Jehlad

Jehlad Akin Hickson is an American soul, R&B, and pop artist, songwriter, music entrepreneur, and community advocate based in California. Known for his deep, emotionally raw, and retro-inspired vocals, he initially rose to national prominence as a featured vocalist with the America's Got Talent (AGT) Season 15 semifinalist group, Voices of Our City Choir. Jehlad built his career through independent grinding—performing over 500 live shows in venues ranging from coffee shops and weddings to sold-out independent music halls. Heavily influenced by Motown and Stax Records legends such as Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield, he developed a classic, story-driven soul style. Jehlad deliberately uses his platform to bridge the gap between art and social impact. Drawing heavily on his own lived experience with housing insecurity, he serves as an advocate for homelessness resources and mental health awareness. His mission centers on shifting modern music culture toward genuine emotional vulnerability, healing, and fostering economic independence and ownership for independent Black soul and R&B artists.