Azeem, 35, combines poetry and music to create strong commentary evaluating social norms. A current resident of Bedstuy, Azeem finds, “It’s very hard to fit your craft into a capitalistic mold which all labels follow.” Well aware that some art is simply priceless and cannot be publicized with lights, mirrors and marketing plans, we got a chance to sit down with him to see what it’s like to be an artist outside of the mainstream music industry.
Elan: Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
Azeem: I have worked with kids for over 15 years. It’s another thing that I’m good or gifted at so, its something I enjoy to do very much. The problem is when you work with inner city or “at risk” youth, you have to be around consistently. With my career, the opportunities to travel often just pop up and you have to be ready to jump on and ride the wave. You can’t do that and work with kids at the same time. I would give up my Azeem life If I could work effectively and consistently with the youth but I’m no Science teacher. Well, I AM a science teacher but not the kind of science taught in public education. So I need my own program. One day…God willing.
Elan: What inspired you to be in the creative field?
Azeem: The short answer is, I hated school. I rejected it at a very early age.
I had a restless spirit, a great imagination, and I watched a lot of television which I wouldn’t recommend anyone doing in this day and age.
Elan: You are a playwright, spoken word artist, rapper, amongst having many other creative talents. Do you have a favorite?
Azeem: I don’t have a favorite because it’s all just writing to me. I guess performing is another part of it but that has always come naturally to me so maybe I am taking it for granted but a rap is a poem- or should be. A play is like one long song. Every good piece of literature has a particular rhythm to it. The characters speak in their own patterns, the narrator has theirs…etc. I’m no Shakespeare but he would be a good example of what I’m saying.
Elan: Do you find it difficult to be an artist, without commercializing yourself? Is it difficult to work outside the system?
Azeem: Yes. Just the words commercialize self sound like suicide to me. I’m sure the purpose in life is to do the opposite.
Elan: What has been your greatest challenge?
Azeem: My own inner demons. Nothing else stands in my way.
Elan: What advice would you give to up and coming artists?
Azeem: You don’t find yourself. You create it.
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