Kenny Burns has built a career across music, marketing, fashion and events, and he calls what he does The Lifestyle Specialist. Baller Alert sat down with Kenny to talk about his path, his work and what comes next. Here is the conversation, with his answers as he gave them.
Tell us your history leading up to now.
Kenny says he is a product of Uptown Washington DC. He headed to Atlanta for college, but he told us school lasted only a semester because he became a party promoter. That entrepreneurial spirit, he says, led him into music, marketing, fashion and everything else he has done since.
What does a Lifestyle Specialist actually do?
Kenny describes the job as a little bit of everything. He says he brokers deals for artists, hosts events and helps corporate brands connect with communities. As an example, he points to Heineken, which he says was a marketing client. According to Kenny, the company wanted an annual event built around soul music, so he created the Heineken Red Star Soul Tour. He says the tour went on to help launch Grammy nominated artists including Raheem DeVaughn, Emily King and Chrissette Michele.
Who are your mentors?
Kenny gave one name the most credit: Andre Harrell. He says Harrell showed him how creativity should carry into everyday life, from home decor to marketing plans, and he believes Harrell deserves a lot more recognition for his contribution to the culture.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
What was it like working with Mariah Carey?
Kenny called it incredible. He told us he had never traveled abroad before that experience, and that the Charm Bracelet album was recorded in Capri, Italy, which he described as the most amazing place he has ever been.
How did Jay-Z and the 2620 brand come together?
2620 was Kenny’s first company. He says DJ Clark Kent introduced him to Dame and Jay while they were working on Reasonable Doubt, and that they clicked right away. He started with street team work and helping put shows together. Kenny recalls the moment he saw Jay-Z wearing a 2620 sweatshirt on MTV, after he had sent it to him overnight when Jay asked for something fresh.
Were you part of the Change Clothes era?
Kenny says yes. He told us he was a vice president at Rocafella when Jay-Z released Change Clothes, and that the shirts and cuffs in the video came from his RyanKenny line. He laughed about the office nickname for his department and staff, The Dress Shirt Mafia.
What is next for Kenny Burns?
Kenny says he wants to keep growing his profile so he can keep inspiring people by example.
