As 2AM Ricky embarks on his GRAMMY® consideration campaign for his electrifying single “Move,” the artist is poised to make history as the first Black trans male nominee. With a career rooted in advocacy and groundbreaking achievements, Ricky continues to use his platform to spotlight LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the music industry.
“Move,” which climbed to #3 on iTunes’ Electronic chart, is now eligible for a GRAMMY® nomination in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category. The track’s dynamic combination of smooth, watery keys, an infectious rhythm, and sharp songwriting has made waves in the music industry, resonating with fans and critics alike. Earmilk praised the song’s “fun-loving energy,” highlighting the natural chemistry between Ricky and featured artist GODZENA.
But “Move” is more than just a hit single—it represents the latest chapter in 2AM Ricky’s ongoing quest to break barriers. His efforts to challenge societal norms, fight for transgender rights, and elevate marginalized voices have earned him recognition far beyond the music scene. Ricky’s advocacy work has been celebrated with prestigious honors, including being named a Pioneer of Culture at the Trans Life Awards and a Forbes BLK History Maker. He was also awarded the Community Honors Award by State Representative Park Cannon for his relentless dedication to transgender rights and mental health advocacy.
And this isn’t the first time 2AM Ricky’s career has been marked by historic achievements. In 2021, his single “Whatchu On” (ft. CeCe Peniston) topped the LGBTQ Urban Charts for 10 consecutive weeks, making Ricky the first Black trans male artist to reach such a milestone. Now, with “Move” building on that momentum, Ricky is setting new standards for representation in music and paving the way for future generations of queer artists.
For Ricky, music is inseparable from advocacy. His songs often carry messages of empowerment and visibility, as he uses his platform to push for broader inclusivity within the entertainment industry. His activism has led to collaborations with key LGBTQ+ organizations like Lambda Legal, GLAAD, HRC, and Fund for Trans Generations. These partnerships have further fueled his mission to amplify marginalized voices through digital storytelling and community outreach. As legendary singer CeCe Peniston puts it, “Ricky’s influence has proven to be both inspiring and groundbreaking, showing people around the world the power of authenticity while empowering voices that often feel silenced.”
GLAAD had the opportunity to chat with 2AM Ricky on the journey and the achievements already made below!
GLAAD: Congratulations on “Move” being eligible for GRAMMY® consideration! How does it feel to potentially make history as the first Black trans male nominee?
2AM Ricky: Thank you so much! Being up for GRAMMY® consideration and on the verge of potentially making history feels surreal. But for me, this moment is bigger than the song or an award. It’s about pushing forward music’s inclusion culture, breaking down societal labels, and ensuring that queer and trans creators of color are seen and heard. Trans men, in particular, are often left out of conversations, research, and history, and I hope to change that.
I’m incredibly grateful for the trailblazers like Jackie Shane, Honey Dijon, and Wendy Carlos, who’ve paved the way in music for trans artists. Now, it feels like it’s my turn to carry the baton, bringing home a nomination and showing that authenticity and visibility matter. I deeply appreciate the Recording Academy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. No matter the outcome, I believe we’re creating space for marginalized voices to be uplifted, helping reclaim the power the world has tried to take from them.
GLAAD: Move has been a huge success reaching #3 on iTunes’ Electronic charts. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind the track and what inspired its sound?
2AM RIcky: As a young Black trans man from the South, I know firsthand how tough it is to find spaces where Black queer folks can feel safe, be authentic, and find community. With ‘Move’, I wanted to create a track that spoke directly to bois like me—masculine-presenting queer people who often feel out of place in the nightlife scene. This record goes beyond blending genres; it’s about breaking down the barriers between the Black queer experience and the larger Black community, creating unity through music.
The creative process for ‘Move’ was collaborative and intentional. GODZENA’s powerful vocal performance helped to give the track its dynamic edge. As a Miami native, she brought a unique energy and cultural richness that matched the song’s vibrant, genre-bending style. Tami LaTrell was the perfect partner for vocal production. Not only has she worked with legends like Monica and SWV, but her deep understanding of vocal dynamics and her entrepreneurial mindset as the founder of The Mezzo Agency gave us the tools to build something timeless. Tami’s ability to blend the creative with the business side was crucial in making sure ‘Move’ was both artistically and commercially impactful, while staying true to its roots. Their contributions, along with producer Mike Gamas, were invaluable and I’m blessed to have worked with such amazing people and creatives.
GLAAD: How do you balance the excitement of pursuing a GRAMMY® nomination with the pressure to also want to break barriers and make history for the trans community?
2AM Ricky: Balancing the excitement of potentially making history with the pressure of representing an entire community is something I’ve been reflecting on deeply. I think part of what keeps me grounded is knowing that this is bigger than me. It’s about opening doors for future generations of trans artists, especially those who’ve felt invisible in the industry. But with that comes responsibility, and the weight of it is real. I’ve leaned into self-care practices, such as therapy and meditation, which help me maintain perspective and handle the pressures that come with breaking barriers.
