Mke Ice: Two Decades of Dedication, Creativity, and Legacy
In an industry where longevity is rare, Mke Ice stands as a testament to consistency, vision, and relentless drive. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his company, Under Lock and Key Entertainment, and the 10th anniversary of Team U.L.K. Music Group—two milestones that symbolize not only his success but also his ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
For Mke Ice, the journey hasn’t been easy. “Going through trials and tribulations, maintaining, and staying focused, dedicated, and consistent year in and year out to stay relevant,” he reflects. But the results speak for themselves: two thriving companies, multiple creative ventures, and a growing global presence.
Building Companies, Building Vision
The vision behind both companies remains the same: pushing culture forward through music, fashion, and storytelling. The difference lies in opportunity. “The only thing that sets them apart is the internet. Team U.L.K. benefits from technology and global reach that Under Lock and Key didn’t have in the beginning,” Mke explains.
Creativity Beyond Music
Mke Ice is not confined to one lane. He recently released his 10th color calendar, inspired by the tradition of seeing new calendars at the start of every year. This year’s edition held special meaning—honoring women, guided by a concept from his childhood friend Vielka Rojas, with purple as the theme.
On the music front, Mke teamed up with DJ Ace of Spades to create two mixtapes that bring together genres from across the world. “I wanted all genres of music on them, something that represents unity through sound,” he shares.
Expanding Global Reach
One of his most exciting projects has been managing Kman K2Kay, an artist from Lagos, Nigeria, introduced to him by his wife, Sha Ames. Their collaboration has already earned international recognition, and Kman’s new album Music Is My Life—featuring Karo P—offers fans a heartfelt look into his personal journey.
Fashion, Film, and Beyond
With his clothing line doing well, Mke believes fashion, music, and entertainment all complement one another. “The vision is staying ahead of the game and being more creative,” he says.
Now, he’s channeling that creativity into film. He is working on a documentary covering 20 years of his company’s history, along with a short film focused on raising awareness about children’s medical issues, and a movie exploring music, fashion, drama, and growing up in the hood with dreams of a better life.
He has also attended the Orlando Urban Film Festival three years in a row, an experience that continues to inspire him. “This year helped me focus better on what I need to work on for my career and networking,” he says.
Awards, Podcasts, and a Global Sound
Winning awards himself has inspired him to one day host his own award show to honor talents from around the world. He is also relaunching his podcast, this time focusing on everyday life and real conversations. Alongside this, Mke is working on a new genre-blending album, inspired by his lifelong love of diverse music.
A New Chapter in Life
On a personal note, 2023 was also a special year for Mke Ice as he married his wife, Sha Ames. “This new chapter is just going to motivate me and help me work extra hard to achieve everything I’m working on,” he says with gratitude.
Legacy & Advice
When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, Mke doesn’t hesitate: “That when my name is mentioned, they will say I put 100% into everything I worked on and inspired others to be all they can be—never give up and follow their dreams.”
For young artists and entrepreneurs, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Stay consistent throughout your journey, continue to work hard, trust the process, and keep faith in God. He will lead you and help you build longevity.”
