Meet BLVKE | Artist & Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with BLVKE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi BLVKE, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always known at a young age I wanted to be a “star”. In my 7 year old eyes that looked a lot more like becoming the next Beyonce and less paying your dues- but I wouldn’t trade it! I spent my early childhood days reenacting Janet Jackson’s “If” choreography as I tossed my giant teddy bear from side to side in our living room. The neighbors would literally watch me dance to random songs in their living room like it was full out concert. I challenged myself to dance just as good if not better than the queen herself, Britney Spears, while trying to imitate those brassy soulful Christina Aguilera riffs that gave us all chills. Back in the day we had heavy hitters that would be the source of inspiration to fuel my love for performing today- s/o to Brian Freeman for his legendary Britney choreo. It was the pop culture I fell in love with. Not to mention my mother was a great dancer and my father produced music- it was inevitable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think a lot of us who are multi faceted struggle with what to lead with when asked “What do you do?” I find it easier to label myself an artist and entertainer. One day you can catch me in the studio cooking up some heat with the homies. The next day I’m creating choreography for an artist who needs a tik tok challenge for their new single. I love what I do because the opportunities are endless. I grew up mainly known as a dancer but I’ve always been a songwriter behind the scenes. I questioned my vocal abilities until my third semester in college when I learned to belt high notes. Musical Theatre really helped me find my voice and has taken me to great heights. We all have those golden moments- mine was playing an afro-centric mermaid sharing the stage with Queen Latifa and John Stamos in ABC’s The Little Mermaid Music Live. It was my first principle TV role and I just felt so blessed to know I was right where I’ve always dreamt of being.

Theatre allowed me to explore my love for acting. It’s tough to be taken seriously as an actress when people mainly see you as tongue and cheek musical dancer/singer. Though, I am thankful that having multiple passions hasn’t compromised my momentum. As actors we go on these auditions and submit these self tapes often questioning if we’re enough. If there’s any advice I can give to those striving artists out there it would be to constantly fall in love with yourself- over and over again. We are not meant to be the same. There is beauty in evolving and loving each version of the self you’re becoming.

Hey if you’re interested in my journey through self-evolving you can catch me in a couple modes: Stream my debut single “ON1Y” on all platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music. etc) Watch me gettin jiggy next to JB in the Drake and DJ Khaled “Popstar” music video, and look out for my role in Feature Film/Thriller, Twice Bitten, soon to be released on BET starring the beautiful Lisa Raye.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is actually real life what my last couple of weeks have been like! My lil sis came into town and I’ve shown her all the hot spots I like to pull up on. One thing about LA is it can be lonely but there’s never a dull moment. I like to hike Runyon as basic as that may sound to a local native lol. There’s just something to say about getting that fresh air above all the Range Rovers and G Wagons polluting our air. The view is undeniable and great for clarity.

I can name a few places I like to get my munch on. Pann’s Restaurant near Inglewood is one of my favorite brunch spots. The catfish stay hittin and the mimosa’s are small but potent, If I’m tryna be cute and classy but catch a vibe I’ll go to Delilah on Santa Monica. There’s always pretty people there, those chicken tenders are addicting and lowkey the only thing I order. One of my favs is Berkshire House on La Brea. The vibes and the music there are lit every time we go. No one there takes themselves too seriously and there’s always a dope after move.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt I want to give a s/o out to my Georgia Peach, Joi Fowler, for providing me this platform! Nothing makes my heart smile more than black queens putting on for each other. We often have this “crabs in a barrel” mentality in the black community and in the entertainment industry when really we’re better together. Of course I have to show love to the woman who made me- Mama Blake. She’s been my rock always and has provided the perfect balance of stage and soccer mom throughout my career. My father and Detroit Player Mr. Blake taught me the importance and strength of my name. I thank him for grounding me and being the most supportive male figure in my life.

Website: https://unitedmasters.com/blvke

Instagram: @onetakeblvke