More Than Reality TV: I1Kendal Is Ready for His Second Act
- Greg Lewis
- Jul 13
- 5 min read
Written by: Greg Lewis
Published on July 13, 2026, 4:15p.m. EST
From East St. Louis to Atlanta, rapper, entrepreneur and reality television personality I1Kendal is determined to rewrite the narrative—and this time, he’s doing it on his own terms.
For many artists, the journey into music begins with a dream. For Kelvin Williams—better known as I1Kendal—it began much closer to home.
Growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois, music wasn’t just something playing through speakers; it was a part of everyday life.
Watching his older brother dedicate countless hours to recording records planted a seed that would eventually grow into a career of his own. At the time, he never imagined himself becoming the one behind the microphone, but life had different plans.
“I never thought I would pick up the microphone,” he recalls. “Then people started paying attention to my music. My videos started going viral, and people started recognizing me as a rapper. That’s when I realized this could really become a career.”
Today, the 26-year-old creative calls Atlanta home, where he’s balancing music, television and entrepreneurship while preparing for what he believes will be his biggest chapter yet.
But his story has never been as simple as the internet makes it seem.
Finding His Voice Beyond the Headlines
Building a career in music has required more than talent. Like many independent artists, I1Kendal has had to navigate the challenge of constantly evolving while searching for audiences willing to embrace his artistry.
“The biggest obstacle is reaching the right crowd,” he explains. “You can’t stay in the same place. You always have to look for new ideas and new styles.”
That willingness to evolve has become one of his defining characteristics.
Ironically, one of the biggest hurdles in his career has been his own visibility.
While thousands recognize his face from viral moments online and appearances on reality television, many still don’t realize music remains his first love.
“People think I’m from Atlanta, and I’m not,” he says. “Most people don’t even know I make music. They just know me from the internet or reality TV.”
It’s a misconception he’s determined to change.
Rather than allowing television to define him, I1Kendal wants listeners to experience the artist behind the personality—a creative whose music reflects emotions that cameras could never fully capture.
Turning Pain Into Fight Night
In 2022, I1Kendal released Fight Night, a project born from one of the most emotionally difficult periods of his life.
Inspired by his experience appearing on South Central Playboyz on Now That’s TV, the EP became more than just music—it became therapy.
After filming concluded, he found himself battling criticism, public perception and the emotional weight of being portrayed in ways that didn’t fully represent who he was.
“It really put me in a depressing place,” he admits. “With all the drama and people making my character look like something that’s not really who I am, it made me want to fight. But instead of fighting people, I wanted to fight through my music.”
That internal struggle became the heartbeat of Fight Night.
The project wasn’t created to capitalize on television fame. Instead, it served as a statement that there was far more to I1Kendal than viral clips, arguments and dramatic storylines.
“I wanted people to know there was way more to me than just fighting on TV.”
Mentally, he describes himself as being in one of the darkest places he’d experienced.
“I felt like the world was against me,” he says. “Music was my only outlet.”
The honesty behind those emotions gave the project an authenticity that continues to resonate with listeners years later.
Every Song Has a Purpose
Although Fight Night features standout records including “Work,” “Roll Time” and “Don’t Play With Me,” each song represents a different version of the man behind the music.
His personal favorite remains “Don’t Play With Me.”
“I was pissed off when I made that record,” he laughs.
That raw energy translated directly into the music.
Meanwhile, “Work” captures a much lighter side of his personality.
“That’s the song where I’m happy, enjoying life and wanting to see you work.”
Then there’s “Roll Time,” a record that embraces confidence, charisma and sensuality.
“It’s when I’m feeling sexy.”
Together, the songs function almost like emotional snapshots, documenting different moods rather than chasing a single commercial sound.
Betting on Himself
Last year, I1Kendal reminded supporters exactly what he’s capable of lyrically when he released the freestyle “Givin.”
Ironically, he considers it one of his most overlooked records.
“I think it’s one of my best freestyles,” he says.
The release came from a deeply personal place.
Having built much of his career independently, the record addresses loyalty, betrayal and the expectations that often accompany success.
“I’ve done everything independently,” he explains. “People from the past start thinking you owe them something.”
One lyric in particular perfectly summarizes his mentality:
“If my niggas falling, I’m picking them up. Mostly y’all ain’t solid—y’all faking and stuff.”
It’s a declaration of loyalty, independence and accountability—values that continue to shape both his music and his business decisions.
Reality TV: Opportunity or Obstacle?
Few conversations surrounding I1Kendal generate more discussion than reality television.
After recently re-auditioning for Bad Boys Seasons 3 and 4, the artist publicly shared his belief that he’s been blackballed from reality television following his time on Now That’s TV.
While he admits he doesn’t know the exact reason, he remains transparent about his frustrations.
“I’m honestly confused,” he says.
Having been one of the earliest male personalities helping shape the current era of online reality television, he believes his contributions deserve greater recognition.
“I was one of the first original male figures to go on reality TV before it became a trend.”
He also reflects on decisions made earlier in his career—including missing a reunion—that he now understands differently.
“I didn’t understand the assignment of reality TV back then,” he admits.
Despite those setbacks, he remains hopeful that another opportunity will eventually present itself.
“They haven’t seen half of what I’ve got in store.”
Rather than approaching television with resentment, he now sees it as another marketing platform.
“I would recommend every artist get on reality TV to promote their music,” he says. “The drama can definitely turn into money, followers and streams.”
While acknowledging that controversy sometimes overshadows talent, he believes artists willing to balance both entertainment and authenticity can use those platforms to build lasting careers.
The Next Chapter
If fans think I1Kendal is slowing down, they’re mistaken.
The artist is preparing to flood social media with new freestyles, cinematic visuals and consistent content while finishing a brand-new album.
Beyond music, he’s expanding his footprint in television through multiple original productions.
One of his newest concepts, Lights Out, invites 15 guests into his home for an unpredictable overnight reality experience that blends entertainment, personalities and unscripted moments.
He’s also developing the second season of East Side High, further establishing himself as both an on-screen personality and creative producer.
For I1Kendal, success has never been limited to one lane.
Whether he’s standing in front of a microphone, stepping in front of a camera or building his own television concepts from the ground up, his goal remains the same: create opportunities without waiting for permission.
The road from East St. Louis to Atlanta has been filled with criticism, setbacks and reinvention.
Yet through every challenge, I1Kendal continues to prove that resilience can be just as powerful as talent.
As his next album approaches and new television ventures begin taking shape, one thing has become increasingly clear—the story audiences think they know is only the beginning.
The next chapter won’t be written by social media, reality television or public perception.
It will be written by I1Kendal himself.
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