Kiamo Channels Darkness Into Purpose on A Eastside Story
Rooted in Passaic, New Jersey, Kiamo is an artist whose work reflects lived experience, emotional depth, and an unwavering
Rooted in Passaic, New Jersey, Kiamo is an artist whose work reflects lived experience, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Over the past year, he’s delivered a powerful run of projects while expanding his impact beyond music—stepping into film, community leadership, and entrepreneurship. With his upcoming release A Eastside Story, hosted by DJ SoReal and arriving February 6, Kiamo continues to channel dark moments into art, turning pain into purpose and stories into legacy. In this conversation, Kiamo opens up about his creative mindset, his responsibility to his city, the importance of preserving Hip Hop’s essence, and what it truly means to build something that lasts beyond music.
You’ve had a powerful run of projects over the past year. What mindset were you in while creating this body of work, and how did it shape the direction of A Eastside Story?
I was in a dark space & used that dark space to create ART. Different styles of projects with different emotions. Pushing myself to different depths & channeling my full potential of creativity.
Passaic plays a major role in your music and leadership. What responsibility do you feel carrying your city’s stories, especially as your platform continues to grow?
I’m from here, born & raised. My memories here, my childhood is here—my family, my friends. The things I seen and witnessed are things I treasure. I never really seen somebody make it where I’m from, but there were superstars in my neighborhood. I don’t know how to explain it.
A Eastside Story is hosted by DJ SoReal—what made this collaboration the right fit for this chapter of your journey?
I love the essence of DJ & Artist. From the DJ Drama series, DJ Clue, DJ Whoo Kid with 50 Cent / G-Unit tapes—that mixtape essence. Growing up, that was inspiration to me, so why not do my own with my DJ? My first was back in 2015, Diaries Written In The Garden, hosted by Hot 97 DJ Absolut. This installment with SoReal is more meaningful because SoReal seen my come up.
You’ve balanced being an artist and an executive producer for multiple projects. How has working behind the scenes sharpened your approach to your own music?
I always wanted to be more than an artist. I saw myself like 50, Jay-Z, Ice Cube—people who play major roles behind the scenes creating opportunities. It was always bigger than rap for me.
Passaic The Album brought together 31 artists from your city. What did that project teach you about unity, leadership, and the independent music ecosystem?
That project meant a lot to me. Thirty-one artists from one city putting pride to the side and coming together. Different issues, different hoods, different cultures, different styles, different generations—all came together. This one was for the city.
Your community initiative, The Give Back, shows that your work extends beyond entertainment. Why was it important for you to turn success into service?
This is for the kids. This is to big up the people, businesses, and community I’m from. I want to help it grow with my experience and my knowledge.
You recently stepped into film with A Father’s Love, a deeply personal project. How did becoming a director change the way you think about storytelling across all platforms?
I’ve always been a storyteller in my music, so I channeled that energy into film. I directed a story between a father and daughter—my daughter, Zamiyah “Mae Frances” Mathis.
Neighborhood Street Cinema bridges creativity and entrepreneurship. What inspired you to build your own production company instead of relying on existing systems?
I was inspired by people like 50 Cent executive producing films and TV shows. Getting in positions of power in different lanes is strong. Capitalizing in different avenues matters.
Many artists talk about legacy, but you actively build it through music, film, and community work. How do you personally define legacy at this stage of your life?
Legacy is when you hear my name and it creates change. The name “Kiamo” inspires people—the music, the hoods, kids trying to find a way, the moms, fathers, grandparents, aunties, uncles—everyone just trying to do something in life. Showing that it’s possible, no matter where you’re from.
As you head into 2026 with A Eastside Story arriving February 6, what do you hope listeners walk away feeling—or understanding—after hearing this project?
Use those dark times and let them motivate you. Let them create a spark in you to change yourself.
