From Valentino to Vulnerability: 24kGoldn Talks Growth, Gratitude, and the Power of Letting Go on Back2Besa
When 24kGoldn sat down with Besa Gordon at the Black Media Matters Studio, it felt like a full-circle moment—five years after their first interview, the chart-topping artist returned with new music, fresh insight, and a more grounded outlook on life and artistry.
“I think I was 18 last time we spoke,” 24kGoldn recalled. “Hopefully I’ve grown at least a little bit since then.” That growth is at the core of his latest project and tour, Growing Pains, a deeply personal reflection on the transition from teen stardom to adult self-awareness. “I had the title for two years before the project dropped,” he said. “This phase of my life has been about learning who I am—with all the added responsibilities, pressures, and change.”
Much of the conversation centered on evolution—both creatively and emotionally. 24kGoldn spoke candidly about therapy, fame, and shifting from chasing validation to creating meaningful art. “I already proved what I had to prove. I had the number one song in the world at 19. Now it’s about sharing my story and letting people get to know me.”
A standout moment came when Besa brought up the Growing Pains music video, where 24kGoldn throws his plaques into a fire. “That was about attachment,” he explained. “People get stuck in the past—good or bad—but if you’re living in the good old days, you miss what’s right in front of you.”
It’s this kind of vulnerability that resonates with his fans. Whether discussing his four years in therapy or the balance between public authenticity and personal boundaries, 24kGoldn emphasized the importance of self-awareness. “You don’t want to wait till your engine is smoking to take it in for maintenance,” he said. “Therapy gave me the confidence to express myself and not feel so guarded.”
He also touched on what it means to connect globally through music. From fans in China running miles to meet him, to sold-out shows where audiences sing along in different languages, the impact of his message is clear. “Music is powerful—it doesn’t matter if we speak the same language or not.”
As for what he wants listeners to take away from Growing Pains? “I don’t want them to think anything specific—I just want them to think,” he said. “If it makes you feel something, I did my job.”
24kGoldn is continuing to evolve—not just as an artist, but as a human being learning, questioning, and growing in real time. Keep up with 24kGoldn and his new music drops by visiting 24kgoldn.com
