Meet Kylen Dent

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylen Dent.

Hi Kylen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Where I am today is the answer to the question: What happens when you mix an oldest sibling, a popular introvert, and a hustler? I got into throwing events when I was about 14 years old. Straight Outta Compton had just released in the movie theaters, and I recently entered my first year of high school. Suddenly, I realized although my siblings and I all had birthdays in August, it no longer served my purpose to have our anticipated “Birthday Bash” where we would mesh them all into one day party like so many years prior. For whatever reason, the thought of partying with my upperclassman homies and middle school girls simultaneously didn’t quite sit right with me. So, I took matters into my own hands and planned my first birthday on my own. I simply wanted to go see the new biopic of one of my favorite rap groups of all time, N.W.A., with a small circle of my friends. Like most teens, the mall was like the club for me at that stage of life. Ever since then, I have thrown my own birthday party, among other events throughout the year, that include live concerts in ballrooms, streetwear pop-ups in breweries, art exhibits at tattoo parlors, and always inclusive of some form of community service. I am a firm believer in the philosophy that obstacles are really just opportunities to get creative. What I didn’t know then was that the skills I would pick up on from having to work with a tight budget, on a quick deadline, and a surplus of spontaneous ideas would be the same principles I would use almost ten years later when curating history-making shows, and expanding the careers of emerging brands, artists and venues. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to catch lectures about the importance of the proverb “a jack of all trades is master of none.” to describe my various interests. But it wasn’t until I got to college that I discovered the finished version: “a jack of all trades is master of none, but a jack of all trades is still better than a master of none”. This revelation became the guiding principle of my journey. Was it easy? Far from it. I was a Georgia boy transplanted to urban So-Cal, which came with a predetermined list of options primarily consisting of a pro ball career and “making it” in music or film. I constantly battled social stigmas and ignorant thought processes that many of the systems in my community tried to limit me to. Oftentimes, it even felt like a war on several fronts, which led me to question who I wanted to be for myself. In an effort to prove my intrusive thoughts wrong and inspire those that did not know any difference, I jumped at any chance I got to take the road less traveled. I learned to succeed, or at least compete in any field I invested in; I tried everything. I played almost every conventional sport you could think of, balanced with a couple medical and law apprenticeships with UCSD and the California Western School of Law, and picking up Spanish and Mandarin along the way. Some might say I was a glutton for punishment, but these pivotal experiences would shape my willingness to adapt, my work ethic, and my innovative thinking. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Now, I spend my time researching the newest opportunities to curate dope live experiences for pop culture and keep the cultural heritage evolving. Since being in LA, I’ve worked with a network of promotional groups to bring the black HBCU experience meshed with the West Coast spirit. When my eager talent and ambition brought me to Morehouse College, I gained exposure and experience I did not know was possible. And in Atlanta, the mecca of black excellence, no less. Upon coming to school, I made a name for myself on my campus for curating special events, parties, and activations. Most notably, the iconic Morehouse x Spelman Homecoming week of events and concerts. Also, the regularly scheduled “Hump Wednesday ” activations as a student on payroll by the school, specifically to operate as chairman of the programming board known as Morehouse CASA. The enrichment aspect that HBCUs uniquely provide are what cultivates the iconic experience that we often see in popular culture and remember so fondly. Using a balance of my entertainment industry experience, business sense, and personable soft skills, I have had the opportunity to work with global brands such as Amazon, Pandora, and YouTube. And acts such as Young Thug, Lil Baby, NeYo, Smino, 21 Savage and even Drake! Thus merging my passion for innovative live experiences as well as the arts. As a college student, I have had the foresight to use these experiences to found my own strategy company, I Have an Idea (iHai) Creative Solutions. I have since learned how to lead a team with faculty, sponsors, tight deadlines, and even tighter budget constraints all while taking an overloaded course load and regularly participating in philanthropic service, taught me I’m more than capable of working at a higher level. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When I think about the concept of risks, I basically see them as opportunities. I firmly believe that every person’s life is like a movie in which we are the main characters. In my personal story, I see myself as the main character. Now, think about it: Who would want to watch a movie without risks, unexpected twists, exciting highs, and challenging lows? In my opinion, achieving a successful, meaningful, or even happy life requires accepting a complete and diverse experience. And an important part of these experiences is realized through risk. It involves stepping out into the unknown, believing and trusting that miracles happen here, where God intervenes. Like a roller coaster, life worth living is inherently risky. Think of the roller coaster as a metaphor for life and risk. It starts with the first risk of investing your time and waiting in long lines to start your adventure. If you are caught, you will feel vulnerable as you risk your safety, albeit in a controlled environment. The roller coaster rumbles on, offering you a series of unexpected turns, exhilarating climbs, and heart-pounding descents, all of which add to the overall thrill of the experience. So, for me, risks are like the elements that make life truly meaningful. These are the unpredictable plot twists, sharp highs, and exciting lows in the movie of our lives. Taking those risks and venturing into the unknown is like a roller coaster – the essence of a life well lived… 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/kylen_thegreat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ihai_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dentkylen/

Image Credits
First floor Productions
Ravon Miles
Chase Brathwaite