Khalid Thornton

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Khalid Thornton, but creatively I go by KTGODUMB! I’m an artist, producer, and creative based in Cleveland, Ohio. My work is centered around music, self-expression, and building a brand that encourages people to dream unapologetically and move boldly.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I love about Cleveland is the pride that comes with being from here. It’s a city that knows how to embrace the grind, and I think growing up around that mentality has shaped how I approach both my music and life.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

14Karat Productions is my music production brand, where I create original beats and help artists bring their ideas to life. It started from my own passion for making music and eventually grew into me producing for other artists and helping shape their sound. My goal is to give artists quality production while creating an environment where they can experiment, be themselves, and turn an idea into something they’re proud of.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

I would tell someone to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Starting a business is going to put you in situations where you may not have all the answers or feel completely ready, but that’s part of the process. You have to be willing to take risks, learn as you go, and trust yourself enough to keep moving forward.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One thing that always sticks with me is when an artist tells me that I brought their vision to life or made the beat sound exactly how they imagined it. As a producer, that means a lot because my goal isn’t just to make a good beat, it’s to understand the artist and help create something that feels like them.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I see 14Karat Productions growing into a recognizable brand within the music industry. I want to work with more artists, build meaningful collaborations, and eventually expand beyond just producing beats into helping artists develop their overall sound. Most importantly, I want 14Karat Productions to be known for quality, creativity, and helping artists create music they genuinely believe in.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that music production is just making beats. There’s a lot more that goes into it, from understanding the artist’s vision and creating the right sound to arranging, mixing, and constantly developing your craft. A good producer isn’t just making music, they’re helping bring an entire idea to life.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest struggles has been staying consistent while balancing being an artist, producer, and everything else I have going on in life. There have definitely been moments where I’ve questioned myself or felt like I wasn’t moving fast enough. I’ve learned to deal with that by focusing on what I can control, staying disciplined, and reminding myself why I started in the first place.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, my favorite artist was Kid Cudi, and my favorite athlete was Sean Taylor (Rest In Peace). I admired how Cudi wasn’t afraid to be different, while Sean Taylor’s intensity and presence on the field always stood out to me. Both inspired me to embrace what makes me unique.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Definitely want to shout out my ODF family, everyone who has supported my music and 14Karat Productions, and all the artists I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Also, much love to my family and friends who continue to believe in the vision and push me to keep going. We’re just getting started!

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @_ktgodumb_, YouTube @KTGODUMB, and Twitch KTGODUMB. You can also find my music on all major streaming platforms by searching KTGODUMB! and keep up with everything I’m working on through my Linktree.