We had the good fortune of connecting with Morell Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morell, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue an artistic career as I needed a way to express my emotions that I felt in that moment. I wanted to be a role model to others who may have had a similar experience and help them get through it. I’ve always loved making people smile. Seeing their faces light up in enjoyment would make me happy because I knew that I was able to open their hearts and have them feel what I’m feeling. This journey has been amazing and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve had the experiences that have shaped me into the artist I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I come from the charming small town of Bellport, which is on the south shore of Long Island, New York. In our tight-knit community, we lived by understanding that everyone was family, regardless of where you came from.

From an early age, I sensed I was different, but it wasn’t until high school that I embraced my true self as a gay man. As an Afro-Latino who had a passion for soccer and tennis, I knew not everyone would understand or agree, but I was unapologetically me. It was essential to show the world who I was.

Post high school was where my journey truly ignited. I decided to take my music seriously and made connections wherever I went. These connections would open doors I never dreamed of, leading to appearances on TV shows like “Love and Hip Hop: NY,” “MTV’s TRL,” and Fox’s “Person, Place or Thing.”

I was apprehensive about pursuing my music career, mainly due to concerns about how the industry would receive an LGBTQ+ artist. However, I realized that perhaps I was meant to be a trailblazer, a role model for the underrepresented LGBTQ+ and people of color. I was determined to use my platform to make a difference.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve come a long way. My Instagram following has grown to nearly 8,500, and my music has garnered over 2 million streams on Spotify, a testament to my growing fan base. I graced the cover of “ShoutOut SoCal,” a magazine that recognizes up and coming talent across the region. I also became an ambassador for a local drink company named Longball within the city of San Diego.

This remarkable journey, born from the ambition of a small-town boy who wanted to be true to himself, has given me an incredible opportunity to shine. I’m not just an artist; I’m a symbol of courage and inclusivity, proving that no dream is too big when you have the passion, dedication, and authenticity to make it a reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are looking for a fun night out, Rich’s in San Diego is a staple. You have two large rooms with different genres of music, so there is something for everyone! Flicks is also a great choice for strong drinks without the San Diego prices. The music there is amazing. In terms of food, you cannot go wrong with Mexican food. I would recommend Adalberto’s just outside of Downtown San Diego, it is located off Market St. I highly recommend it if you like authentic Mexican food without breaking the bank. Finally, we have Seaport Village which has so many restaurants and gift shops. It’s a one-stop shop if you want to also take a look at the view of the pier!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow, there are so many people who I would need to thank. But, I would love to recognize my family and friends for your countless “Congratulations!” and supporting my craft. However, I would like to give a huge thank you to my fans. They have helped me become the person who I am today. I was always afraid of being myself due to how I’d be perceived, but my fans stuck by side and continued to push my music!

Instagram: @officialmbrown

Twitter: @officialmbrown

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbrownofficialmusic

Other: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/morell-brown/1155715181 Spotify: https://spotify.link/KiKVwblBYDb TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@officialmbrownmusic

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.