Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Kent
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Corey Kent better known as CKENT. I was born in Killeen, TX, and raised in Atlanta, where I fell in love with music at 16. From the start, I was drawn to the independence of being an artist—I loved recording myself, figuring things out, and learning the game from the ground up. That passion led me to create SFD Empire, a brand dedicated to discovering and developing underground talent. Over the years, SFD Empire has played a role in helping break artists like Lil Yachty, K$upreme, Brandon Thomas, and more, shaping the underground scene in a major way.
In 2020, I moved to Dallas to expand my business roots and build something special for the underground and the youth in Texas, similar to what I had done in Atlanta. That’s when I co-founded Blapworld, a movement and brand centered around making things happen. BLAP stands for Believe, Learn, And Prosper, and it’s all about taking action and creating opportunities. I met my co-founder while throwing events at SXSW, and we both knew we wanted to build something impactful that would help creatives thrive.
Beyond business, my music has always been a key part of my journey. I’ve dropped over 10 projects, including three albums with Trap-A-Holics, and I created the Trappin For Tuition mixtape series, which has since evolved into a nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping young creatives and entrepreneurs access resources and opportunities.
Now, I’m gearing up for my next project, “Mr. 222,” which will be accompanied by a tour and exclusive merchandise. This is my biggest and most personal project yet, and I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. All my life, I’ve had to do everything myself—from recording my music to marketing it, booking shows, funding my career, and running my businesses. I’ve always been a one-man band, handling the operations, finances, and creative direction on my own. That kind of independence teaches you a lot, but it also comes with a lot of struggle. There were times when I had no blueprint, no guidance, and no support—I had to figure it out as I went.
One of my biggest challenges was dropping out of college. I originally left Morehouse because I felt like school wasn’t aligning with my vision at the time. But after a few years, I made the decision to go back and finish what I started. That wasn’t easy, balancing my music, business, and academics, but it was something I needed to do for myself, and my family (I wanted to set a good example for my little brother and make my parents proud).
On top of that, my parents didn’t support my creative dreams at all. They didn’t understand what I was trying to build, and to be honest, neither did Morehouse. Back then, what I was doing—being a fully independent artist and businessman—was foreign to most people around me. There was no real structure for someone like me, no roadmap to follow. I had to create my own lane, and that came with a lot of resistance and doubt from people who couldn’t see the vision.
But despite all that, I kept pushing. I bet on myself, stayed consistent, and now I’m in a position where I can inspire and help others who are on the same journey. The struggles only made me stronger, and I wouldn’t change any of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SFD Empire & Blapworld & Trappin For Tuition Foundation?
SFD Empire, Blapworld & TFTF – Building Legacies, Empowering Creatives
I’ve built multiple brands that each serve a unique purpose in the creative space, but at the core, they all share the same mission: empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and the underground culture.
SFD Empire (CEO)
SFD Empire is a music and entertainment powerhouse I created to help artists grow and thrive independently. We specialize in artist development, brand building, marketing, touring, and distribution, with a track record of discovering and working with talent like Lil Yachty, K$upreme, Brandon Thomas, and more. SFD Empire isn’t just a label—it’s a movement for creatives who want to take ownership of their careers.
Blapworld (Co-Founder)
Blapworld is all about action. BLAP stands for Believe, Learn, And Prosper, and we built it to inspire, educate, and provide opportunities for creatives. I co-founded Blapworld after throwing events at SXSW and realizing I wanted to have business roots in Texas while still supporting the underground like I did in Atlanta. At its initial launch we had a store in downtown Dallas that showed others in the scene that this could be done and made me one of the first artists to have their own store! Through Blapworld, we host events, sell clothing, and give back to the community.
TFTF – Trappin For Tuition Foundation (Founder)
What started as a mixtape series turned into something bigger. The Trappin For Tuition Foundation (TFTF) is my way of giving back, helping young artists and entrepreneurs get the resources, education, and funding they need to succeed. We focus on scholarships, financial literacy, mentorship, and creative opportunities, ensuring the next generation has what they need to make it.
What makes these brands different is the authenticity behind them. I’ve lived this. I built these businesses from the ground up, without a major label, investor, or corporate backing. I know the struggles artists face because I went through them myself. Everything I offer—whether it’s artist development, branding, marketing, consulting, or events—comes from real experience, not theory.
I’m proud of the impact. I’ve helped artists break into the industry, given creatives platforms to grow, and built something real that people believe in and benefit from. Whether it’s an artist landing their first big placement, an entrepreneur learning how to scale their brand, or a student getting the support they need—seeing others win is what keeps me going.
If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creative looking for real guidance, real opportunities, and a real community, SFD Empire, Blapworld, and TFTF are here for you. We’re building legacies, not just moments.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
One of the biggest lessons I learned during the COVID-19 crisis was the importance of adaptability. When we officially made Blapworld an LLC, the pandemic had just started. We originally had a physical store in downtown Dallas, but with lockdowns and restrictions, we had to quickly pivot to an online-based business. That shift forced us to rethink how we connected with our audience and delivered value.
Instead of relying on foot traffic, we focused on e-commerce, digital marketing, and virtual engagement to keep the brand growing. That experience taught me how crucial it is to stay flexible, embrace change, and find new ways to reach people, no matter the circumstances.
Pricing:
- Donations accepted trappinfortuition.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gHhd3CDuSgBJuZk6ycLRe
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/222ckent
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/222ckent
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realcoreykent/
- Twitter: https://x.com/222ckent
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@222ckent
Image Credits
Tiffany from TMRWMEDIA
DB from Dimeshot Media
Alex from The Dot Connectors Int’l
Courtesy of SFD Empire LLC
