Meet Faybeo’n Mickens f/k/a DJ LiKWUiD | an award-winning international hip hop fusion artivist, DJ, songwriter, curator, music supervisor and educator.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Faybeo’n Mickens f/k/a DJ LiKWUiD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Faybeo’n, why did you pursue a creative career?
I think that art provides a safe(r) space for tough discussions. Art also provides an opportunity for internal discussion for the viewer (or listener) to come to their own conclusion after digesting information of their own free will.

As an emcee, dj, spoken word artist and writer, I’ve always used my art in one of three ways: 1.) internal expression or purge 2.) social justice, activism or awareness 3. speak up for or amplify the voices of those that have been silenced.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a hip hop fusion artivist, DJ, emcee, music supervisor, teaching artist and writer. I’m a Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador for the United States, Voting Member of the Recording Academy and co-founder of Banjee Boombox, a QTBIPOC festival collective that celebrates, amplifies and provides safe spaces for the voices of women, non-binary and LGBTQAI+ artists, djs and musicians.

I got to where I am today with perseverance. I was a high school and college athlete; so I don’t believe in quitting. When something gets tough, I feel it’s my job to get tougher. The Hip Hop culture is beautifully grotesque- especially for black women. So, I’ve had to have thick skin and a light heart when it comes to my community. It’s a bit of Stockholm syndrome when we as contributors to the culture go out of our way to help, aid and shield those that actively contribute to our demise mentally, emotionally and sometimes physically. Therefore, I’ve made it a point to show up as productive and supportive as I can as a queer black woman in America.

The lessons that I’ve learned are based on quotes from other women (and queer folks) who’ve trod this road before me:
1. If you are silent about your pain then they will kill you, and say that you have enjoyed it. – Zora Neal Hurston (So be loud)
2.An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect. the times. – Nina Simone (So, talk about what’s happening RIGHT NOW, and don’t let anyone silence you. #ceasefire)
3. To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost, almost all of the time — and in one’s work.- James Baldwin (Work in alchemy and learn to channel that anger into art.)
4. When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed, but when we are silent we are still afraid, so it is better to speak- Audre Lorde (Your silence will not protect you.)

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?
This is tough because I’ve just moved to Atlanta and I’m still learning the city. I live in Buckhead, and my partner and I have been to a few cute spots- all of the food is amazing, btw. I highly recommend Flying Biscuits for brunch, Buckhead Art & Co. for arts and culture and Baltimore Crab & Seafood ATL for dinner.

For Harlem, I’m just going to list some of my favorite restaurants:
Angel of Harlem
Blvd Bistro
Maison Harlem
The Lighthouse
El Puerto Seafood (to go only)
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken (to go only)
Baraka (to go only)

DJs & Live music (this has changed so much post pandemic- so I would say follow the artists as opposed to venues)

DJ Taela Naomi
DJ Mary Mac
Dai Burger
Melanie Charles/ Make Jazz Trill Again
Uptown Vinyl Supreme
Recess
Gyalifest
Everyday Ppl
Banjee Boombox

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?

I have to give a huge shout out to my sister Keoshea White. She is always so encouraging and has a supreme ability to snatch me back to reality whenever I’m overthinking or floating too far into the “abyss”.  She works hard, she’s a dedicated mom and a wonderful friend- always keeps it 100. I look up to her even though she’s my little sister. 🙂 My partner Chelsey Anderson- I have to shout her out for being an amazing partner, confidant and she is beyond supportive.

As far as organizations- I have to give a shout out to Erikka James and the Lower Eastside Girls’ Club; Shirley Taylor; Debbie Ardemendo, Jason Steer and the folks at Apollo Theater EDU, DJ Mary Mac and the crew at Banjee Boombox; Toni Blackman and Rhyme Like a Girl Collective; Lauren Passel and Tink Media Co.;  the Harlem Connection Crew and my W4RP Trio homies.

Website: www.iamlikwuid.com

Instagram: likwuid

Linkedin: Fay Mick

Twitter: likwuid

Facebook: likwuidity

Youtube: likwuid

Other: https://linktr.ee/banjeeboombox

Image Credits
Larry Fraiser, FotoBros (2023)