Roy Kinsey

Roy Kinsey is a Chicago-born rapper and librarian whose work lives at the intersection of hip-hop, literature, and social justice. As the founder of Rapbrary, he created a sanctuary where books, banned stories, and Black art thrive. His music, including Dandelions: Gods Don’t Cry, explores themes of identity, healing, and transformation. A proud Black queer artist and child of the Great Migration, Roy uses storytelling to preserve legacy, inspire resilience, and shift narratives. Roy’s work has been recognized by NPR, the Chicago Tribune, and Billboard, and he’s a 2024–25 Performance Resident with Arts + Public Life at the University of Chicago. Through his art, Roy attempts to redefine what it means to be a griot of our time.