Losing my grandmother recently during this moment was a major emotional challenge. She was one of my biggest supporters, so her absence feels heavy. But I keep her spirit close as I push forward. At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to make headlines—it’s to inspire change and uplift those who come after me. It’s about leaving a legacy that shows future trans artists that we deserve a seat at the table too.
GLAAD: You’ve been honored with numerous awards for your advocacy, including the Pioneer of Culture title at the Trans Life Awards, Forbes BLK History Maker, and the Community Honors Award by State Representative Park Cannon. How does your activism influence your music and vice versa?
2AM Ricky: My activism has always been central to who I am, even before I became an artist. I’ve long felt a personal responsibility to advocate for marginalized communities, and music became the most powerful way to tell their stories. When I write, it’s with the intention of making people feel seen and understood—especially those who don’t often have a platform.
Outside of music, I’ve worked with various organizations and policymakers to push for real change, including improving mental health resources and advocating for inclusive policies. My activism fuels my creativity, and I’m always intentional about how my music and visuals contribute to representation and cultural shifts. At the end of the day, I want my music to do more than entertain—I want it to uplift and inspire.
GLAAD: After having the opportunity to work with organizations like Lambda Legal, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign, each allowing you to be in a variety of spaces, what do you believe is the next big step for advancing LGBTQ+ representation and rights in the entertainment industry?
2AM Ricky: I think the next big step for advancing LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry is making sure that trans and queer people are empowered to tell their own stories. We need more representation across the board—in front of the camera, behind it, and in executive rooms. This means trans writers, producers, and directors crafting the content, and artists who identify as LGBTQ+ leading those narratives.
Representation in spaces like the Grammys, Emmys, and beyond is important, but it’s also crucial that this representation is accompanied by equitable opportunities. LGBTQ+ creators, especially trans and queer people of color, should be compensated fairly and provided the resources to succeed. Partnerships and initiatives, like those from the GLAAD EMEI cohort and The Recording Academy’s efforts, are steps in the right direction. We must continue building intentional relationships and pushing for educational resources that help LGBTQ+ creatives navigate the industry, ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated in music history. While I am honored to potentially be the first Black trans man nominated for a GRAMMY®, the fact that we are still tackling ‘firsts’ going into 2025 shows how much further wneed to go.
GLAAD: Your upcoming single “T4T” with Neverending Nina is highly anticipated. What message do you hope this track will send within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities?
2AM Ricky: I’m thrilled to be featured on “T4T” with the incredible Neverending Nina. She’s a phenomenal performer and has been a great supporter throughout my journey. With this track, we aim to reflect the unity we aspire to see within the Black and Black trans communities, celebrating the love and power in our experiences and the supportive village we’ve created. I hope this song inspires listeners to look beyond labels and stigmas, recognizing our shared humanity and equality. It’s also a tribute to the beauty of the Black trans experience.
This collaboration is a significant milestone, as there hasn’t been a mainstream trans male and trans female duet that has made waves in the music scene. I couldn’t ask for a better artist to share this path with than Nina, whose community influence and artistry I deeply respect.
GLAAD: Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the next chapter in your career, especially as you prepare to release “Go Crazy” and continue your live performances across the country?
2AM Ricky: What excites me most about this next chapter is the endless potential for impact. When your vision extends beyond yourself, one open door can lead to countless opportunities for people around the globe. I’m already envisioning a historic Grammy nomination as a transformative moment in music history. I’m looking forward to launching new partnerships and campaigns that aim to increase trans visibility and representation in storytelling, as well as meeting new fans on different stages across the country. Knowing the difference I can make in the lives of not only LGBTQ+ people but also those at the intersections of diverse experiences is incredibly fulfilling.
I’m particularly excited about the launch of the MOVE Initiative, which is designed to mobilize resources and support for BIPOC trans and queer artists. Through community programming, we aim to enhance visibility and create real opportunities for marginalized voices. I’m also currently working on a new album, with a tour slated to follow its release in early March. I feel like I’m living within a manifestation of moments I once prayed for. At one point, hearing my name and ‘GRAMMY®’ in the same sentence felt like a distant dream. Now, that childhood dream is my reality, setting the stage for the next chapter of music history.
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With “Move” now in the running for GRAMMY® consideration, Ricky’s momentum is undeniable. Fans can look forward to more new music soon, including his upcoming single “T4T” with Neverending Nina—a track that shines a spotlight on visibility and intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Ricky is also gearing up to release another highly anticipated single, “Go Crazy,” on November 4, 2024.
As he continues to challenge the music industry’s boundaries, Ricky’s live performances will bring his energy to stages across the country, including an upcoming headline appearance at and Nashville Black Pride (October 26, Nashville, TN).
For more information on 2AM Ricky’s GRAMMY® eligibility, visit www.2amricky.com/movefyc or follow his journey at www.2amricky.com