IrbyMissingAK began his musical journey at just 14 years old, tinkering with beats and dreaming of crafting the perfect mixtape. Reflecting on those early days, he emphasizes the struggle of not having the right tools to dive into the music world. "You know, just simple stuff like making beats in high school," he recalls, reminiscing about the innocent enthusiasm of his teenage self. Despite the limitations, he had a burning desire to make music that spoke to his experiences—an experience marked by adversity and strength. A pivotal moment in Irby’s journey came when he met a friend named Julian Lee. "He helped me with so much—the recording process, the right tools, and even lending me a laptop," IrbyMissingAK shares. This kind of mentorship was crucial, propelling him from being a teenager with a dream to an artist who could actually bring that dream to life. At 17, life took another major turn when he decided to join the military. Leaving home wasn’t just an act of independence; it was also about finding the discipline and focus he needed. “Once I got all the tools I needed, I just went at it,” he recalls. Transitioning from a life filled with uncertainty to one of service and structure undoubtedly influenced his musical style and themes. IrbyMissingAK's experiences—the good, the bad, and everything in between—serve as profound inspiration in his songs. Despite the roadblocks and the doubters along the way, IrbyMissingAK’s mantra remains simple: do what you love.