When Kijan Simmons steps into a room, you can feel the energy shift. A lyricist, rapper, actor, and storyteller, Simmons defines himself as “an advocate through art to express other people’s emotions.”
This ethos pulses through everything he creates, whether it is a soulful track inspired by Jill Scott or a compelling performance on BET+. With influences like Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco, Simmons’ artistry is a symphony of poetry, metaphors, and emotions.
“It started off as poetry,” explains the LA native as he describes his musical discovery. Much like his influences, Simmons’ music emphasizes storytelling and reflection. “I want my songs to be the anthems for every part of life,” he says. Tracks like “West Coast,” dropping next month, capture a Kendrick-esque blend of poetic gravitas and infectious West Coast vibes.
On the flip side, his upcoming “Human,” an “anti-Valentine’s” song, showcases his versatility, blending R&B, soul, and hip-hop into an emotionally resonant narrative.
Related Stories
The World Stage Presents Bobby West Trio
Student Athlete of the Week: Taren Harper
Simmons’ path to becoming an artist was unconventional. An eight-year military career in special operations took him to 36 countries, but the creative fire inside him burned brighter than the disciplined life he led in the military.
“It killed me to sit on the side of the stage and watch others perform,” he confesses, recalling his days as a celebrity bodyguard post-military. This frustration reignited his passion for performance, propelling him into the spotlight.
In 2023, he fully committed to music and acting, landing a role in BET+’s “The Family Business.” After submitting an unorthodox photo from his bodyguard days, he was cast as a bodyguard for the Duncan family.
“I didn’t have any headshots. I had pictures from bodyguarding, but I didn’t have any professional headshots. I had no actor’s resume. Nothing. I just went on a whim,” he confesses.
“Carl Weber created a role for me from my picture,” Simmons shares. “It was surreal. One day, I’m applying for background roles; the next, I have my own trailer with my name on it.”
Working alongside industry legends like Lela Rochon and Pooch Hall, Kijan absorbed the nuances of acting. “I stayed quiet, listened, and soaked up everything I could,” he says, grateful for the experience that led to his SAG membership.
Simmons’ artistry extends beyond the microphone and camera. As a Los Angeles Film School student, he is learning to merge music and film. “Film principles are helping me refine my music,” he says. This cross-disciplinary approach is evident in his focus on sync music, where he crafts songs for every genre.
“I want to create experiences that resonate,” he explains, whether through a cinematic track or an emotionally charged script.
Kijan has faced industry pressure to produce party anthems but remains steadfast. “I want my brand to be about expressing real emotions,” he says. “If I start letting go of what I feel passionately about, I lose who I am as an artist.”
This integrity is reflected in his decision to prioritize authenticity over easy success. “I’d rather people listen to me when they are feeling something deep,” Simmons explains.
With upcoming releases, acting projects, and his flourishing education in film, Kijan is a rising star to watch. His ability to bridge disciplines and maintain authenticity makes him a rare talent in today’s entertainment landscape.
As Simmons puts it, “Everything is falling into place because I’m doing what I’m meant to do.”
Follow Kijan Simmons’s journey on Instagram @kijan_ceo.
