For the first time in its 71-year history, Atlantic Records (label home to Cardi B, Janelle Monae, Kevin Gates, Missy Elliott and many more) will pack up four of their newest signees for exclusive visits and performances at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) everywhere.

Beginning at the top of October, and right in the nick of time for the back-to-school bustle, R&B/hip-hop artists Bri Steves, Ayanis, RecoHavoc and K’ron dropped in on Baltimore’s Morgan State University for its first stop. Atlantic’s fantastic four will grace some of the nation’s most sought-after HBCUs on its pitstop list, including Hampton University, Howard University and all-male liberal arts Morehouse College. Generally, the Access Granted: HBCU Tour will primarily hit north, mid and south east territories before wrapping up in L.A.’s Grambling State on November 2. Each artist will also let fans in on exclusive written accounts of their touring experiences in a special behind-the-tour look with their deepest thoughts, hopes and wishes while trekking through the 16-city tour.

Ayanis, R&B singer hailing from Texas-Atlanta, is kicking off the tour memoirs with her recount of the universities she’s visited so far. “This HBCU tour has just kicked off and I already feel a sense of overflowing gratitude,” she wrote. “To the students of Morgan State, Jackson State, Stillman College and Bowie State...a special thank you goes out to all of you. Your energy has been amazing and I thank you for welcoming us with open arms.”

Read the “FIYT” singer’s full entry following the team’s first four HBCU visits below.

October 12, 2018

Where do I even begin? This whole experience is extremely surreal. Just one year ago I was in college and now I’m on my first tour with three other amazing artists doing what I love the most. I also get to share these moments with thousands of students across the east coast and that makes it all the more special to me. 

While on this tour my hope is that I’m able to serve as an inspiration for at least one student. I want them to look at me I see that your dreams are never too big. I’m not even close to my wildest dreams just yet, but this tour serves as confirmation that I’m surely on my way there. Everything I’ve ever hoped and prayed for is unfolding right before my eyes. 

This HBCU tour has just kicked off and I already feel a sense of overflowing gratitude. To the students of Morgan State, Jackson State, Stillman College and Bowie State...a special thank you goes out to all of you. Your energy has been amazing and I thank you for welcoming us with open arms.

Looking forward to the rest of this tour and creating more memories that I’ll never forget ✨

- Ayanis