In a world where hip-hop and R&B dominate the airwaves, it’s not often that you hear a success story coming from the small South American country of Guyana. But for rising star RGK, his humble beginnings in the coastal town of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, are what make his story so remarkable.
Born Keeshaun Jadan McBean, RGK’s path to music stardom was far from traditional. As an only child who struggled with social anxiety and was often bullied in school, he found solace in music from a young age. Influenced by a diverse range of artists, from John Legend and Bruno Mars to XXXTENTACION, RGK’s love for music only grew stronger as he navigated his tumultuous teenage years.
It wasn’t until the tragic death of his idol XXXTENTACION in 2018 that RGK began to express himself through rapping. A chance encounter with a family friend who owned a recording studio led to him laying down his first R&B/hip-hop track, “Affections,” in 2020. The positive response to the song, especially from his female classmates, was the push he needed to pursue music full-time.
Dropping out of school, RGK immersed himself in the studio, honing his craft and building a buzz in the underground scene with tracks like “Hop in the Whip” and “Emotions.” Despite being told that hip-hop and R&B wouldn’t be successful in Guyana and that he should focus on dancehall, RGK remained true to himself and his art.
His dedication and perseverance began to pay off when his dancehall-infused track “East Bank Traffic” became a viral hit on TikTok in the summer of 2022. The success of the song led to him being booked for numerous shows, including a major concert at the well-known club Magic City, where he shared the stage with Jamaican dancehall artists Rajah Wild and Najeeri.
However, RGK’s biggest break came when he linked up with Timeless Music, a collective of talented Guyanese artists, and their management team at Mutant Mind Entertainment. With their guidance and support, RGK released the song that would catapult him to international recognition, “Baecation.”
“Baecation” is a smooth, catchy track that showcases RGK’s ability to blend hip-hop and R&B with his Guyanese roots. The song’s infectious beat and RGK’s soulful vocals make it a standout in today’s music landscape. With “Baecation” gaining traction on all major streaming platforms, RGK is ready to take his career to the next level.
Despite the challenges he has faced, including battling depression and social anxiety, RGK remains focused on his goals. He hopes to use his platform to inspire others from Guyana and the Caribbean to pursue their passions, no matter how impossible they may seem. With his talent, dedication, and inspiring story, RGK is well on his way to becoming a global star.
RGK’s music is available now on all major streaming platforms. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, AudioMack, and Spotify to stay up-to-date on his latest releases and journey.