Meet Bam Alexander | Artist/Rapper and Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bam Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bam, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
A lot of times in creative spaces, particularly related to music, you will hear people say to “fake it ‘til you make it.” The thought is that if I can walk around physically looking like I’ve reached success and carry the confidence of someone who is successful, ultimately that confidence in yourself can propel you to actual success. Obviously this has worked for many, but for me I have always preferred to completely embody the person I am today. The ups and downs, the imperfections, the reality of who I am is what makes me simultaneously unique and relatable. It sets me apart and connects me to others all at the same time. As I become more successful, of course I will want to enjoy the fruits of my labor and spend money on lavish and luxurious items and experiences, but I hope to always remain grounded in the simplicity of who I was when I started; a county kid. This would be impossible if I was more focused on achieving the aesthetic of “success” than being true to my authentic self.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is my life story and the life stories of those around me. I believe what sets me and my art apart is my intent to make music that truly reflects all aspects of my real life experiences – experiences that many would probably consider too “boring” or “normal” to be interesting. I always joke with my friends that my main goal with my music is to talk about my real, normal life, free of exaggeration and embellishment, but to make it sound as cool as possible. Truly, my goal is to make music that will show kids that they do not need to live up to any standard aesthetic or lifestyle in order to be successful in hip-hop. They don’t need to portray any particular image or have lyrics about any particular subject. They can just be themselves and that can be enough. At the end of the day, there are certainly more “normal” and “regular” people in the world than there are individuals with incredible, unbelievable life stories. So which songs will be more widely relatable?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb outside of Washington, D.C. If I had a friend coming to town the first spot we’d have to hit is Jazmin Cuisine Tex-Mex Grill. I always describe it as a small, family-owned Chipotle with fresher ingredients and a much more extensive menu. They NEVER miss. Another meal would have to be a Maryland staple, Ledo Pizza. Best pizza in the DMV! Aside from the endless places to grab some good eats, being in close proximity to two major metropolitan cities (D.C. and Baltimore) means there’s always something to do in the evenings. There are concerts and musical performances, museums and art shows, pop-up shops for local brands, and plenty of dope bars. One of my favorite things about this area is that there is a lot of major history on display. There are statues and monuments that most people who aren’t from here have probably only seen in movies and t.v. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve even visited some historic gravesites to see the resting places of some notable historical figures including Edgar Allen Poe and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to my brothers. We have our own understanding of that word, as we are not all bound by blood. It is shared life experiences, mindsets, and our passion for art and creation that connect us. Before I committed myself to being an artist and pursuing music as a career, it was my brothers who encouraged me to put more effort into it and to truly apply myself. At that point in my life I felt lost. I was approaching my SECOND senior year of college. I was not driven or motivated, and I had no idea what I wanted in life. I was stuck in place just going through the motions in school, at my job, and in my relationships. My brothers encouraged me to find my passion, challenged me to be more and demand more of myself, and they pushed me to shed my protective layers and express myself authentically. Shoutout to The County Kids.

Website: Bamalexander.com

Instagram: @Countykidbam

Twitter: @Countykidbam

Facebook: Bam Alexander

Youtube: Bam Alexander

Other: My music is available on all streaming platforms under my name Bam Alexander.

Image Credits
Jaylen Mugz Sahil Ranjhan Hyunjo Choi