day, it had 20,000 downloads. Three years into producing my own show, I received an offer from TIDAL, and another three years later, Breakbeat extended a deal to me. Eight years ago, in my parents’ kitchen, I never imagined that my creation would become the sensation and healing outlet that it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we in know about what you do?
We now hold the spot as the #1 Black True Crime Show, offering a platform for therapeutic storytelling and healing. Our narratives center around tales of survival, perseverance, and strength. With millions of global views, I aim to transform lives with these impactful experiences, reshaping how our community approaches mental health. It’s time we prioritize our mental well-being just as diligently as we make sure we eat every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My work brings me joy, my family brings me joy, and my devotion to the Lord brings me joy. I have endured so many trials and triumphs that an article like this barely scratches the surface. For the full story, you may need to delve into my book “Bloodied but Unbowed” by Christopher Samuel.
Contact Information:
- Instagram: @TrappinAnonymous and @Christylezz
Suggest a Story: VoyageBaltimore is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
