“Certified” is a grassroots activist and community organizer based on Chicago’s Southside. In 2015 and 2016, he was prominently involved in the #BlackLivesMatter movement, particularly in response to the murder of Laquan McDonald. During Thanksgiving weekend 2015, he gained media attention when he led a protest blocking traffic on the Magnificent Mile, confronting a Black police officer and passionately declaring, “I’ve lost too many little brothers… I don’t sell drugs… You all ain’t got to treat us like dogs, man” In summary, Certified is a grassroots activist who gained attention for directly challenging civic leadership during the 2016 protests. His high-profile interruption of Mayor Emanuel at a major event turned him into a symbol of sustained, street-level pressure for accountability in Chicago governance.

1. Let’s start with the name—@blackiiingout. It’s powerful. What does it represent for you, and how has it evolved with your platform?

“The name ‘blackiiing’ out comes from my deep-rooted BLACK PRIDE. I’m all about honoring, uplifting, and celebrating everything BLACK, no exceptions. With my stage name KIIING, I crafted a clever twist, blending pride with wordplay. It started as my music identity and handle but has grown into the very essence of how I live. It’s more than a name—it’s my truth, carried boldly every day.”

2. Hip hop and activism are both born from struggle. What drew you to both, and where do they meet in your work?

“I fell in love with hip hop at the age of 13. I started rapping at high school lunch tables, trying to emulate artists I admired growing up, such as Tupac, Public Enemy, and N.W.A.—all artists with messaging and purpose in their lyrics. Activism found me in 2014 with the shooting death of a Chicago teen named Laquan McDonald. Both have played an intricate role in my life and my field of work. My purpose is, and always will be, the betterment of OUR PEOPLE.”

3. You’ve been outspoken, unfiltered, and unapologetically bold. Has that ever put you in a position where you had to choose between your safety and your voice?

“When you proclaim revolutionary truths with unshakable conviction, safety is always a concern. But I choose to voice my message fearlessly, consequences be damned. I’m unapologetic—have been, will be until God calls me home. Nothing can stop my truth, and I’m ready to face any challenge that comes from standing tall.”

4. You were arrested for smacking a peace officer—something that made headlines and stirred conversations. What really happened, and what do you want people to understand beyond the headline?

“At a Chicago protest, police attacked me without cause. I defended myself, faced charges, but they were reduced since it was self-defense. Here’s what matters: I’d do it again—every time—for OUR people. I stood up for someone like Laquan McDonald, who can’t speak for himself anymore. That fight is my core, and I’ll never back down. I’ll do it again, and again and again, 10 times out of 10. The person that posted this on X tried to claim that I had a sexual assault charge. I want to be VERY clear that I have not, nor would I EVER have that on my conscience, let alone my rap sheet. In your famous words, Renee’, ya’ll better Google me and stop playing on my name!”

5. How did your family and close support system respond to that incident—and what role do they play in keeping you grounded today?

“My support system was the backbone that got me through one of the toughest moments of my life—being locked up. When the judge set my bail at $100,000, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In Illinois, at the time, you had to come up with 10% of that to walk free, which meant scraping together $10,000. My people stepped up. My lawyer, who’s been in my corner through thick and thin, came prepared with the $10,000, ready for an emergency. Because of that, I was out the next day, out on bond. But beyond the logistics, it’s my family—especially my children—who keep my feet planted firmly on solid ground. They’re my heart, my reason for everything. They’ve shifted my fight from street protests to the courtrooms and more deeply within our community. I’m still pushing for OUR PEOPLE, still carrying that same fire, but now it’s about building something lasting—justice, change, and a future my kids can thrive in. That’s what keeps me moving forward, unapologetically.“

6. How do you define “freedom” in a country where being Black, loud, and free is still treated like a threat?

“Freedom isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—it shifts depending on who you ask. But for OUR people, freedom means something deep, something vital. It’s about living without that constant, gnawing fear of being targeted just for being BLACK, LOUD, and PASSIONATE about the things that set our souls on fire. It’s walking through life without looking over our shoulders, knowing we can speak our truth and chase our dreams unapologetically. To me, freedom also means America stepping up and making things right—paying up for the centuries of pain, oppression, and stolen opportunities we’ve endured at this country’s hands. It’s not just words or apologies; it’s reparations for the blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors. Freedom looks like neighborhoods that aren’t just surviving but thriving—places where we can raise our families, build strong communities, and create generational wealth that lasts, breaking the chains of systemic struggle. For me, freedom is a mission, a lifelong fight I’m fully committed to, even if I don’t see its full fruits in my time. Every step I take, every battle I wage, is for my children and grandchildren—so they can inherit a world where they reap the rewards of my struggle, where they can live boldly, freely, and unapologetically as themselves. That’s the vision I hold close, and I’m fighting for it with everything I’ve got.”

7. You’ve said before that hip hop is more than beats—it’s your heartbeat. What was the first song that cracked open your soul and made you say, “I’m part of this”?

“The first song that truly made me fall head over heels for hip hop? It’s a toss-up between Nas’s “Rewind” and “One Mic.” Those tracks hit me like a lightning bolt, sparking something deep inside. I’m drawn to songs that don’t just sound good but dig into your soul—ones that are creative, thought-provoking, and packed with substance. “Rewind,” man, that joint was a game-changer. The way Nas flipped the script, telling an entire story in reverse, was pure genius, way ahead of its time. Even now, years later, the concept still blows my mind—it’s like he rewrote the rules of storytelling in hip-hop. And “One Mic”? That’s a masterpiece of unbridled emotion and truth, stripping everything down to just Nas and his message. Both tracks showed me what hip hop could be: a platform for brilliance, a way to challenge the mind and move the heart. They weren’t just songs—they were revelations that shaped how I see music and its power to speak to OUR people. To this day, they’re a reminder of why I fell in love with this art form and why I keep pushing to create with that same kind of purpose and passion.”

