OWINGS MILLS, Md. — This June, R&B artist Von Tae will step onto the iconic stage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem — a dream nearly a decade in the making. But for the 32-year-old independent artist, this moment is about more than music. It’s about resilience, roots, and the power of simply showing up.
“My biggest message is to just show up — for yourself,” Von Tae said. “Every opportunity I’ve gotten came from putting myself out there, even when I didn’t feel ready. That’s how you grow. That’s how you win.”
Originally from Calvert County and later a longtime resident of Lexington Park in St. Mary’s County from 2010 to 2017, Von Tae was raised in Maryland’s foster care system alongside his three siblings. He entered care around age 7, experienced a turbulent journey through placements, and remained in the system until 18.
“It wasn’t easy, but it built me,” he said. “There was a lot of pain in that experience, but no bitterness. I still keep in touch with my foster siblings. We became a real family.”
It was one of his early foster mothers — Sylvia Booth, lovingly known as “Granny” — who first introduced him to music.
“She kept throwing instruments at me,” Von Tae laughed. “So I kept learning.”
That spark turned into a passion, and then into purpose.
By 2012, Von Tae was recording and releasing music independently. Since then, his journey has been a steady climb — one filled with setbacks, rejections and near-breakthroughs. He auditioned for “American Idol” just before the pandemic shifted the show’s format. He made it through to the next round of “Making the Band,” only to see the reboot canceled due to COVID-19.
But Von Tae never stopped showing up.
His perseverance eventually led to sharing the stage with R&B icon Tamar Braxton on tour. He gained the support of industry names like Luenell, Kandi Burruss and legendary producer Timbaland. Most recently, his single “Can’t Stop” has been gaining traction on TikTok, earning praise from listeners and welcoming in a new wave of fans.
Now, he’s preparing to release his full-length album Is You Alright? on June 27 — a project that explores the current climate of life, offering hope and reflection while honoring the memories and coping tools we hold onto through hard times.
“This album is about everything — how we’re all just trying to survive and make peace with the past,” Von Tae said. “It’s for the ones who are still fighting.”
And that fight, for him, has always been rooted in love and support. He credits his mother, Gladys Lake, as one of his strongest influences.
“She taught me to never give up,” he said. “She would really love seeing that in here.”
Now living in Owings Mills, Von Tae carries Southern Maryland with him. He reached out to The BayNet because it’s part of the community that raised him — part of the story that shaped his voice.
“I’ve been reading The BayNet since I was in Lexington Park. That was home. To be featured here would mean a lot — it’s where everything started for me.”
As he prepares to take the Apollo stage, Von Tae knows it’s not the final destination — it’s just one more stop on a journey of perseverance, purpose and pride.
“Always be kind. Show up. Never give up,” he said. “That’s what got me here — and I’m just getting started.”
Von Tae on Social Media:
Official website: http://www.theofficialvontae.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamvontae
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theofficialvontae
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theofficialvontae
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialvontae
Von Tae on Music Platforms:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2V8m1hS
Apple: https://apple.co/2PYEtpv
Tidal: https://bit.ly/38bFjLx
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
I’m loving all of these human interest stories of local community members and their amazing achievements! Keep it up, Baynet.
Great write up, on a great story!