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United States Kia Shine is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his contributions to hip-hop music and his advocacy work.
Kia Shine, whose real name is Nakia Shine Coleman, partnered with the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South to bolster his family's non-profit's water safety initiatives for children diagnosed with autism.
Memphis rap/hip-hop artist and producer Kia Shine signed with Universal Motown Records, through a venture with Rap Hustlaz Records, an urban music label.
Kia Shine's advocacy extends beyond Autism Advocates. Through his Coffee with Kinfolk brand, he and Alecia sell t-shirts and host community events. Shine, also known as 'Kinfolk', is an American hip-hop artist, actor, writer, podcaster, producer & Designer.
Memphis rapper, actor, and autism advocate Kia Shine Coleman and his wife, Alecia, are using their nonprofit Autism Advocates to partner with the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South for new water safety initiatives.
Kia Shine announced a new sync deal, stating he was the latest signee with @issarae's music supervision company @theraedio.
Nakia Shine Coleman, professionally known as Kia Shine, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Memphis, Tennessee. He originated from the Frazer section of Memphis and initially worked in a major casino conglomerate’s corporate offices. In 1998, Shine chose to pursue a career in music, declining a substantial corporate promotion. He began by funding and producing his younger brother’s rap group, L.I., and later secured a production deal with Ruff Ryders and a publishing contract with Universal. Upon returning to Memphis, he co-founded Rap Hustlaz with Jack Frost, a production team and record label. Through a distribution deal with TVT in the early 2000s, Rap Hustlaz signed prominent Memphis artists such as Yo Gotti and Gangsta Blac. His production efforts led to collaborations with significant Southern rappers including Juvenile, 8Ball, and Ludacris.
Despite initial success, issues with his TVT dealings led to artists departing from Rap Hustlaz, resulting in a period where Shine faced homelessness. This turning point prompted him to transition into a solo artistic career. In 2006, his debut single, “Respect My Fresh,” became a local hit in Memphis. This success led to a new recording deal with Universal Motown. Further tracks like “Stunt Glasses at Night” and “Krispy” gained national airplay, with “Krispy” peaking at number 66 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 24 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. His debut album, “Due Season,” was released through Universal Records on July 31, 2007.
Beyond his musical achievements, Kia Shine has been actively involved in community and advocacy work. In September 2010, he received a BMI award for his lyrical contribution to Drake’s song “Best I Ever Had,” and also earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the track. More recently, he and his wife, Alecia, have engaged in autism advocacy through their non-profit organization, Autism Advocates. This initiative has included partnerships with organizations such as the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South to launch water safety programs for children diagnosed with autism. Shine also co-founded Coffee with Kinfolk, a brand that sells merchandise and hosts community events, further extending his reach and impact.
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