8. Which artists inspire your own message—not just lyrically, but politically and personally?

“When it comes to artists who inspire me, I’d point to Kendrick Lamar, Vic Mensa, and Tupac—those are just a few who stand out. I’m drawn to creators who don’t just spit bars but live the truths they put into their music. It’s one thing to write a powerful verse, but it’s another to embody that message in your everyday life, and that authenticity hits me hard. For me, it’s all about artists whose work lifts up OUR PEOPLE, sparking growth, development, and pride in who we are. Their lyrics aren’t just words—they’re blueprints for change, fueling progress and unity. When an artist’s life aligns with their music, it adds a whole other layer to the sound, like a sonic bonus that makes the tracks resonate deeper. Kendrick’s storytelling, Vic’s raw energy, Pac’s unapologetic fire—they all carry that weight, pushing me to create with the same purpose and keep the mission of uplifting OUR PEOPLE at the heart of everything I do. That’s the kind of artistry that stays with me, driving my own work forward with passion and truth.”

9. Some people preach revolution from the sidelines, but you’ve been in it, bruised by it, and still speak on it. What keeps you going?

“The memory of those lost to gun violence and police brutality fuels my every move—their lives stolen, their stories cut short. That injustice drives me to fight relentlessly for OUR people. But it’s also about my children, my heart, growing up in a country not designed for their success. I’m determined to arm them with wisdom, tools, and unshakable pride to thrive against the odds. That’s a mission that consumes my thoughts, pushing me to grind harder every day, ensuring they can walk boldly as BLACK individuals. Beyond that, guiding the next generation keeps me anchored. It’s about passing the torch—teaching young minds how to stand firm, think sharp, and carry our vision forward. Empowering them with the strength to build on our fight is what keeps me focused, unapologetic, and all in. This is more than a cause…it’s my life’s work, etched into every step I take for those we’ve lost, for my kids, and for the future we deserve.”

10. What’s something about you people don’t see on social media—something deeply human that reminds you of your purpose?

“Vulnerability—it’s like a hidden gem, rarely spotted. Folks these days hide behind polished facades online, crafting personas that only flaunt the wins, the highs, the picture-perfect moments. They’re scared to reveal their true selves, worried about judgment or shade from others. But to me, vulnerability is the heartbeat of what makes us human—it’s the bridge that links us, heart to heart, in our shared struggles and triumphs. It’s about showing up as you are, flaws and all, without apology. Kendrick Lamar dropped a gem on “6:16 in LA” that hit me deep: “I discover myself when I fall short.” That line is truth, pure and simple. It’s a reminder that our stumbles, our imperfections, are where we find our real strength, our humanity. Embracing that openness isn’t weakness—it’s power, it’s courage, it’s what keeps us connected and grounded in who we are. That’s the kind of authenticity I strive for, unapologetically, because it’s what moves us forward as people, as a community, as OUR people.”

11. How do you navigate mental health as a Black activist when rage, grief, and hope all live in the same body?

“Self-care is the best care, hands down. Over the years, I’ve built a solid routine, a set of practices that keep me centered and steady. It’s not just a luxury—it’s survival. I pour my energy into crafting candles, letting the scents and process soothe my mind. I vibe to lo-fi music, those beats create a calm space to think. Hitting the gun range lets me channel intensity in a focused way, while meditation brings me back to peace, grounding me in the moment. These habits are woven into my fabric, non-negotiable, because they keep me whole. Having wrestled with anger, I’ve learned how vital it is to stay consistent with this routine. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up for myself, day after day, to maintain balance and clarity. That discipline is something I hold close, a testament to my commitment to thriving, not just for me but for OUR PEOPLE, unapologetically.”

12. What’s your relationship like with your city or neighborhood now? Do you feel embraced, misunderstood, or something in between?

“My bond with my city runs deep, rooted in the streets where I grew up. I’m still hustling and living in the same neighborhood that shaped me, pouring my heart into it every day. I organize gatherings, spark community vibes, and keep the energy alive with events that bring us together. To my people, I’m not just talk—I’m the living proof of the change they dream of, all while staying real to who I am and where I come from. The love I get back? It’s more than acceptance; it’s a full-on embrace, a rock-solid support system from my city and my block that lifts me up and keeps me grounded.”

13. You’ve spoken truth to power and faced real consequences. Do you ever think about walking away—or is that not even an option?

“Turning my back is not EVER on the table. I reflect on what would’ve happened if our ancestors, our elders, just gave up, and that thought alone sparks a blaze in my soul. I’m locked in, committed to pushing this cause forward until it’s done or I’m gone. Even when I’m six feet under, my struggle, my spirit, will keep burning bright in those who carry the torch.”

14. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of activist-artists who want to shake the system without losing themselves?

“Stand firm in your essence, unswayed by outside noise. Build your crew small and solid—loyalty over numbers. Don’t ever grab at handouts or quick cash; if your principles can be purchased, your credibility’s shot. Most crucially, anchor your gaze on the purpose fueling your grind. Let that drive be your north star—stray from it, and you’re unmoored, disconnected from your own core.”

15. Last one—when it’s all said and done, what do you want people to say when they mention @blackiiingout?

“I want them to know that I was a FIGHTER. AUTHENTIC and REAL. My life’s motto has always been a lyric I wrote at 15 years of age, and pardon my French: “Im on a mission to die as one of the illest, F**K fame, as long as I die as one of the REALEST”. I want people to know they got the REAL, UNFILTERED, 1000% unapologetic version of…..ME.

P.S. For the record, I am NOT that guy, Justin L. Hunte! I don’t know who is telling these lies about me!”