Roy Kinsey
Roy Kinsey is a rapper, librarian, and the founder of Rapbrary, a library and bookstore dedicated to preserving rap and hip-hop as culturally significant literary art forms. Through Rapbrary, Roy also champions banned and challenged books, marginalized authors, and essential stories that deserve to be heard.
A lyricist with a sharp literary lens, Roy has seamlessly blended his love for hip-hop and literature, earning recognition for his genre-defying storytelling and community-driven work. His forthcoming album, Dandelions: Gods Don’t Cry, continues his legacy of introspection, cultural commentary, and Black archival practice.
Beyond music, Roy is an advocate for literacy, access, and cultural preservation. His work through Rapbrary has fostered partnerships with institutions like the Poetry Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Arts + Public Life, creating spaces where books, music, and conversation meet. Whether through live performances, curated literary collections, or thought-provoking discussions, he remains committed to storytelling that bridges generations.
With listeners spanning the globe, Roy’s music and message transcend borders, resonating with audiences who connect with his honesty, lyricism, and purpose. As he prepares for the release of his album, book, and upcoming performances, he remains dedicated to bridging literature, music, and social change—one verse, one book, and one stage at a time.
The Rapbrarian: Reading Came First
Rapper-librarian Roy Kinsey reclaims hip-hop as literature, fighting to preserve stories that matter
Documentary
“Reading Came First is more than a documentary—it is a legacy project. As a Black queer artist, I carry the responsibility of preserving the stories that shaped me while actively creating the legacy I will leave behind. This film captures my evolution from rapper to entrepreneur, author, and nonprofit founder, marking a shift from being heard to being read, from performer to literary curator, and from artist to literacy advocate.” - Roy