MK Asante

MK Asante is a best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker, recording artist, and distinguished professor who the Los Angeles Times calls “One of America’s best storytellers.”

He is the author of four books including Buck: A Memoir, which was praised by Maya Angelou as “A story of surviving and thriving with passion, compassion, wit, and style.” Buck is a multi-year Washington Post Bestseller and the recipient of numerous literary awards. Buck is currently being adapted into a major motion picture.

Asante studied at SOAS University of London, earned a B.A. from Lafayette College, and an M.F.A. from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television.

He is the founder of Wonderful Sound Studios, an entertainment company whose most recent work includes the intros for Monday Night Football on ESPN and the Dew Tour Olympic qualifier on NBC. Asante co-wrote the 2021 NBA Finals broadcast opens on ABC directed by Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee.

Asante has lectured at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, as well as hundreds of other universities. He has toured in over 50 countries and was awarded the Key to the City of Dallas, Texas. He is featured in A Changing America, a permanent video exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Asante has been featured on the Today Show and The Breakfast Club. Hailed by CNN as “a master storyteller and major creative force”, he has published essays in the New York Times and USA Today. His inspirational story “The Blank Page” is featured in the #1 New York Times best-seller, Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Asante is the Executive Producer and Host of the Snapchat original shows While Black with MK Asante and Free Tuition with MK Asante. While Black is a Critics’ Choice Real TV nominee and has 17 million viewers.

Asante was appointed Distinguished Professor-in-Residence at the MICA Business School in Gujarat, India. He is currently a tenured professor at Morgan State University where he is the recipient of the 2021 MSU Distinguished Achievement Award.

Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you. —Ovid
  • “A master storyteller and major creative force …”

    —CNN
  • “Asante is the voice of a new generation.”

    —Essence magazine
  • “Brilliantly Complex …”

    —Vibe
  • “A rare remarkable talent that brings to mind the great artist of the Harlem Renaissance.”

    —Philadelphia Inquirer
  • “MK Asante combines drive, skill and a commitment that buoys us all. The hip hop community should feel extremely blessed to have those qualities attached to its forward movement.”

    —Chuck D, Public Enemy
MK Asante sitting at his desk

More From MK

New Book: Buck
New Book: Buck

Learn more about MK’s highly anticipated new memoir, Buck. Read excerpts, pre-order, learn about the journey, and discover what it truly means to be Buck.

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Buck T-Shirt
MK’s Store

MK’s official online store featuring autographed, limited edition merchandise and exclusive goods.

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Photos & Videos

Check out new videos and photos of MK from photo shoots, TV interviews, behind-the-scenes, and other media.

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