By: Paul K. Barnes
N2K is a musical trio consisting of members Norman Burns, Nigel Finley, and Kenny Vaughan. The name of the group comes from their first names, and their shared musicianship and dedication run through them all. With extensive years of musical experience, this is a group that formed through commonalities of all kinds and continues to showcase their intentionality with everything they do.
At the center of the group’s musical talent is a passion and love for God. When speaking with the group, they consistently credited Him for the opportunities they’ve had and all they have accomplished in their evolving careers.
“At this point in our lives, we’re thankful for the fact that God and the Holy Spirit continue to provide us with these opportunities. The blessings seem to keep coming in,” said Kenny.
The commitment to bringing God glory shines through in all the music N2K creates. While their music isn’t “traditional” Gospel, the message of God’s love often reverberates through it, no matter the genre. With a background in church—both spiritually and musically—it felt natural to bring those elements into their music.
“Gospel music has changed and evolved throughout the years. It’s always been a field that incorporates different influences. In my journey, I’ve had experience with classical music, musical theater, jazz, and more, and all of that has shaped our musical ears to appreciate the multiple directions music can take. Whatever genre, vibe, or atmosphere the setting calls for, we strive to respond to it,” said Nigel.
N2K’s latest single, “Come My Way,” is a tribute to the beauty of Black women everywhere, though women of any background can still find meaning in it. Built on a blend of Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop, it’s a danceable and uplifting track filled with positivity and relatability.
Kenny shared that the original inspiration for “Come My Way” came from observing reactions to former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris, two prominent Black women in U.S. history. While many respected them, the reality is that not everyone did. He saw the derogatory remarks some had made and wanted to counter that negativity.
Rather than respond with hostility, he chose to offer the opposite: affirmation. By crafting a song that celebrates Black women, the trio hoped it would encourage reverence and appreciation for them. Still, the message extends to all women.
“It’s a song about Black women, but I feel women in general often haven’t been given their due and have been overlooked or underestimated in this country. The song is about affirming Black women, but also all women,” said Norman.
The original title, “Beautiful Black Sister,” was reconsidered because, from a commercial standpoint, it might not resonate with everyone. Kenny noted that this very hesitation highlighted why the song was necessary. People needed to hear music that uplifts women, especially Black women.
“Come My Way” was created with intentionality in both the song and its visuals. The music video features Black women from all walks of life and ages, showcasing beauty in many forms. They aren’t models; they represent the everyday beauty seen in Black women around us. The women in the video are friends of the group, adding to its relatability.
“The word that ideally describes it is authentic. Nothing about it feels forced,” said Kenny.
“There was no audition process,” said both Norman and Nigel.
With sung vocals and rapped verses, the lyrics are deeply poetic, unsurprisingly, since Norman Burns is a spoken word artist who delivered the rap. His words evoke emotions for anyone who has been impacted by a Black woman.
“These are things you think about when you were raised by a Black woman. Those women often played key roles in your upbringing, cared for you when you couldn’t care for yourself, and helped shape you into a contributing member of society,” said Norman.
Kenny shared how producer Andre Betts suggested placing the rap verse at the forefront to amplify the song’s message. This approach helps convey the group’s range while keeping the theme powerful.
“With spoken word and rap, you can express more meaning and emotion in a shorter time,” said Kenny.
“Come My Way” is N2K’s second single this year, following “You’re Gonna Need Him,” a house music track. The group aims to keep releasing music and performing live shows while sharing the message of God’s love through it all.
“Come My Way” is available on streaming services now.
You can explore more music from N2K and connect with them on these platforms:
Published by Jeremy S.
