Non-binary rapper-producer Kenny M. Alvarez—otherwise known as I.K.P. (The Infamous King of Positivity)—invites listeners to feed their resilience through the uplifting new single “FTW.”

Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, I.K.P. has found their voice in Brooklyn, New York. Blending elements of their upbringing with New York vibes, the first-generation Honduran-American of Garifuna descent rapper brings light to dark places with their powerful music. Their style can best be described as a blend of audacious, Alternative East Coast Rap, with an inclination for turning trauma into poetry. I.K.P. explores their lived experiences of military trauma, substance abuse, and homelessness through music in hopes of helping others overcome their struggles.

I.K.P. has been recording since 2011. “This is a victory lap of sorts. I’m grateful I’m still able to push,” shares I.K.P. Previous works include Ignoring the Known Protocol, Executive Realness, and 11:11 | eleven eleven. I.K.P. has also been nominated previously for an Independent Music Award.

“I’m basically self-taught,” shares the artist, who graduated from Full Sail University with a focus on production. “Rap is something that is learned and shared throughout the community. I also studied my idols and embraced what I liked and could do from what they did.” From Missy Elliott to Biggie, I.K.P. looks to the greats who also grew up around their hometown. “I’m big on female rappers as well,” adds I.K.P.

When it comes to finding inspiration, I.K.P. calls it “divine intervention.” Leaning on their strong spiritual and religious roots, I.K.P.’s first instinct is always to write—a diary entry, a song, a note—to process the hardest situations of their life. “When something strikes me from above, it moves me to put something down on paper. That starts the process,” says I.K.P.

I.K.P.’s moniker is a blend of their East Coast influence, notoriety (“infamous”), and Kings County (Brooklyn, New York). “The ‘King’ adds a regal meaning and sets the standard for myself. My positivity comes from being resilient through adversity and things that happened to me through my life. I have used music to help me process life and living and turning terrible things that happened to me into things that empower me.”

Coming from a military community, it was no surprise that I.K.P. continued in the steps of their family. “I made that decision as a way to ensure I could lock in on my future and decide what to do. I didn’t know if there would be a draft after 9/11, so I wanted to get ahead of that. It affected me deeply,” shares I.K.P., whose family member narrowly escaped one of the towers. “It took lots of grit to get through my service. I was a shy kid and wanted to prove to myself I could be tough and face challenges, find my own independence. Yet I got injured and assaulted during that time, and those experiences profoundly changed my trajectory. For better or for worse, it made me into who I am now. A lot was gained but at the expense of so much.”

Facing their traumas through music, I.K.P. reminds listeners to find the strength needed to overcome a hard time. “It’s hard to find the silver lining in the trenches,” adds I.K.P. “But when you do, hold on to it.”

I.K.P.’s recent single, “FTW” is a nod to everything that has made I.K.P. “There is a direct correlation to something that happened to me in every line in the verse.” From a nod to their military service to repping their musical lineage, I.K.P. brings the listener into their personal journey.

At the end of the song, I.K.P. alludes to trans activist Marsha P. Johnson, who was a beacon of her time and a peek into the sacrifices made by the queer community. “All the little pieces are bits and pieces of my life story,” explains I.K.P. “I am showing my pride and using that as a source of strength.”

The single was created as a follow up collaboration with an engineer I.K.P. previously worked with. “He enjoyed the song he was mixing for me and offered an opportunity to do something separate. This track was so energetic it got me going. I demoed it that day, and it came together pretty quickly.”

“FTW,” or For The Win, is intended to motivate listeners by reminding them to find their own driving force within. “Anything that motivates you, gets you started in the morning,” shares I.K.P. “Anything that pushes you to put your best foot forward and get over that hump—that’s what I want listeners to take away. Keep living your life to the fullest.”

“Music is one way I create,” shares I.K.P., who is also a content creator. When they aren’t making music, I.K.P. is taking a deep dive into music history and sharing their thoughts on social media.

Up next for I.K.P. is the single “Off Topp,” set for a December 5th release. “It’s a high-energy record that meshes gospel with trap, a trap sermon-type situation. I’m really excited about it,” explains I.K.P. In 2026, they will also release an EP.

“FTW” is available on all streaming platforms, with promotional support from Starlight PR.

Make sure to stay connected to I.K.P. on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

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