Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayem Honcho.
Hi Ayem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I was born and raised in the west side of Philadelphia. I just so happen to move to LA to further pursue my music career back in 2019. I showed a love for music early on at the age of seven. After discovering this initial spark, I began recording myself on tape and mp3’s and later CD’s. By the age of 11, I jumped heavily into writing my own music. After years of practicing and concentrating on this passion, I started recording my own music with my own mic setup at the age of 16. I figured out ways to record my own material because I could not afford studio time at that time. During High School between 2008-2012, I recorded hundreds of songs on my computer/mic setup in my room and released them on social media all while going through a phase of depression and becoming suicidal. Music was my personal therapy and I would lock myself in my room for days and just record myself. I eventually created a local buzz and this exposure led to me opening up for Maryland-based rapper, Logic in 2012 and to also perform at a show sponsored by VitaminWater in 2013. Things started to all come together after that as far as kind of having an idea of my purpose here but I had to go through confusion and many obstacles to truly believe that this was what I was supposed to be doing in life. I started to take things into a more professional route in 2016 when I dropped my mixtape “Another Plan A” hosted by DJ Statik Selektah. Started my own company in 2017 entitled “Ayem2pm Music” which consists of myself and some producers, photographers, web designers, videographers, marketers and so on.
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?
No, it hasn’t. It’s a tough road for sure and it ain’t easy. Trying to figure out if this is the path for you can be hard because a lot of people will try to steer you off the road. I went through a lot of peer pressure from friends and family trying to convince me to go the college and job route rather than focusing on music. Then actually going that route and struggling, wishing you were doing your passion for a living instead of a 9 to 5 is another crazy thing within itself. On top of that, you got your personal issues you got to go through. I’ve experienced the divorce of my parents, had close encounters with the deaths of family/peers and others in my neighborhood, and witnessed the rough life of my brother and cousins facing danger from being shot at or in jail cause of drug dealing. Plus, my city ain’t pretty. Drugs also impacted my half-sister who use to be an addict back then. The main thing that kept me out of trouble was creating music and if that wasn’t there to keep me busy, who knows where I could have ended up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Everyone knows me by Ayem Honcho or Ayem for short. I am a rapper, singer, songwriter, engineer, and entrepreneur who specializes in Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul, and R&B. I am proud that I didn’t give up because I’ve been through so much and it crossed my mind numerous times. My advice is to keep going cause you never know where you might end up the next month or years or few years. My movement is about hustle, consistency, determination and dedication so we plan to show that by example.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m an introvert, lol. Well an outgoing introvert, lol. Music kind of brought me out of that habit but I’m pretty quiet and to myself until I get to know you or if I like you. I like to be to myself and in my own space especially when being creative. Also, the fact that nothing was ever just given to me. I had to work the hardest man. People see your success and think that’s where it started. Nope, it takes years of dedication, obstacles and losses and it doesn’t happen exactly when you want it to. The most high was/is very important to me and the main reason for any type of success. Always keep God first.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayemhoncho/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AyemHoncho
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/AyemHoncho
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCeSlVrNFVYP69nlKilGy2Cw
- SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/ayemhoncho
