J. Ahmir Vines

About J. Ahmir Vines

I’m not just a strategist or an artist. I’m a storyteller committed to reshaping how culture remembers us.We are in the equity era. The time is now to build brands, art, and strategies that don’t just talk about inclusion but live it. The challenge is, many entities lack the narrative frameworks to translate equity into storytelling that shifts culture. That’s where I come in.With over 10 years of experience as a strategist, cultural storyteller, and performing artist, I specialize in helping organizations and leading brands translate equity into campaigns that resonate. I focus on dispelling misconceptions surrounding mental health, reproductive justice, and the transgender experience, collaborating with educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to amplify LGBTQ+ advocacy and trans visibility on a national scale while building trust for historically excluded communities.My work spans strategy and performance: from directing Lambda Legal’s national rebrand to a 76M+ reach, to scaling a wellness-tech startup to signups and $10M+ in investment, and even making history as 2AM Ricky — the first Black trans man to chart Top-3 on iTunes Electronic with music that’s since been featured on Netflix and Tyler Perry Studios.Whether in boardrooms, community spaces, or on global stages, my purpose has always been the same: use story to connect, create impact, and shift culture.What I bring: Strategic Communications: Brand messaging, digital strategy, and cross-platform campaigns that build trust and drive measurable growth. Cultural Storytelling: Inclusive narratives and equity frameworks that turn diversity into lived visibility. Creative Direction: Video-led content, campaign design, and partnerships that resonate with communities. Artist Collaborations: Music, performance, and cultural partnerships that expand reach and visibilityIf you’re ready to collaborate, amplify your voice, or build strategies that resonate, let\'s connect!

Experience

1. Recording Artist & Cultural Storyteller

   2am Ricky

   Aug 2014 — Present

   As 2AM Ricky, I’ve built a career as a recording artist, storyteller, and cultural advocate, merging music with strategy to expand visibility and break historic ground in the industry. My work spans live performance, sync licensing, cultural partnerships, and advocacy-driven storytelling- Made history as the first Black trans man to chart Top-3 on iTunes Electronic with Move- Co-wrote, vocal arranged, and engineered the theme song for Tyler Perry’s “Caught Up”, with additional placements in Netflix (Breathe) and Zeus Network (Baddies West, Bad Boys LA)- Earned recognition as a Forbes BLK History Maker, Anthem Award recipient, Pioneer of Culture at the Trans Life Awards, and received the Community Honors Award by State Rep. Park Cannon for cultural advocacy- Performed on major stages including World Pride (Main Stage) and Atlanta Pride, alongside artists such as Khalid and Doechii- Achieved international chart success across multiple markets (Cupid Christmas #1 UK iTunes Holiday; Whatchu On #1 LGBTQ Urban Charts).

Education

• North Carolina Central University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

  2014 — 2018