Ian Kelly is a rapper who identifies as a passionate storyteller from Oakland, California. His journey started with a co-sign from legendary producer 9th Wonder. As the Bay Area's music scene continues to thrive, Ian Kelly's lyrical ability and magnetic stage presence make him a standout figure in the bubbling music industry in California.

Inspired by real-life experiences, Ian Kelly continues to craft his music around his own experiences and those of the people around him. Musically, Ian blends soul and the core qualities of hip-hop, such as storytelling, in his music as he looks to grow his audience beyond just Oakland, California.

In terms of collaborations, Ian Kelly has worked with Jamila Records on their compilation album titled Jamila is the Squad 2. As the years have progressed, Ian has been making a name for himself by being featured on Ebro Darden's Ebro in the Morning show on Apple Music and even freestyled on Sway in the Morning.

On February 18th, renowned DJ and producer DJ D Sharp teamed up with Ian Kelly to release their highly anticipated single "Way Up." The single, ahead of their collaborative project titled Concrete Ocean, debuted at the NBA All-Star event. The project's theme centers around resilience and ambition, which the Bay Area is known for.

DJ D Sharp brings his signature production to "Way Up," which embodies the spirit of perseverance, and Ian Kelly showcases his lyrical ability. Speaking about the single, Ian shares, "This song is about taking tough moments and turning them into triumph. Sharp and I wanted to create something that fuels people’s motivation. If you have a vision or a goal, this song is for you."

As the world awaits their collaborative project, "Way Up" is a testament to the powerful storytelling and showcases the bubbling music scene coming out of Oakland, California.