Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Williams.
Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, my story definitely has its share of twists and turns. It all started in Beaumont, Texas, where I was born back in 1990. We moved to Houston when I was five, and that’s where things got interesting, in a challenging way. When I was six, I was diagnosed with SMA Syndrome. It was pretty rare in kids back then, and the doctors honestly didn’t know how to treat it. I ended up missing my entire kindergarten year. They were afraid I wouldn’t make it, and I even got to make a wish through the Ronald McDonald Foundation. My wish? To see the Houston Astros. Some of the players came to visit me in the hospital, which was a huge deal for a little kid. Venus and Serena Williams, who were just 16 and starting their pro careers, also stopped by. It was a surreal time. I was finally released after Christmas, but I was on an IV until almost summer. Thankfully, I kept up with my schoolwork and didn’t have to repeat kindergarten and in 1998 we moved to Kansas City.
Fast forward to 2016, and that’s when my youngest brother, Josh, who I never even knew was into music, showed me a song he made called “Fuego.” I was absolutely blown away. I wanted to support him, and I figured he’d need a beatmaker. I was living with my son’s mom at the time, and when I told her about wanting to learn beatmaking to help my brother, she completely shut it down. Said I was forbidden to do it. We were already having problems, but that was the last straw. I left, and that’s really where my musical journey began.
2017 was all about learning the ropes of beatmaking and starting to find my own sound. It was a period of intense growth and experimentation. By 2019, I adopted the alias “CloudRipper.” It’s more than just a name; it represents that drive to pursue your passion so intensely that you rip through the clouds to achieve your dreams.
In 2021, my brother decided to expand his LLC and brought me on as his marketing director and president of operations. It was short-lived due to some disagreements we had, and we ended up going our separate ways. But that same year, I heard about a good friend of mine whose health was rapidly declining. He had a pacemaker, got COVID, and it severely damaged his heart and lungs. Doctors initially said he needed a heart and lung transplant, but thankfully, his lungs healed enough that he only needed a new heart. He was just 33 or 34 at the time.
Hearing about his situation, I knew I had to do something. I decided to use my talents to raise money for his heart transplant and living expenses. I started putting together a New Year’s Eve show and selling t-shirts to raise awareness. To manage the donations coming in from different sources, I created a non-profit called Lightning Productions.
The days leading up to the fundraiser were some of the most intense and surreal of my life. My friend was terrified about the 50/50 chance of his body rejecting the new heart. I got a call from two artists who wanted to be part of the show. One was a young kid from Fort Scott, and the other was from Belton, Missouri. The Belton artist had an incredible story – he’d been told he’d never walk again after an injury, but he defied the odds and regained his ability to walk. He’d also had a heart stint put in that went wrong, and doctors told him he’d be lucky to make it to Christmas. But he did, and a checkup showed his heart had miraculously healed. He didn’t even need the stint anymore.
Then, while working my server job at Texas Roadhouse, I had a table with a little boy who’d been paralyzed in a car wreck. They were traveling from church to church, praying for a miracle. And right there at my table, that little boy moved his legs for the first time since the accident. His parents were in tears, and I’ll never forget the look of pure joy on that boy’s face. It was a true miracle, and it happened right in front of me.
All these experiences solidified my belief in hope and faith. I shared these stories with my friend, and instead of focusing on the fear, I encouraged him to believe he’d make it through. I even used his favorite team, the LA Rams, as an example during the playoffs. They kept falling behind but always came back to win. And just like the Rams, my friend made it through his heart transplant on January 17th, 2022.
After he returned to work, I transitioned Lightning Productions from a non-profit to an LLC focused on music production and artist development. That was officially born on March 7th, 2022. But the journey wasn’t without its setbacks. I got injured at work that summer, and while dealing with worker’s comp, I also had to fight to regain visitation and custodial rights to my son, which had been stripped from me due to some legal issues I was facing. I ended up owing a significant amount in back child support, which was a huge burden.
In July 2022, Lightning Productions hosted its first official show, the Summer Vibez show, bringing together 20 diverse artists at Vivo in Overland Park. It was a huge success. Then, in June of 2024, I organized another fundraiser show for a family who lost everything in a fire. We raised $450 for them, but it was a tough one because they ended up losing money due to lost wages and the overall lack of donations.
Around August 2023, Don Juan Mizery approached me to become his executive producer and partner, which was a great opportunity, and I have been steadily working towards being ready for that adventure. And in June 2023, I started exploring the use of AI in music, particularly with vocals. I began incorporating AI-generated vocals into my own compositions, which allowed me to create songs that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
By the end of 2024, I had released a bunch of songs, surpassing 10,000 views a month on average, and landed 15 different playlist placements, with one song getting on seven playlists by itself. I’ve got music lined up for the next two years, and I’m working on a new project with Saben Tooth and Don Juan.
