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Meet Ike Ramos of I-K-E (Inspiring Kings Everywhere) in Hollywood

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Ike Ramos.

Ike, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Texas. Music was my passion from as early as I can remember. My mother played the keyboard in a Tejano band, which I also loved, but I gravitated towards hip hop at a young age. Breakdancing piqued my interest first, then DJing and producing, and eventually rapping. I honed my skills by making beats and freestyling with friends.

Having come from blue-collar backgrounds and working multiple jobs, my parents always emphasized the importance of education, so after high school, I moved to Austin, TX, to attend the University of Texas. I immediately connected with fellow Hip Hop artists and got plugged into the scene there, building a reputation as a boom-bap, sample-based producer. I also started spending more time sharpening my craft as an emcee, eventually collaborating on several projects with other local artists and sharing show bills with hip hop heavyweights, such as Boot Camp Clik, Black Sheep, Lil’ Wayne, Method Man, Guru, Rakim, and more.

After college, I began teaching and coaching at a local area High School. In just my second year of teaching, my students discovered my music videos online. I had tried to keep the two worlds separate, but they inevitably intersected. I thought my teaching job was in jeopardy, but instead, Hip Hop and its ability to connect with the youth lead to me being offered a principal position at just 24 years old. It was a proud moment for me, as I became the first Latino principal, my school district had ever had. It was a struggle to juggle my professional life while still navigating the underground hip hop scene, but I remained committed and experienced great success in both areas.

Fast forward, I moved to Los Angeles to work at a school in South LA, and also to pursue music. Since relocating to Los Angeles, I’ve been able to connect with talented artists, engineers, and promoters from across the city. I’ve performed at The Study in Hollywood, The Observatory in Santa Ana, The Novo in Downtown LA, and more. One of my highlights has been sharing the bill with Evidence and Oddisee. Currently, I’m a director at an educational technology company that specializes in remote learning and the use of Hip Hop to engage students (Nearpod & Flocabulary). Currently, I’m more productive than I’ve ever been as an artist. I’m working on a few different solo projects that will showcase my range, both as an artist and producer. I’m also collaborating with several other dope artists in Los Angeles and looking forward to releasing that music as well. My ultimate goal is in my stage name, I-K-E, which stands for Inspiring Kings Everywhere, my company name.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t front, I’ve been really blessed. In comparison to what my parents and grandparents had to experience and the lack of opportunity they faced as Mexican-Americans, I can’t complain at all. The concept of chasing a dream or passion is just so foreign to them, given how hard they have had to work their whole life. The fact that I’m even here in Los Angeles is still amazing to me. I got to meet Kanye and connect with Nipsey (RIP). I did a beat battle judged by Battlecat. I record with Segal, who engineered the Chronic 2001. I don’t take any of that for granted, and that helps balance out the struggles.

I also keep all of my former students top of mind and reflect on everything I’ve seen them have to endure. Their strength is inspiring, and I hope that reflects in my work ethic. Now, there’s definitely been struggles along the way, whether financial or family-related, trying to travel a narrow path, or simply hitting the common roadblocks that many aspiring artists encounter. For the most part, though, I try to focus on what’s within my control and maximize every hour in the day. I’m a firm believer that if you keep God first, look out for others, and work hard, then a lot of good things can start to unfold.

I-K-E (Inspiring Kings Everywhere) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company’s name is Inspiring Kings Everywhere. The company name initially just stemmed from an acronym of my stage name, I-K-E (pronounced “Ike”). The company specializes in music entertainment, primarily music production and artist recording and performance. It will also facilitate the booking of my speaking engagements, as well as any future endeavors related to music and media. The current focus is definitely on me as an artist and producer. I’m most proud of the simple fact that I now own something that can control all of the assets I generate as a creative. As the company expands into music synching, merchandise, and more, I’m excited about the possibility of being able to give 100% of my attention to it. In terms of what sets Inspiring Kings Everywhere apart from others in music entertainment, I believe it’s the unique experiences that I bring to the table as an artist, professional, and person. I’ve been blessed to be able to live in my two passions of Hip Hop and Education, and feel like I’m just getting started.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In terms of qualities that are most important to my success, I have to say faith in God and work ethic. As the scriptures say, faith without works is dead. There are no shortcuts. You have to believe it’s possible and then work towards it.

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