Meet the Incredible Only1 Theory
Hailing out of Baltimore, Md, Only1 Theory is a multifaceted artist. As a singer/songwriter, engineer, and producer, she has worked with known artists Yo Gotti and Flo Rida and has since created her own genre of music, ‘WaveNB.’ After connecting and working with multiple industry artists and management, O1T decided to partner with close members of her team to create an independent record label Rare Gold Music Group to propel her music to the next level while creating a paradigm shift in label/ artist relationships for artists she signs. All artists retain 100% ownership of their master recordings.
Her recent single, ‘Something Good,’ trended on the global DJ sites (over 60k YouTube plays), and O1T is hit #3 on Reverbnation Regional Charts.
Her label is currently preparing for a Summer 2022 ‘Somewhere Ova East’ Tour. In addition to music, O1T is a film director, composer, and editor holding a BA in Journalism/ Mass Communications, a BS in Audio Engineering, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship. She is also the creator of the H.E.A.L. (Help Empower Another Life) Project, aimed to decrease intimate partner violence and sexual partner violence in communities across America via an interactive app (Jan 2023*).
Only1 Theory’s latest single Hard Smoke is currently smoldering in the underground, and I believe it’s going to break hard!
We got this go-getter to weigh in on a few things
From the inside looking out, who is the multi-faceted Only1 Theory?
I am a lightworker and a vibe, lol. I feel grateful for my voice and talent. I will use them both to touch lives.
What was the defining moment that brought you to the entertainment industry?
I’ve created music and poetry my entire life, so I think it’s just a part of my purpose. When I was 13 or 14, someone in my neighborhood had a studio. He and his wife would let my friends and I come in rap, sing, get on pro tools, ect. lol. That experience was a blessing for me, one I am paying forward.
You’ve seen the industry from many angles; singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, etc.; what drove you to learn and polish so many skills?
I realized the power of ownership and the power of being able to create my sound independently. I can create what I want when I want from anywhere on this Earth. The last thing I will say for independent artists is there is power in being able to go into a situation as a partner.
As you advanced in your career, what was the most surprising thing you learned about the business part of the music business?
It is very important to know the business and not be naive. Publishing is key, and having written agreements in place is the only way real business is conducted. If people get mad when you want a written agreement, that is a warning sign lol. Also, being a part of someone else’s team is different than having your own. People will sign you, just so you can’t be in the game as an artist. It’s wild.
Were those lessons what encouraged you to create your own label?
Absolutely! I spent years being signed to labels/ managers that were dready but I learned the game on another level. It makes everything I ever went through worth it.
What’s been the advantage of owning your own imprint, Rare Gold Music Group?
Being a woman and a lesbian, a lot of the energy in the game is not my vibe lol. This allows me to create in a space that allows my highest level of creativity to flow. On the business side, it allows me to create the space for other artists to thrive (creatively/ financially) and bless my team and my indigenous community. I want us to tap into that infinite abundance and to know that we can manifest what we want in this life experience.
We’re excited to know more about the genre you’ve created, WaveNB…fill us in!
Ayyyyeeeee, I’m so happy you asked lol! Wavenb combines the elements of r&b, soul, rap, funk, and tonal sounds to create an experience. It is a unique sound that I hope to share with more artists as I collaborate and connect as a producer (Dready Teddy is my producer name lol).
What’s the most satisfying for you about making music?
It is an expression from the depths of my heart & soul. I know that what I’m doing is the reason I came back to Earth again. I’m an old soul in a young person’s body lol. I met a woman who told me, all this is spiritual and when I realize it, everything would change. She was right. I realized I don’t have to put on to be anyone or anything I’m not. It’s not about clout and I definitely don’t move based on anything monetary. Music has made me realize more about myself spiritually than I can even express through words.
Tell us about the upcoming ‘Somewhere Ova East‘ Tour’ your label is setting up for 2022, where will it hit and what can we expect?!
Yes! On June 4th, our tour kicks off in Cary, NC. From there, we have stops in Greensboro, NC, Brooklyn, Philly, and Baltimore. We’re about to be too lit, high energy! I will be performing singles Pink Lemonade, Mona Lisa, Hard Smoke, and more! In addition, I’m very excited to have dynamic artists Dymins, Zelihanna and more as opening acts. I have a special gift for people that pre-order tickets!
What’s the most fun about touring and playing to a live audience for you?
I love people! That’s where I really get to interact with my tribe (my fans) and meet new tribe!
Outside of the entertainment industry, you’ve created an important project called H.E.A.L. that addresses intimate and sexual partner violence. How do you and your project address this issue, what resources do you provide for victims?
This will be online in Jan 2023. H.E.A.L. (Help Empower Another Life) includes an engaging IOS/ Android app featuring content customizable to user by age and gender (content includes podcasts, online curricula, train-the-trainer materials, downloadable content, interactive videos), a social media community on all major platforms targeting our select demographic using advanced traditional and social media campaigns (includes content, website, social media pages on all major platforms to include streaming platforms), and access to community based emergency organizations and resources through the app and website able to be translated in Spanish. My goal is to decrease sexual partner violence and intimate partner violence as a public health crisis contributing to a number of inequalities impacting at risk communities including barriers accessing integrated resources that educate, provide a community, and increase prevention for victims, offenders and families.
Do you also provide education for the violent partner as well or do you leave the legal system to deal with them and concentrate on safe haven for the victim?
Yes! This will definitely be for the victim, the offender and the family.
What is your most potent advice/guidance for those living in this type of hell?
Each situation is so different, so what I would say depends but the key is to know that you are so powerful and if you can make a choice to remove yourself from that space then do so.
Amongst your other skills, I forgot to mention film director, composer and editor!!! How do you keep all these things rolling, what’s your workflow process?
I prioritize and I love what I do so it’s just the flow of my day lol. As a kid, my mother kept us busy, tapped into everything from basketball to karate AND her house better be immaculate before she got home from work lol! I still have that in me to this day. She had her own business doing hair and would put in long days and sometimes nights. I loved her hustle, so it’s in me, her energy. I’m an athlete and have performed at the highest level so I still keep that discipline also.
Mental health is key, how do YOU keep it together?
I meditate, smoke marijuana, and know that my mind is a great servant but a poor master lol. When my eyes are open, I know that I’m in a 3D space and I have to keep my balance but when I close my eyes and connect with the God within me, I can traverse dimensions. I’m so grateful for that. Also, I try to express my emotions. If I need to cry, I cry. If I need time for myself, I take it. Self love is what I’m tuned into.
Most important thing we should know about O1T?
The music I create is to connect with you all. Only1 Theory represents Only1 Consciousness. If there were no mirrors we wouldn’t even know what we look like. The only thing we see is what we perceive from within.
How do we keep up with you and the label online?
Yes Ayyyeeee lol! I’m online at ONLY1 THEORY. If you google that, all of my social and web outlets will pop up! Also our label is Rare Gold Music Group at https://www.
What’s been the FUNNIEST WTF moment thus far in your career?
I performed at Atlanta Pride in 2019 and my mother literally came on stage and danced in the back of my WHOLE set on stage LOL! She was not my background dancer and every picture had her in it. I love her but she is banned from coming on stage lol! It was fun though! Everybody that knew me was like, is that her Mom?! Yes chile!
Parting shot?
It’s Only1 Theory baby, straight outta Baltimore, somewhere ova east with love
TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
