During my conversation with Amani, I couldn't help but be captivated by his passionate and deliberate manner of speaking. As an English teacher, his dedication to the craft of words was evident, and he expressed how language had always been an integral part of his identity. With every word carefully chosen and without any sense of rush, he spoke with an intense vigor that resembled the prose of a well-written book.
Recounting his journey, Amani revealed that his affinity for music began during his younger years when he struggled to find his voice in writing. He recalled a time when he would experiment with sounds and chords, searching for inspiration that would eventually ignite his passion for words, leading him down the path of poetry and ultimately into the world of rap.
Amani's humble beginnings in music were intertwined with his circle of friends, where freestyling became a means of expression amidst clouds of weed smoke. Reflecting on those moments, he paused to ash his spliff, vividly piecing together memories of alleys and estates where he would spontaneously create words on the spot. This art form of freestyling, he remarked, became an allegory for his own life—always striving to catch the flow, embracing insights as they came, and experiencing rapid growth. His musical journey, he emphasized, remained a continuous process of self-discovery, reflection, and evolution.
When it came to his craft, Amani possessed a reflective nature and a propensity for introspection. He described himself as an artist who is outspoken but only writes when he has something substantial to convey. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of producing constant content, he sought depth and meaning in his music. He acknowledged the experiences and encounters that had shaped him, allowing his artistry to be a genuine reflection of the life he had lived up to that point.
Expanding on his thoughts, Amani took another drag from his spliff, pausing to gather his ideas. He expressed his appreciation for the power of music to connect with unexpected people, remarking on the profound experiences he had shared with individuals from various walks of life. His musical style, he explained, defied strict genre boundaries, traversing between boom bap hard style and more trap-heavy influences. He immersed himself in diverse rap styles, constantly searching for new ways to articulate himself and avoiding the trappings of fame and clout. Amani drew inspiration from Bob Marley, not only in his appearance but also in his commitment to remaining true to his ideals.
In recent years, Amani had taken a step back to engage in deep self-reflection. This introspective approach seeped into his music, as he approached each song with the mindset of someone who had never heard music before. His goal was to write with raw honesty, provoking thought while also imparting wisdom. Amani did not believe in taking shortcuts in his music; instead, he dedicated time to carefully consider what he wanted to say before immortalizing his thoughts in a track. He hesitated to label himself as just a rapper, as he saw his role more as a forager, relentlessly searching for the right words amidst the chaos of life.
Throughout our conversation, it was apparent that Amani's focus remained on staying humble and committed to his craft. His bloodshot eyes, fixed on the song he yearned to express, served as a testament to his unwavering dedication. As we concluded our discussion, I was left with the impression that Amani's music, with its sincerity and authenticity, had the power to resonate with listeners on a profound level, transcending mere entertainment.