Kayos – Holding Me Up (feat. Tickle Belly Hill): A Song About Steadiness, Survival and Return

Holding Me Up sees Kayos returning with a thoughtful and steady record that puts meaning ahead of noise. Rather than announcing a comeback in loud terms, the song speaks quietly and confidently, centring on resilience, faith and the support systems that carry a person through difficult seasons. Featuring Tickle Belly Hill, the track feels warm, reflective and rooted in real experience.

Kayos, born Arnold Williams Jr. in St. Louis, Missouri, brings a lifetime of perspective into this release. Known as Kayos, pronounced kay-ahs, he is a Black artist of Christian faith and a Capricorn, traits that are reflected in his disciplined and grounded approach to music. Holding Me Up feels personal without being overly confessional, offering insight into the mindset of someone who has weathered life, stepped away and returned with clarity.

The production is measured and unhurried, allowing the lyrics to take centre stage. There is a calm strength to the track, built around subtle instrumentation and a melodic balance that gives space for emotion. Tickle Belly Hill’s feature complements Kayos perfectly, adding a soulful lift that reinforces the song’s theme of encouragement and support rather than overshadowing it.

Lyrically, the song focuses on perseverance and gratitude. Kayos reflects on the people, beliefs and inner resolve that have kept him grounded through challenges. His delivery is assured and reflective, shaped by lived experience rather than ambition alone. There is a sense of maturity throughout, with faith quietly present as a guiding force rather than a declaration.

That perspective is shaped by his upbringing in St. Louis. His father worked as a bottler for Anheuser-Busch, while his mother was a former lounge owner, interior designer and homemaker. Growing up with one older sister, Kayos was exposed early to both responsibility and creativity. After graduating from University City High School, he planned to attend college but instead enlisted in the United States Army, a decision that instilled discipline and structure that continue to influence his music.

In 2000, Kayos co-founded Big Focus Inc. alongside lifelong friend and business associate Bobbie S. Jones. Under the independent label, he released underground music including tracks such as I Know They Mad and St. Louie Love, collaborating with fellow St. Louis artist Hitch. His presence in the local scene was further recognised in 2014 when he reached the Top 50 Emcee cut in the Jack’N For Beats St. Louis competition, sponsored by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, earning a featured highlight on the brand’s official website.

Now operating under his newly formed label, Kayos Entertainment, LLC, Holding Me Up signals a natural continuation of his journey. The song does not chase trends or demand attention. Instead, it reflects an artist comfortable in his voice and confident in his purpose.

At its heart, Holding Me Up is about endurance. It speaks to the quiet strength found in faith, relationships and self-belief. With its honest tone and understated delivery, the track shows Kayos picking up exactly where he left off, grounded, focused and ready to move forward on his own terms.