By Zion Miles
Willie Buckley, also known as Willie, The Kid, grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where there are not many African-Americans opportunities. Despite the odds, Willie did not let this stop him from achieving his dreams.
“Grand Rapids made the Forbes List as the worst city in the nation for black economic opportunity. It inspired people like myself not to let that be the statistic that affects our people and be the badge that we wear,” Buckley said.
Motivated by the many successes of those in Atlanta, Buckley decided to spend his college years in the city at Clark Atlanta University.
“To get the hands-on intimate experience I got at Clark Atlanta at an HBCU, Buckley stated. It was everything I dreamed of.”
Coming from a place with few opportunities for African-Americans to Atlanta, he explained it as a “life-changer.” His experiences built him into the person he always wanted to be.
With lots of hard work and networking, he signed to a label and, in 2008, introduced his debut album “Absolute Greatness.”
Since then, he has become an independent hip-hop artist and has debuted 23 more music projects under his own name.
“For me, it was independent or nothing at all,” he said.
While being independent, Buckley has bought more to the table than just music. He has been able to control his projects and create new ones in the entrepreneurial world.
Buckley is the co-founder of Motu Viget Spirits Company and co-owner of Ambiance Restaurant and Lounge.
“Whether it’s music, whether it’s merchandising, I own a spirits company as well as we know people drink when they’re celebrating and when they’re mourning so no matter what’s going on, it’s still a market for that as well,” Buckley stated.
He continues to work hard to be a positive influence for those in his community.
“From one panther to another panther out there just know yourself stay true to yourself, your uniqueness and your qualities are what’s going to prepare you for the next level, just stay true to yourself.”
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