ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Unlearn The World had an incredible 2022 from rocking the stage with legends, his album “Crowns” doing over 2 million streams and counting, being mentioned in XXL magazine as one the best MCs to watch out for plus gracing our issue number 2 cover and the list goes on and on

UnLearn the World has performed onstage alongside Ghostface Killah of the WuTang Clan, Skyzoo, Griselda, Jay Electronica, and Talib Kweli in addition to collaborating with artists and producers including Jean Grae, Jake One.

Congratulations on your success!!! Your album “Crowns” has over 2 million streams and counting. What does the success of this album mean to you? And were you surprised or did you expect it to be as well received as it has?

I think the success of this album puts me in some larger conversations. It’s definitely a milestone, but we’re still just getting started. I think people are just beginning to really pay attention and the more they go down the UnLearn The World rabbit hole, the more they are connecting with the music, the message and the movement. I think I’m bringing a unique and refreshing story and approach to Hip Hop. It goes to show you can be community oriented and not corny. I’m doing all the things that my 15 year old self would be crying tears of joy about. I’m very proud of that.

“I think people are just beginning to really pay attention and the more they go down the UnLearn The World rabbit hole, the more they are connecting with the music, the message and the movement...” it’s real what they say about success and recognition, how it breeds envy and jealousy. I get a lot of support, it’s almost overwhelming and I appreciate it, but sometimes, there’s people close to you who don’t want to see you win the way other people may be rooting for you.

How did you and Producer Jake One end up working together?

I’ve known about Jake One for 20 years. I remember going up to the Def Jam office and listening to his beat tapes like “Yo, this kid is the next Dr. Dre”. I was amazed that he had this really gritty production style at a time when Hip Hop was going a little too commercial, but still had something that was appealing to the mainstream. I had a lot of his production on my first digital Mixtape “Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind”. My whole career has been inspired by his production, both as a rapper and a producer. His career trajectory has inspired me so much so to connect with him on two records in a year was definitely a blessing I had to take full advantage of.

With two dope collabs with both Nems and Skyzoo. Any collaborations to look forward to in 2023?

I’m not letting any cats out the bag, but we’re working on some big collabs and leveling up in a lot of different ways; Bigger and better producers, bigger features, bigger opportunities and bigger situations. Every move is strategic. I’ve mapped out my whole 2023 so far, with the exception of a few things. My manifestation powers are on 10 outta 10 right now.

With write ups and named mentioned in some of the biggest Hip Hop magazines and blogs. How does it feel to be recognized for your hard work?

Again, it’s a start, not the destination. What we’re talking about is hitting career milestones, but there still so much further to go. I can see the road ahead of me very clear and I’m paving the road as I walk it to make it easier for those coming after me, my team, my students and whoever else. I’m trying to create a unique space and show people an alternative pathway for success, however you define it. Also, it’s real what they say about success and recognition, how it breeds envy and jealousy. I get a lot of support, it’s almost overwhelming and I appreciate it, but sometimes, there’s people close to you who don’t want to see you win the way other people may be rooting for you. That comes down to their personal growth areas, insecurities and what they’re dealing with internally. It’s complicated, because you have to fully understand that as you move upward and forward, you legitimately cannot take everybody with you because not everybody is built for this journey. A lot of people are out here pretending and they wonder why their careers go nowhere. They’re frustrated that no one is really connecting with their content or music. Culture vultures come in many different color feathers, but I think people are able to spot what’s phoney and what’s not. At least my audience can. When you’re standing firmly in your purpose, you’re going to wake up people’s angels, but you’re also going to irritate people’s demons, even both of your own.

After an amazing 2022 what’s new for Unlearn The World this year?

More music and dope visuals, but also putting some amazing programming together for my organization Hip Hop For Change. We’re building both a recording studio and film studio in San Francisco and Oakland and creating an artist excelerator program for young people. It’s each one teach one, then unlearning the world for everyone.