But amidst all this, I went through some really dark times. I was in two different relationships that were incredibly damaging. The first was with my son’s mother, who was emotionally manipulative. The second was with a woman who was physically and emotionally abusive. She had me robbed and beaten, resulting in multiple fractures. She’d regularly give me black eyes, and I felt so broken that I attempted suicide twice. The worst was when she stabbed me with a knife while I was sleeping. I ended up being charged with five felonies, even though I was acting in self-defense. I spent six months in county jail and took a plea deal that involved 120 more days as shock treatment, probation, and a bunch of classes. I completed everything early, on August 21st, 2020.
Then, right after I finished my training at a new job at Texas Roadhouse, I fell asleep at the wheel and wrecked my car. It turned into a hit-and-run because I panicked and kept driving. Thankfully, it was later reduced to a lesser charge.
And if that wasn’t enough, in 2020, I went through a six-month period of homelessness. But even then, I kept working on my music every day and managed to hold down a job. I think that inspired a lot of other people who were in the same situation.
Looking back, it’s been a wild ride. I’ve faced more adversity than I ever thought possible, but through it all, I discovered my passion for music and found a way to turn it into something meaningful. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about making a difference in the lives of others. And that’s what I’m trying to do with my music and with Lightning Productions – to inspire people, to give back to the community, and to show that no matter what life throws at you, you can always find a way to rise above it and keep moving forward, one step at a time, with faith and hope.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Smooth road? Definitely not. It’s been more like a rollercoaster with some pretty steep drops and unexpected loops. I touched on some of it earlier, but yeah, there have been a lot of struggles.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been dealing with the fallout from that abusive relationship I mentioned. The physical and emotional trauma was one thing, but the legal battle that followed really took a toll. Being falsely accused and charged with those felonies – that was a nightmare. Sitting in county jail for six months, not knowing what was going to happen, that’s enough to break anyone. And even after taking the plea deal, I had to deal with the stigma of being a convicted felon, which affected everything from job opportunities to housing. Plus, the whole ordeal cost me a ton in legal fees.
Then there was the financial strain. Losing my job after the assault, then having the car accident right after starting a new one – it felt like one step forward, two steps back. And the child support situation… that was a whole other level of stress. Getting hit with double payments while I was incarcerated and unable to work, coming out to that massive debt – it felt impossible to overcome. I was paying lawyer fees, probation fees, and trying to get back on my feet, all while being thousands of dollars in the hole.
The period of homelessness in 2020 was incredibly tough. Not knowing where you’re going to sleep each night, that’s a level of instability that’s hard to describe. But I was determined to keep making music, and I think that’s what kept me going. I even managed to hold down a job the whole time, which I’m pretty proud of. I hope that showed others in a similar situation that it’s possible to keep pursuing your goals even when you’re at rock bottom.
My health issues have also been a constant battle. Dealing with SMA Syndrome as a kid was a major hurdle, and then the ADHD diagnosis added another layer of complexity. And the injuries I sustained from the assault and the car accident – those were setbacks that affected both my physical and mental well-being.
On the business side of things, the fundraiser for the family who lost their home in a fire was a struggle. We didn’t raise as much as we’d hoped, and they actually ended up losing money because of it. That was a tough lesson in the challenges of fundraising and the importance of managing expectations.
And of course, navigating the music industry itself has been a learning curve. It’s a competitive field, and there’s a lot of rejection and disappointment along the way. Building a following, getting your music heard, landing playlist placements – it all takes time, persistence, and a lot of hard work.
But you know, despite all the struggles, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. These challenges have shaped me into the person I am today. They’ve taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams, no matter how tough things get. They’ve also given me a deeper appreciation for the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to connect with others on a profound level. So, while it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. It’s made me stronger, more determined, and more committed than ever to using my experiences to make a positive impact on the world.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, I’m a music artist and producer, but I like to think of myself as a storyteller. I go by the name CloudRipper, and I create hip-hop music that’s really a blend of genres – you’ll hear electronic influences, alternative vibes, all woven together. But at the core, it’s about the stories I tell through my lyrics. I specialize in being raw and honest, sharing my own experiences, the good and the bad. My songs dive into everything from overcoming adversity and mental health struggles to celebrating individuality and fighting for what you believe in.
Here’s where it gets interesting. I can’t rap or sing in the traditional sense, but I can write lyrics that I feel are powerful and meaningful. So, I use AI-generated vocals to bring my words to life. I see it as a collaboration with technology. I write every single lyric, I create all the instrumentals, and then I work with an AI vocal service to find the right voice and delivery for each song. It’s a meticulous process. I often generate over a hundred different vocal takes, experimenting with different tones, inflections, and styles, and then I might pick five that I really like. From there, I do all the mixing and mastering myself, blending those AI vocals with my own beats and production to create the final track.
