Meet The IZM.

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

Hi The, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always loved music. Dating as far back as Jody Watley and Janet Jackson in the 80s to sitting at the feet of Tori Amos and Fiona Apple in the 90s. I wasn’t athletic so anything in that field was a no-go. I wasn’t blessed with the “Man” chip so carpentry, construction, all of that was a no-go as well. But I was very passionate about writing and music and poetry. I didn’t know I wanted to pursue it until I started producing and performing my own music. I didn’t become a “serious artist” until the Spike Lee placement in Da Sweet Blood of Jesus in 2015. After that, I became dedicated to my dream. Mr. Lee gave me the validation I desperately needed and I’ll always be in debt to him for that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I didn’t chose hip-hop. Hip-hop chose me through Common’s Be album. I felt very wary about pursuing a career in hip-hop because I knew that my sexuality would not be accepted amongst the vast majority. Although Caushun is noted as the first openly gay rapper, it wasn’t until Cakes Da Killa hit the scene and B. Slade released “The Naked Truth” that I realized that I can actually pursue my dream. But if I was going to do so, I was going to have to blaze my own trail. I could walk in my truth and I wouldn’t have to be someone I wasn’t. I didn’t have to write raps about women I haven’t slept with and drugs I’ll never sell. I switched up my writing style and I became a lot more vulnerable and raw and honest. I produced beats that felt good to me and didn’t sound or feel like anything else around. I’ve had people walk out during my performances in the beginning and it discouraged me greatly. Somehow I became relentless, performing my heart out everywhere I went and it set me apart from the herd. Over the past 17 years, I’ve learned that authenticity is the real sell. Sex helps but it gets tired after a while. The gimmick is cute until it isn’t. But authenticity is not only respected, loved and appreciated. It’s sexy as fuck and something that no one can take from you. Or duplicate, even if they tried. I can’t be Drake or Wayne or Jay or Cole or Kendrick. But what I CAN be is the illest me that I can possibly be. Be it house music, hip-hop, beat tapes, spoken word, writing another poetry, whatever. It’s me that the people come and stay for.

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 normally gigging a lot so bestie would be gig hopping with me. On my off days, we’ll be hitting up The Yard for the oxtail burger before a trip to New York City. Maybe a trek to Brooklyn, if we have the energy for it. We end the evening back at my crib for drinks and vinyl and intense Mortal Kombat or Soul Calibur 6 gaming sessions. I don’t know, maybe because I’m 39 and did all my clubbing early in life that I’m a little boring now. But I know how to have a good time. I’m kinda lit.

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?
A-Natural was the first person to give me my first keyboard and put me in front of a microphone. E-Rif and Trey Stylez used to make me freestyle when I was afraid to and instilled in me to follow my own voice. Dave Jackson was the first manager I ever had and showed me what it means to really be 10 toes down for your artist. Rachel Burrell gave me my first gig when I had to move back home, ashamed and embarrassed, from Atlanta. Chris Carr and Melissa Hunter Gurney of Brooklyn Wildlife have been booking me and giving me space to have my own shows since 2016. I would’ve never started DJing without a pep talk from DJ MD and the divine and needed push from Derrick Braxton and DJ Wes. My EvoluCulture family have not only taken me under their wings but showed me that I had my own wings to fly with. I’d like to shoutout Kai and all the family at The Yard, GAMBA Forest, Prototype 237, Justin Williams and Brick City Comedy Revue, my Zimmerli Art Museum, Arts New Brunswick and State Theater family, Newark Gay Pride, Wyl White, QXT’s and everyone that’s ever booked me. Especially letting me throw free shows. Shoutout to anyone who’s interviewed me and gave me space on their platform. I am because of the village that loved and supported me.

Instagram: @The_IZM3000

Twitter: @The_IZM

Facebook: Facebook.com/IAmTheRealIZM

Youtube: YouTube.com/@TheIZM

Image Credits
Photography by Lateef Dameer, Bryon Summers, Don Krypton, MOBi and The IZM.