Ahmen – When You Hear Truth

Check out the new song from Ahmen – When You Hear Truth

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Exclusive Interview

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
I’ve lived across the U.S., from west coast to east coast. With those moves comes a variety of influences and exposures. I’ve seen lower class and upper class. I’ve seen people of all shapes and sizes fight against adversity to achieve their dreams, and I’ve gone through the same experience. Along the way, I learned that the best music represents who we are as people, and what we’re thinking about on a day-to-day basis. And when I say “we”, I’m not just talking about rappers – I’m talking about blue collar workers, college students, people in the corporate world, and everyone in between.

That’s the MC side, the other side is performing. I love being on the stage, and taken notes from so many amazing performers through my life, from U2 to Jay-Z to the Jabbawockeez (yup, I dance) to Diddy.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
I’ve been making music for nearly a decade with two aims in mind: honestly represent myself and the people in our country, and satisfy my love for music and connecting with people through performing. “When You Hear Truth” is my letter of intent, my mantra, and my statement of purpose. It’s about fighting back against the status quo, and I looked to my own life story and to others who have been equally ambitious & stubborn along their paths (like Malcolm X, Batman, and Kobe Bryant). My goal? Whenever you hear something that’s real, something that is truth, all you’ve gotta say is Ahmen.

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see?
I’m hoping to reach as many people as possible through shows and the web. I’m proud of the work that I have to showcase, and now, it’s a matter of finding more people who might find a piece of themselves in my music. From there, let’s build a relationship and see what happens.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
I’m making music for the people and because I love it. The problem is so many hip-hop stages are reserved for people who want to shell out hundreds of dollars for “showcases” with an opportunity to get signed. Let’s be honest – those showcase promoters collect a ridiculous amount of money and it’s very rare that anyone gets a deal out of those events. And to make it worse, it creates a competitive atmosphere that takes away from the feel that we all want in a venue. When I’m on the mic and look out to the crowd, I’m trying to get people to raise their hands with me, not trying to cut their throat for some A&R. But hey – if I can partner with a label and maintain my integrity (and wallet), I’m not arguing.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
My first album just wasn’t true enough to who I am, and that was partially because I wasn’t good enough. Hip-hop is an art and a science, and too many people either think that it comes naturally or you’re just good enough to never improve. I don’t agree with that – I can always be better as an MC and performer (and even as a marketer of my music), and my first album helped me to realize that I’ve got a way to go. The current album on my site (www.ahmen.us) is a much better representation of who I am and my skill level.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
“Be yourself” is cliche, and true. What I’d say is don’t be afraid to take risks. When I make music, I don’t necessarily say, “hmmm, I’m so sick that I can get away with a falsetto hook that sounds like Justin Timberlake”. I say, “I’m going to write a song that critiques mainstream hip-hop, and a lot of people might not like that, but that’s what I believe and I’ll do it anyway”. We, as hip-hop artists, have to be willing to challenge the norm. That will create the golden age of hip-hop that we’ve been waiting for.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
In addition to what I just said, let’s stay connected. Let’s network. Let’s perform together at shows and collab on tracks. Trust me, we’ll all be better off if we can bring our talents and bases together to create a new wave of hip-hop music. Reach out to me.

What are the best ways to sell your products as an artist?
Haha I have no idea. Here’s some evidence to how much I love music – I’m deep in debt on the artist side. Hopefully I’ll break even eventually.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
Doing shows. I love performing, and I’ve been fortunate to get some people moving and vibing at my shows. Going forward, I’m definitely going to leverage my website and social media to keep people in the loop.

Where can people visit you?
Stay on top of everything, like updates and new music, at www.ahmen.us. You should also follow me at www.twitter.com/iamahmen and “like” me at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ahmen/252231834798102.