New music
Growing up in the Lewisham borough, a culturally diverse section of London’s inner city was a kid called A.I.M. The youngest of four siblings, the South London wordsmith often looked up to his older brothers whose musical influences played a substantial part in him navigating his artistry today. Citing Dizzee Rascal’s acclaimed album ‘Boy in Da Corner’ as the turning point that drove his fascination with music to new heights, A.I.M took to the playground with fellow NAVY music collective members PREM and Novelist and put his lyrical ability to the test. Forming friendships that are underlined with an unrivalled love for music, the up-and-coming talent swapped studying law for the booth. After years of putting his life-long dream of becoming an artist on hold, A.I.M’s studious tendencies shine throughout his catalogue. Leaving no page unturned, the rap riser isn’t one to shy away from varying genres. Pushing his versatility and lyrical substance to the forefront of his sound, he often leans into his West African heritage whilst encapsulating the sounds that make up Black British culture.
Staying to true to his authenticity, A.I.M’s latest mixtape ‘Composure Lost, Composure Found’ is testament to not only his personal growth but his dexterity sonically. Documenting his twenty-somethings through skilful lyricism, the 12-track mixtape builds a bridge of relatability that many across the nation will recognise. Echoing the sounds of grime and afrobeats, as well as the UK’s underground rap scene into one seamless project, not to mention features with Novelist, PREM, Benji Smalls and more, A.I.M is on a mission to solidify his one-to-watch status.
CLASH got the chance to catch up with A.I.M ahead of the release of his brand-new mixtape. Speaking all things music and the NAVY collective, tap in below to see what he had to say…
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Let’s go back to the beginning. Talk me through your introduction to music…
I was introduced to music from my older brothers, I’m the youngest of four. My Dad had a crazy record collection, so I grew up with things like The Fugees album and Fela Kuti, however my first memorable experience of me enjoying music was when I listened to ‘Boy in Da Corner’ It was my older brother’s album but that’s when it started for me!
How did you start putting pen to paper?
It all started at home. Two of my older brothers are really into music, so seeing them write bars played a big influence. I took that into the playground and encouraged my friends to write music and we formed a crew in Primary School. In the local community during summer, the youth clubs would host workshops, and we’d all go and spray bars back-to-back and just have fun with it! In Secondary school was when I took a big liking to English Literature, I used to put my own interpretation into certain novels which helped to develop my creativity.
Do you have any musical influences that have helped to shape your sound over the years?
Yeah 100%. Every genre of music that I listen to influences me in some sort of way. My heavy influences tend to draw from afrobeats, grime, and reggae.
You’re part of the NAVY music collective – for anyone that isn’t aware, what is it that you guys stand for and how did it come about?
The NAVY music collective are brothers from the same Lewisham borough. We just make sick music! That’s what drew us together. PREM, Novelist and I went to school together and a couple of the other brothers are from the ends. We’ve all known of each other in some shape or form. PREM ended up putting it together, we stand for great music!
Let’s talk about the mixtape, ‘Composure Lost, Composure Found’. Before we get into the project, talk me through what made you pick this title?
The title stems from the experiences that I have been through. Naturally, I’m a person that has a calm and composed demeanour. I’ve experienced certain situations over the years where I haven’t had enough money… in the opening track I talk about how my credit card has been maxed, or at 26 years old I’m sat on a bunk bed writing about my reality. I’m clutching, I’ve lost composure! Coming through that fire, I’ve found it again. I’ve resolved it. When you listen to the project on a deeper level, towards the end, you’ll realise I find my focus.
In the opening track ‘Life’s Perspective at 26’ you talk about studying Law. What made you want to switch to music?
I’ve always wanted to do music from a young age, when the teachers asked me in Primary School what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always used to say a musician. When I was at college, I was stuck in limbo for a while and had to question if it was something that I still wanted to do. When I finished, I was encouraged by my family to go and study law but continue to explore music because we have Entertainment Law and things like that. I enjoyed studying it but when we did work experience that was when reality hit. If I don’t have a passion for it, I’m not going to be the best at it? Spending seven years to do an LPC, if I don’t have a passion for it, I’m just wasting my time. That’s when the penny dropped!
Did you have any ideas or concepts that you wanted to put across with the mixtape? The messages feel quite intentional, especially in the opening track ‘Life’s Perspective At 26’.
I often feel with music that if I’m not saying anything with meaning, then what’s the purpose in it? I wanted to make sure that I’m doing that. I didn’t want it to be one of those projects where nothing is being said, what am I going to leave when my time comes? I like to keep it real and tell people what I’ve been going through…
You’re keeping it relatable, authenticity in this age of music can be difficult to find! This mixtape sonically leans into various genres, it feels as though you’ve encapsulated different parts of Black British culture. Where did you draw from sonically?
Yeah, 100%! It’s stemmed from being a Black British African in London, more specifically in my hood. On my road alone, there are so many different nationalities. There’s a Somali family, English, Jamaican and Nigerian families – it’s coming like the United Nations on the road! There are so many different cultures. It wouldn’t be a true representation of myself if I only made one sound because I’m getting different inspirations on a daily basis.
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Which parts of the process did you find most challenging?
The financial aspect was the most challenging part. I recorded everything but when it came to mixing and mastering, I lost my job that funded everything I was doing. That put a spanner in the works, and it was difficult to raise the funds. Lyrically and sonically, that came organically. I was said everything I was experiencing so that came easy!
How do you think this project differs in comparison to previous ones?
This project is more cohesive; it has a deeper meaning, and you can see the growth. Growth in all formats – sonically, lyrically and personally.
Putting the music aside, what do you like doing for fun? What things keep you grounded?
I like to travel and I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie so things like skydiving. The next on my list is bungee jumping…
Ooo no…I couldn’t think of anything worse!
I like to experience new things and travelling, that’s about it!
What else can we expect to see from you this year?
My headline show is on the 24th of August, aside of that more visuals! I’m currently working on a project with the NAVY collective and my album, there’s no date on them yet but they’re coming!
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Words: Elle Evans // @elleevans98
Photography: @_geayar & @mylothecreative
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