We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ, the One and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, the One, why did you pursue a creative career?
My artistry chose me. I’ve had the same creative passions since came into consciousness as a child raised between Inglewood and Oakland, CA. My passions have evolved through different phases in my life, of course, but performance art has been a consistent interest of mine foreva. I chose to make a career out of my artistry because I noticed people are more receptive to political commentary if its packaged through music and visual art. I’m an artivist at heart! Burying Afro-feminism, queer radical thought, and hood politics into a trendy song that can reach the masses is a groundbreaking skill that I work to master on a daily basis. These days everyone is rushing to the creative world for a quick buck and 15 minutes of fame. I’m blessed that my talents have afforded me the opportunity to practice my craft, collaborate with other mission-driven artists, and earn a living while remaining true to myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My dynamism excites me most about my professional career. The brand that I’ve built as a musician affords me the luxury to explore different sounds and no one will bat an eye! AJ, the One can apply my Westcoast sound to rock rap, slut rap, lyrical rap. I can dress sexy, emo, tomboy-ish, anything I’d like and my fanbase will be equally excited because that is the image I’ve worked so hard to cultivate. I never want to be put in a box or trapped in a lane and I encourage my supporters to live authentically themselves. Buried in 808 drums and electric melodies, you’ll find history lessons, sexual innuendo, dark secrets from my past life, details of family lineage, and most importantly, commentary around the sociopolitical status of women, Black and brown people, and queer identifying people. I also love my passion for art direction and developing a visual element around the music I produce. Because if you didn’t catch it in the song… the video will surely give you something to think about and connect to.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day One we’re grabbing brunch at Grits n Waffles for the best southern cuisine in Mid City LA, then in the late afternoon / evening we’re hitting Downtown LA for drinks at an edgy bar like Wolves or Mrs. Fish. After that, we might hit the Staples Center (yes the Staples Center) for a Laker game. That evening, we will definitely be headed to a Hood Fantasy party. One of the hottest event series for young Black creatives looking to meet new people and have a good time in a safe space. Most of my friends are artsy, earthy and nerdy like me so the next day we’ll go to the Huntington Beach Library or maybe check out Jeffery Deitch gallery – they always feature some great art and installation from BIPOC artists. Next we’ll grab a patty and a Nipsey smoothie from Simply Wholesome and hit Leimert Park to shop around and support the local businesses in the area. My favorite are Nappily Naturals and Neighborhood Skate Shop. Health is wealth so the next morning we’re going to get some exercise at Culver City Stairs and continue with a different rendition of the last few days. It’s a rinse and repeat type beat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a big shoutout to the first producers who recognized my talent and gave me a shot in the industry: Drew Banga and Ashton McCreight. In 2016, I was still a student at UC Berkeley making highly radical feminist music that I had no idea would later reach a global audience. During the formative years in my career, these guys saw something in me and decided to dedicate their time and talent toward developing my sound. I’m sure I would have figured it out on my own, but their support and mentorship gave me the confidence I needed to go full throttle into an industry that can be discouraging for a niche artist like myself. I appreciate them wholeheartedly and I look forward to the moment I can Zelle them a milli each like thanks broski!

Website: www.ajtheone.com

Instagram: @ajtheuno

Twitter: @ajtheuno

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajtheuno/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AJtheOne/videos

Other: TikTok: @ajthe1ne

Image Credits
Pink Shirt (Performance Shot): Carlos Goat (@_carlosxgoat_) MultiColored Shots on Orange Couch: Lena Elgalawy (@lenaelgab) Crochet top with big sleeves & hair in bangs: Cory Graves (coryjgraves) Sidewalk shots with AJ, the One shirt on: Nadwa (eribridgian)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.