Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemet Ackee
Hi Kemet, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
All My Friends Are Rappers LLC started as a vision rooted in creativity, resilience, and community. After serving in the military and developing a passion for culinary arts, I launched AMFAR as a streetwear brand inspired by my love for fashion and culture. Over time, I saw an opportunity to expand into the craft beer industry, a space where representation for Black and underrepresented communities was limited.
I dove headfirst into the world of brewing, eventually completing the Brewers Association Mentorship Program in 2022. My first major milestone in beer was a collaboration with Second Chance Beer Company and Chula Vista Brewery, where we brewed a Kölsch style to celebrate Black History Month, which became a community success.
Today, I’ve transitioned to contract brewing, releasing my first independent beer, AMFAR IPA, which has already received awesome reviews. I would like to collaborate with more brands that share the same mission and goals, amplifying voices that celebrate diversity, passion, craft, and just dope all around! I want my brand and beer to reach enthusiasts worldwide, both new and seasoned, while spreading the message that “All My Friends Are Rappers” means loving your craft and proudly representing what you stand for.
Ultimately, my goal is to establish AMFAR stores and taprooms across the country and abroad, creating spaces where culture, community, and craft beer come together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building All My Friends Are Rappers has come with its share of challenges for sure. Starting as a self-funded, Black/Veteran-owned brand meant navigating limited resources and building everything from the ground up. Transitioning into the craft beer industry came with its own hurdles, like breaking into a space where representation is limited and gaining credibility in an established but competitive market.
One of the biggest struggles was learning the technical side of brewing without a formal background, which required me to put in countless hours of hands on training. IM STILL LEARING! As a self-distributed brand, managing logistics, sales, and marketing all on my own has been a grind, especially while working to expand the reach of my product into new markets.
Despite these struggles, I’ve stayed focused on my mission to bring diversity, authenticity, and passion to everything I do. Every challenge has been a lesson, and overcoming them has only made me and the brand stronger. It takes time, we’re just getting warmed up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
To some, I’m known as a drummer, rapper, designer, soldier, or brewer. As the founder of All My Friends Are Rappers, I specialize in crafting high-quality beer and apparel that resonate with culture and community. For me, being an artist means leading with creativity, and that is at the heart of everything we do. What sets me apart is my relentless commitment to growing and staying true to our mission of fostering inclusion, innovation, and authenticity. All My Friends Are Rappers isn’t just a brand it’s a movement built on realness, and a belief that what we create can make a lasting difference. I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made, from our Black History Month Kölsch collaborations with Second Chance Beer Company and Chula Vista Brewery to the release of our independent AMFAR IPA, which has received incredible feedback.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Believe in yourself and your ability to create something meaningful. The journey will be tough, but the reward of seeing your vision come to life is worth every challenge. For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay true to your vision and embrace the grind. Success doesn’t come overnight, and the journey will test your patience, creativity, and resilience. If you quit you have to start all over with something else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allmyfriendsarerappers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allmyfriendsarerappers/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh2YRDn_gmM&list=OLAK5uy_l85bm8yxuhxCN5FIzpQYdX7IPniVzzLBw
