Below Average Clothing C.E.O Kenneth Dabney Gives ‘Below Average’ a Soundtrack With New Seven-Track EP

#NOLAZINE - What began as a clothing brand rooted in New Orleans is steadily growing into something much bigger. For Kenneth Dabney, Below Average has become more than a name on a shirt—it has evolved into a mindset, a message, and now, a musical movement.

As the founder and creative director of Below Average Clothing, Dabney has built the brand around perseverance, faith, self-belief, and refusing to allow other people’s expectations to determine your future. With the release of the Below Average EP, that philosophy now has a soundtrack.

Released in August 2026, the seven-track project brings together a collection of New Orleans artists, including Willhebe, 3dNatee, GreatWhite, MaxxP, Jay Jones, and Kidd Kidd.

The EP features tracks such as “Purpose,” “Rose,” “Psalm 56,” “Mothers Prayer,” “The Process,” “Little Ole Me,” and “The Benediction.”

Across the project, the artists touch on themes of faith, family, struggle, ambition, perseverance, and the personal journey that comes with trying to build something meaningful.

More Than a Clothing Brand

At its core, Below Average represents what happens when someone is made to feel like they aren’t enough.

Not talented enough.

Not smart enough.

Not successful enough.

Not capable enough.

Instead of accepting those limitations, Dabney has turned the phrase “Below Average” into a challenge to keep pushing.

That message is what connects the clothing brand to the music.

Rather than treating the EP as simply a promotional extension of the clothing line, Dabney has used music to expand the conversation surrounding Below Average. Bringing together artists connected to New Orleans gives the project a local identity while allowing each artist to contribute their own perspective to the larger message.

The result is a project that connects fashion, music, faith, culture, and community.

Building a Movement Beyond Music

Dabney’s vision for Below Average doesn’t stop with clothing or music.

In 2026, the brand hosted a back-to-school car show and giveaway outside its store, bringing together families, local businesses, organizations, car enthusiasts, and community supporters. Approximately 250 backpacks were distributed to children, turning a brand event into an opportunity to give back.

That community effort and the new EP reflect the same philosophy: create something people can connect with and then use that platform to make an impact beyond yourself.

A major part of Dabney’s personal philosophy is his “BIG GOD little me” message—a faith-centered reminder to remain humble while pursuing something bigger than yourself.

A New Chapter for Below Average

The release of the Below Average EP represents another step in the evolution of Dabney’s vision.

What started with apparel is expanding into music, storytelling, culture, and community engagement. Each piece tells a different part of the same story: being underestimated doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Sometimes, it becomes the motivation to build something of your own.

For Dabney, New Orleans helped shape the perspective behind Below Average. The challenges became motivation, faith became a foundation, and creativity became a way to communicate the message.

Now, through seven tracks and a growing movement, Below Average has a sound.

And Kenneth Dabney is making sure New Orleans hears it.