Derek 'Rekk' Kendall Interview | Respect the Artist
What's up everybody, I am Derek Kendall, model, actor & go-getter! I started my journey back in the 90s as a self-proclaimed artist in grade school. Growing up in the gritty streets of Brooklyn being an artist wasn't necessarily the coolest thing. I, later on, discovered that I was in fact a rare breed of talent & my future was a sure-shot compliment to what talent I was already gifted with. Jumping into my 1st fashion show audition in 2015 what lurked around the corner was something I did not expect, EVER! Lights, cameras & all types of action hit me like it was waiting for me.
How did you get your name?
I got the name Rekk back in my childhood neighborhood. Being the last 3 letters in my name, it had an energetic ring to it so as a result of forming a small group of friends we needed a name at the time. My boys & I decided that I was the more level-headed one so we stuck with "Rek" & I just added a K lol.
How did you get into creating?
I was always into creating. It was my hobby I guess it was because I grew up pretty poor so sometimes I had to create my own world through art, stories & sometimes dancing...yea.
How has creating changed your life?
It changed my life tremendously!! I like to see my life as split into 2 so the 1st half was mostly school, being a kid & hanging with my 2 older sisters at the time & the other half which I call the "start" of my professional creations. The response I got from people, in the beginning, was unexpected & very overwhelming. The quality of people reacting to my work ranged from kids to extended family members, local community leaders, fashion producers & of course my fellow models. It was a knockout & has been ever since!
Where are you from?
I Came into this world at Interfaith Medical Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. I lived in BedStuy most of my life including Fort Greene & Brevoort housing NYCHA
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
It was a jungle, I always knew I didn't quite fit in so I just continued to remain myself. I knew someday it would pay off. It taught me how to be tough & to know that you don't have to do the exact same thing everyone else is doing. You control yourself. So I always found my peace through it all though.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I hung around others in the field of entertainment & carefully listened to conversations that I felt in my heart would take me to the next level. Also, I attended Barbizon & took some acting lessons. Besides that, I used to always study how to get better at what I do on my own time. Fashion was natural for me...It was the gelling of everything over the years which made me advance so fast. You have to seek out how to advance your skills so I did just that.
What does your current setup look like?
Lol, my what? I got everything where it needs to be haha
Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you
The greats! Any artist who came before me....The Leonardos, Michaelangelos, Socrates, and Einsteins, created what you call the magic of the mind in physical form or written. The legendary graffiti artist of the 70's & 80's mad props to those guys & the entire culture of hip-hop...pure magic. Even the dancers of those times, the breakdancers inspired me on another level. So easily tasteful hip hop & R&B. The smooth-ass harmonies from the boybands over the decades definitely as I actually wanted to begin my own at a point haha yep! Oh & everything about Michael Jackson, his fashion & talent was completely otherworldly. The nostalgia of Saturday mornings & 80s soft rock!! The sounds are very soul-piercing. Can't leave out my surroundings, Brooklyn NY the style in fashion remained the shit. A fresh pair of constructs ment you the man for the week!
What is your goal when you create? To have something created & executed in such a way that it can't be compared to any other individual. Being original was something I could not avoid. Let's just say I like to be termed a perfectionist when creating. Got to leave that rare impression on people. It's extremely vital.
Why do you create?: I love it! It is something that I feel God has put me on this Earth to do. It's my gift & calling...People absolutely adore my work.
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
Awww man I have so many! Let's see ..."Timecop1983 , Tonight" man oh man yall got to hear that yo. Hits crazy differently! Also, Drake Love all , listen that's the story of my life at times.
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
I am currently thinking about starting my own theater business , maybe for cinema & continuing to have my own brand Rekk set the way as a household name for universal usage. A video/photography studio in my name sounds cool too but ultimately to rock out 25 years strong as a successful actor in cinema. What am I doing to reach those dreams? I feel like I've already taken those steps...so I'm living some of them as we speak.
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
Start now! Surround yourself with completely like-minded people ASAP & don't look back. It's ok to Express yourself in this ever-changing world but do what your heart desires now while you still have to breathe in your lungs. Praise the lord. "Symbols to pray"
Tell us about your most recent release:
I have a few film projects set to release very soon. Including "Foster Sin" where I play a trouble maker & the full motion picture "She's Broken" where I play a detective so Im very excited about those premieres. A lot of the work has been done to say that I am now a superstar. I feel so blessed!
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Photography credit: Isaiah Crawford
@Mrnofilter718 Willie Fullmore III
@Sleepthakreative Rashawn Jordan
Zae "Peg studios"
Andre Cash Sir "Ninty four shots photography"
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