John Taylor Hiskey, better known as J.T. Hiskey, is a musician who found success after his own appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, back on May 1st, 2018. Ever since Hiskey has been using his platform to help contribute to a positive change for our current society, and the world we are currently living in. Currently still residing in his own home state of Utah, he does not plan on stopping anytime soon.
Hiskey helped begin a program many years ago titled Flip The Script, with Salt Lake City council member Charlie Luke, a program to help spread awareness for bullying within high schools and grades younger than that. Hiskey also helped raise money for the movement back in 2020 for diversity, and now he is currently working on raising money for Suicide Prevention, by collecting and donating all the proceeds from his newest song titled “Beverly Hillz” which also features 90’s hip-hop legend Afroman.
We spoke with J.T. Hiskey on why he wants to do this, and how this all came about in the first place.
“Back in 2014, I was only a junior in high school, when I lost one of my closest friends due to suicide. It was one the hardest and worst days of my life.” Hiskey began to tell us. “Devin was his name. He made the biggest, positive impact not only on my life but on anyone he surrounded himself with. He was the most talented, and kind giving human anyone could have known. I still think about him every single day.”
Now, recently releasing a collaboration titled “Beverly Hillz’ with 90’s rapper Afroman, Hiskey wants to make sure all the proceeds are going back to the right cause.
“Devin was a talented musician. He and I always talked about doing a song together, and we never got around to doing it. After doing shows with Afroman again this year, and when he and I made this song together, I knew that I wanted to raise money for this specific cause because Devin would have been so happy about the song coming together. I always wanted to give back to this cause and try to help spread awareness. I had a special show I was going to plan out right before the pandemic hit, to raise money for suicide prevention and awareness, because it is such a serious topic that has affected so many lives.”
That statement is true. Within 2022, the rates of suicides have gone up by 36%, which is one of the highest rates it has ever been.
“This is not about me or Afroman, it is about raising money for the right purpose. I am glad that Afroman and I were able to create this song, but I want all the proceeds to go to this cause” Hiskey added. “I also want anyone who is struggling with this, to know that you are never alone. I still struggle with losing my friend, and it is hard. Please don’t ever forget that you are loved.”
With Beverly Hillz now available on every streaming platform, every single cent will be going to a suicide prevention organization. This includes all iTunes purchases, streams, and even air-play. You can find this song by searching J.T. Hiskey on any of these listed platforms, or by searching the name “Beverly Hillz” with Afroman and J.T. Hiskey.
“Please be kind to each other and be there for others. Thank you so much.”