I’m probably best known for my authenticity. Even though I’m using AI vocals, those are my stories, my emotions, my words being expressed. I think that’s why it resonates with people. My recent collection, ‘From Beats to Heart,’ is a perfect example. Those songs, released from November 2024 into January 2025, are like pages ripped from my diary. ‘Proved It’ was my declaration to the world, ‘Halfway Out’ was about finding my way through darkness, ‘Forged in Fire’ was about the strength I gained from hardship, and ‘I’m Strange’ was an anthem for everyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in. Then there is ‘Echoes Call’ a song dedicated to Alexuas Acord, a young life tragically lost. This song seeks justice and honors her memory, reminding us of the importance of community and speaking out against violence. Each track is a piece of me, a story I needed to tell.
Before that came ‘Survival of the Fittest’ in February, my albums ‘Year One’ in March, ‘Broken’ in April, ‘The Walk into Darkness’ in June, ‘Halfway There’ in September, and ‘New Beginnings’ in December all in 2023. Then in 2024 I released ‘The Climb’ from February to May, ‘Accused’ saga from June to July, and ‘Plastic Paradise’ from July to November. I’ve got songs lined up for release every other Friday through 2027 – I’m always creating.
What am I most proud of? Honestly, it’s the connection I’ve made with people through my music. Knowing that my songs have touched someone’s life, helped them through a tough time, or just made them feel understood – that’s everything to me. I’m also incredibly proud of my growth as an artist. Looking back at where I started, from those early days learning to make beats after my brother showed me that song ‘Fuego,’ to now, releasing albums and collections like ‘Plastic Paradise’ and ‘From Beats to Heart’ and having my music featured on playlists – it’s been a journey of constant learning and evolution.
I think what sets me apart is my willingness to be vulnerable, combined with my unique approach to music creation. I’m not afraid to share my pain, my struggles, my imperfections, and I’m doing it in a way that’s pushing creative boundaries. I’m using technology as a tool to amplify my voice and share my stories with the world. And I’m not just making music for myself; I’m trying to make a difference. Whether it’s raising awareness about mental health, like in ‘Shadows in the Spotlight,’ or giving a voice to the voiceless, like in ‘Echoes Call,’ I want my music to have a positive impact on the world. I’m also not just a music artist I also founded Lightning Productions LLC in 2022, where I’ve been able to help other artists on their journey and contribute to the Kansas City music scene. It’s all about using my platform to inspire, uplift, and create something meaningful.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
“Absolutely, I have a few pieces of advice for those just starting out, and some things I wish I’d known back then.
First and foremost: believe in yourself and your vision, even when no one else does. The road is going to be tough, there will be doubters, and you’ll face setbacks. But if you have that core belief in what you’re doing, that’s what will carry you through. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to rely on my own self-belief when things got difficult.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique voice. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to imitate others or follow trends, but true artistry comes from authenticity. Explore different styles, try new things, and don’t be afraid to break the mold. That’s what I’ve tried to do with my music, and it’s been incredibly liberating.
Learn the business side of things. It’s not just about creating; you need to understand how the industry works, how to market yourself, how to protect your work, and how to build a sustainable career. I wish I’d known more about this when I was starting out. It would have saved me a lot of headaches.
Build a strong network and support system. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who will lift you up when you’re down, and who will give you honest feedback. This includes fellow artists, mentors, friends, and family. Having that support system has been crucial for me, especially during the toughest times.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This was a hard one for me. I always felt like I had to do everything myself, but the truth is, no one succeeds alone. Whether it’s asking for advice, seeking mentorship, or collaborating with others, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Be patient and persistent. Success rarely happens overnight. It takes time, dedication, and a lot of hard work. There will be times when you feel like giving up, but that’s when you need to dig deep and keep pushing forward. I’ve been at this for years, and I’m still learning and growing.
Learn from your mistakes and failures. You’re going to mess up. It’s inevitable. But don’t let those setbacks define you. See them as learning opportunities and use them to improve your craft and your approach. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but each one has taught me something valuable.
Stay true to your values and your vision. It’s easy to get sidetracked by external pressures or the pursuit of fame and fortune. But at the end of the day, you need to be able to look yourself in the mirror and be proud of what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. For me, that means using my music to make a positive impact and staying true to my authentic self.
And finally, never give up on your dreams. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. If you have a passion for something, pursue it relentlessly. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You’ll face obstacles, but if you keep believing in yourself and keep working hard, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be to trust the process and enjoy the journey. It’s easy to get so focused on the destination that you forget to appreciate the present moment. Every step, every challenge, every victory – they’re all part of the process. Embrace it, learn from it, and enjoy the ride.”
Pricing:
- Donations always welcome send to $ogcloudripper on cashapp
- Consultations and advice are free just reach out.
- Merchandise is available via https://lightningproductions.launchcart.store/shop and range from $14 to $82.50
- Beats are available on all platforms exclusives cost anywhere from $200 to $600 all my beats availble on platforms are $200 for them I only allow exclusive artists I am working with access to my legendary vault if you would like to check out them out I will give you a custom link but they range from $300 to $600
- Production services range from $25 up to $1000 for the full package
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lightningproductions
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ogcloudripper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningproductionsllc/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ogcloudripper
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightningproductionsllc
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@lightningproductionsllc
