Conversations with The IZM.

Today we’d like to introduce you to The IZM..

Hi The, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My mother said I used to write poems and put them under the neighbor’s doors. So I’ve always been a writer. In high school, I started making fake album titles, track lists and I’d write the songs as if it were a real album. I began making beats in 2004 as an escape, which quickly turned into me writing rhymes to them. In 2012, I released my first mixtape, Introduction to IZMatickz 101: Expanded Edition and my first album, King For A Day, the following year. I’ve released two spoken word albums, UNICORN VOMIT 1 & 2, a series of beat tapes, 3 house albums and a side project with my brother UnUsual called Dark Alley Echoes. In 2026, I’ll be releasing my 9th project, which will be one of my most personal and autobiographical album to date. Highly inspired by Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope, I decided to take the censors off and tell my story. It’s been extremely difficult giving myself the agency to speak my truth in fear of losing what little audience I do have. But I owe it to myself and to my listeners to be the most authentic artist I can be.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? SMOOTH? Maaaan YEET! I remember people walking out of the room when I performed. I remember a bro telling me “It’s cool that you wanna rap, just don’t tell nobody you’re gay. Niggas ain’t fuckin wit no gay rapper. Respectfully.” So I knew I had to change my voice, change my tone, change my story if anyone would even give me a chance. You didn’t even know what I looked like until the Black Boy Wonderment album cover in 2019. I figured if people didn’t see me, they’d appreciate the music more. I’m grateful to have had positive experiences after my rough beginnings but it came with a determination I didn’t know I had. I’ve jumped off stages to get people’s attention. I’ve walked over to people and rapped in their faces to get their attention. There’s a tenacity that you need in order push yourself through those “Why am I still doing this?” moments. Because you WILL have them.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started out as an alternative hip-hop artist in 2012. I have since morphed into an alternative hip-hop/house artist, DJ, producer and author. I released my first book of poetry in 2018, I believe. sad black boys are beautiful, too is what I decided to name it. Since 2019, I’ve been in my house bag so returning to my rap roots for my autobiographical album feels right. In 2015, “I Don’t Feel God”, from my debut album King For A Day, was featured in Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. I would say that was the moment that gave me the jolt in my battery to keep going. I’m so grateful for Mr. Lee because he not only encouraged me to my face but made sure all of the indie artists on the soundtrack got paid and their royalties from streams. He took care of us. He taught me juggernauts in the entertainment industry still do good business. That’s what I make sure I do in all aspects of this side of my life. From bookings to collaborations to splits on DistroKid before music releases. Yes, be a great artist but also do great business.

What does success mean to you?
Success is knowing when you have that baby, that baby can grow on its own and thrive as a great piece of work. Success is having genuine support from people that truly get your vision. Not yes men, but people that will tell you the truth when you need to hear it. Success is bringing your vision to fruition in spite of doubters, haters and people that flat out don’t want to see you succeed. I’m grateful for the audience and supporters that I do have. If I did this to be famous, I would’ve stopped a long time ago. Chasing fame and obtaining it isn’t completely all that success is. But knowing you put your all into a solid and strong project that can stand up to the big dogs is success. To me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_izm3000/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmTheRealIZM/
• Twitter: https://x.com/The_IZM
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIZM
• Other: https://theizm.bandcamp.com/music

Image Credits
Bryon Summers, Mindy Tucker, Don Krypton, Sean Battle and The IZM.