La’Nardo Myrick Sr.

They say persistence is key. If that’s true, then La’Nardo Myrick Sr., aka Producer 9-0, might as well be the locksmith of the Kansas City music scene. Year after year, project after project, he’s refused to let the city’s indifference deter him. If Kansas City is the stubborn teacher that refuses to acknowledge his talent, then Myrick is the student who keeps turning in extra credit just to prove a point.

Kansas City has a unique way of dealing with creatives. It gives them just enough success to keep them hopeful, but never enough to make them comfortable. It’s like a parent who supports your dreams but constantly reminds you that your cousin has a real job with benefits.

Myrick has seen it all—rappers who’ve given up, producers who’ve pivoted to making beats for TikTok instead of full-length albums, and promoters who promise “exposure” instead of actual payment. But he refuses to let the lack of a Grammy stop him from acting like he already has one.

The truth is, Kansas City needs someone like Myrick. He’s proof that passion outweighs popularity. He’s the guy who will show up to a meeting even if it means spending his last dollar on gas. The city might not be ready to embrace him fully, but history will remember him as the man who tried when everyone else gave up.

While some local artists trade their dreams for stability, Myrick continues to push forward, treating every setback like just another plot twist in the movie of his life. Sure, it’s not a blockbuster yet, but at least he’s still in the game.

So, Kansas City might not appreciate him now, but one day, they’ll look back and realize they had a legend in their midst. And when that day comes, Myrick will probably just shrug and say, “Told you so.”