Music is something present in the lives of just about everybody. Its versatility allows it to be an outlet for some, a career for others, but a passion to millions.
Ranard Dornes is a student-artist at Florida A&M who views music as all that and more.
Growing up in Jacksonville, Dornes came from a family that was always involved in music. He was often in the studio with his uncles or older brothers as they recorded their own projects, and earned the nickname “Boogie” at a young age because of the constant dancing and singing he’d do.
For many years, Dornes wrote poems and absorbed the musical environment before writing his first song at 6 years old. It wasn’t until the summer of 2014 that he got into the studio himself and produced his first song, even developing the stage name “Slide Good Kid,” as time went on.
With three albums on several streaming platforms, Dornes prides himself in being in a lane of his own.
“My style is SLAB music,” he said. “Spiritual Levitation and Beyond music, that’s my label.”
As he approaches a new project, Dornes begins by writing the lyrics. According to Dornes, music is poetry, so he solidifies the message of the song before creating the beat to match it. However, “Change Freestyle,” a track on one of his first albums, is the product of Dornes going to the studio, turning on a beat, and going with it. Fond of the occasional freestyle, it’s only right that Lil Wayne be one of his biggest inspirations when it comes to music.
An artist is only as great as the impact they leave on others. Knowing this, Dornes is grateful to see the effect his music has had thus far.
“Music has shown me my gift,” Dornes said.
His music has not only been a meaningful outlet for him, but has also been a soundtrack of healing for his listeners.
“Nard is one of the realest people I’ve come across,” FAMU sophomore DeAja McIntyre said. “He’s very wise and authentic and it definitely shows in his music.”
As the rest of the country views the recent quarantine as a burden, Dornes sees it as a prime opportunity. The physical therapy student is a believer that in times like this, people will realize they experience dopamine rushes from either creation or consumption. Dornes describes himself as a song; music isn’t just something he does, it’s a part of him. Without a doubt, Dornes is taking this time to create more, inspire more, and produce more.
Dornes’ albums can be found on any major streaming platform.