Turning Attention into Art: Kordell Rashad on Writing, Music, and Owning His Voice

For Kordell Rashad, storytelling is about understanding the forces that shape modern life—especially the role attention plays in how people seek meaning and recognition. His first book, Attention Everybody, explores the ways attention drives culture and personal identity, while his upcoming second book takes a more intimate turn, blending personal experiences with creative storytelling. As he prepares for his first tour—combining both his writing and music—Rashad hopes his work inspires others to stay resilient, pursue their dreams, and embrace their unique voice as creators of their generation.

Kordell, your first book, Attention Everybody, introduced readers to your voice and perspective—what inspired you to write it, and how has the response from readers shaped your journey as an author?
As always, I appreciate chopping it up with you guys and being in touch with y’all for a few years now. As far as what inspired me to write it well I felt like today we are in an “attention no matter what” state of consciousness. Sometimes I feel like not even the money matters more than attention. So I chose to write a book engaging on the themes and tools used to gain it and how some of us naturally get attention while most of many seek it and actually need it to feel fulfillment in their lives. The response has been a great one and nice process but because I feel like I locked myself with a generation and for future generations to come.

You’re now nearing completion of your second book—how does this new project build on or differ from the themes and message of Attention Everybody?
Oh this one will be very different. You see “attention everybody” was just more so an experiment book that goes into details of the tactics that you use to garner attention. However this next book I’ll be going into a different direction and bring the people into pieces of my personal world and personal relationships. Don’t be surprised if it sets a tone of a biopic theme of my life and my real-life experiences with maybe some added sci-fi involvement to give it a more animated but entertaining way of expressing my life.

You’ve also been invited to go on a book tour later this year—what does that opportunity mean to you personally, and how do you hope it helps you connect with readers in a deeper way?
Yes of course, the tour not only includes my book but it includes touring as well with my music. I will be in front of crowds, hopefully raising the vibrations of the environment and enjoying my first tour ever. I’m extremely excited that I’ve gotten this opportunity and slowly but surely preparing myself for all of the crowds I will be a part of to celebrate my accomplishments so far. These opportunities do not come often so I will be doing my best to take full advantage of them.

Looking back on your writing journey so far, what challenges have helped shape you the most as both a storyteller and a creator?
Life within itself has shaped my journey. My ups and downs, being considered different in most parts of my life from others has driven me to have more of a black sheep type of journey. When people are sleeping or not paying attention or care either or I’m writing, composing and pulling in lots of ideas that I’m always in hopes that the public will like and resonate with. It has grown me to be a more mature person and also has challenged me to be consistent to keep producing for the people out there who need what I have to offer.

As you prepare for the release of your second book and the next stage of your career, what message or impact do you hope your work leaves with the people who read it?
I hope to join the pioneers of before and now as a true author and artist of my generation. To be a beacon of light for those who have a dream and maybe they’ve been in situations where others tried to take those dreams but I stand resilient as the face of a person who refuses to let it happen and to keep on going.