In today's hip-hop scene, not often enough do you come across an artist who is trying to express a positive message through his lyrics. Yet one artist – Ajaxxx – challenges that very notion while trying to do something positive for his community too. Gun violence is a serious crime in America – there's no denying that. Although much is being done to stop this issue, more and more of our neighborhoods are falling victim to this violent crime. It's time to step-up and speak-out against gun crime!
A contest called "Rap Against Violence," founded by Norm Wolfinger, was established in Florida to help promote a positive message. The contest, now in its second year, summoned artists from the state of Florida to create an original hip hop song containing a message against gangs and/or gun crime, while promoting the message of stepping-up and speaking-out when witnessing crime in your community. After entries were sent in and received, ten winners were picked to be featured in a public service campaign on Brighthouse Networks and also aired on popular radio station 102 JAMZ. Of the contestants, one artist who caught the attention of the judges and captured this glory was none other than Ajaxxx. Produced by TyPeNyCe, he titled his song "Walk With You."
Ajaxxx – Abacus – That one Indian kid who raps. No matter what you want to call him, he is what he is: a devoted artist, a focused lyricist, and moreover, a fierce emcee. Dedicated to “abusing the microphone” ever since the young age of thirteen, Ajaxxx can always be found honing his skills. Whether it is penning a thought-provoking tale, composing a battle track to bump to in the car or simply free-styling with the boys, the kid can always be found rapping.
Listening to Ajaxxx’s song “Walk With You” literally brought tears to my eyes. When you listen to his song, you realize the pain and grief that he is trying to convey through his lyrics. At the same time, however, he is spreading a message that, "if you pull the trigger, you take more than a life." Ajaxxx is absolutely right. As Ajaxxx prepares to release his next CD, “The Set-Up,” I sat down with him and we spoke about gun violence, how it’s a rising crime, and his winning track.
Tirusha: For those who aren’t familiar with your music, you’ve released two CDs, “It’s About Time,” and “Something to Prove: The Promo.” From those CDs, you’ve had chart-busting collaborations, but what a lot of people don’t notice are the motivational songs. Before “Walk With You” was recorded, you've had other inspiration and motivational songs such as, “Field of Dreams,” and “Silus.” Tell us how you came up with the concept to these songs and what made you want to write them.
Ajaxxx: Well, if you know me, I’m big on doing thought-provoking songs. I’ve had songs inspire me, so I just want to try to recreate that feeling for other people. “Silus” was really written because of the school shootings we’ve all witnessed, whereas “Field of Dreams” was more of an inspirational song I wrote for this performance at a local school. I’ve always wanted to do something motivational, and it was the perfect opportunity.
Tirusha: Now onto “Walk With You.” Congratulations on being one of the ten winners of “Rap Against Violence.” Your track, "Walk With You," was your selected track. Tell us about that experience.
Ajaxxx:Thanks. Well, the Florida State Attorney’s Office in collaboration with local radio station 102 JAMZ and Brighthouse Networks put together this contest where they asked contestants to submit a song promoting anti-gun violence. I submitted a track, and a few months later I was notified that I was one of ten winners.
Tirusha: Did you have the chance to meet any of the other artists whose songs were selected? Do you think the other tracks easily depict the message of stopping gun violence?
Ajaxxx:I did get to meet a lot of them. I think everyone took a different perspective on the issue. Someone talked about how this isn’t the type of world we want our children to live in. Someone else was talking about being proactive in reporting something that might be a crime, and I remember another artist who used his track to ask questions that were really thought provoking.
Tirusha: What makes your track stand out from other nine on the CD?
Ajaxxx:If you listen to the CD, I have the most serious, solemn track on there. When I heard about the topic, I thought about all the school shootings we kept seeing on the news. I wanted to do a song that offered support to the victims and their families if they heard it. At the same time, I wanted to remind people the consequences of gun violence extend past the victim. It’s really their family and friends that feel the pain.
Tirusha: What was the hardest part when writing this song?
Making sure there was an emotional connection. However, because it was so serious, I had to be sensitive to the topic and make sure I did it in the right way. I didn’t want people to become sadder, but instead remind them of hope.
Tirusha: I’ll be honest with you. When you first sent me the track, I told you I cried when I heard it. Is that the reaction you expect to hear from people when they hear your song?
Ajaxxx:You really never know how people are going to react. I mean, I’ve had people cry over songs that I never intended for that to happen. And you know, it happens. As long as somebody takes something from it, I’m happy.
Tirusha: When an artist writes a song, they always have a ‘favorite part.’ But “Walk With You,” isn’t your typical song. Therefore, which part of the song has the most meaning to you?
Ajaxxx:It would have to be the hook of the song. I wrote it in two halves. The first half of the hook is dedicated to the person who lost their life. In it, I say, “To anybody we lost, we’ll see you one day.” I wanted to make it sound like they’re not gone forever. I go on to say, “To anyone we loved, that had to go away.” It sounds innocent almost, you know? The second half of the hook was dedicated to the people left behind. To me, the real victims are the friends and family of the person who died because they are the ones really affected by it. I wanted to do something for them and remind them that they aren’t alone. That’s why I say in the song, “Let me walk with you.”
Tirusha: What do you hope people gain from listening to your track?
Ajaxxx:Don’t get caught up in all the fake glamorization of violence on TV. It’s like I said at the end of the track, we need to start being more responsible because it really isn’t worth it. More and more people are dying out here. We need to come together because if we don’t, there WILL be more senseless violence and EVERYONE will be affected.
Tirusha: Everyone is aware of the fact that gun violence is a growing crime in our country and as you state in the song, “We need to get up, develop and not destroy… we need to rise up.” This contest is just one occurrence that is taking place to help bring gun violence to a stop. What else do you think can be done to stop this crime?
Ajaxxx:There’s not one single thing that’s going to stop gun violence because it’s been here forever. I think it’ll take a collaborative effort from everyone to improve the situation though. I said it in the song: “It ain’t worth it to be violent, or be silent/ we gotta’ stick together if we wanna’ try to fight it.” You know what I mean?
Tirusha: You also mention that music should be used to help bring this crime to peoples’ attention.
Ajaxxx:Definitely. Now I’m not saying that all music needs to preach a positive message, ‘cause I love my party tracks just as much as the next guy, but music is a very powerful weapon that influences many lives. There’s a great opportunity here, and I figure if we can raise awareness with the music, we should.
Tirusha: Ajaxxx, It's been a pleasure spending time with you and seeing how involved you are in the community! It’s always great to see talented people from our community making moves and spreading a message at the same time. So, any final words for the readers of Nirvana Woman Magazine and your fans?
Ajaxxx:Thanks a lot Tirusha, always a pleasure! Make sure y’all check out my website: www.ajaxxx.com and www.myspace.com/ajaxxx to check out my music. I definitely want to thank Nirvana for this opportunity and wish you much success for your magazine. You guys have a great thing going out and showing support to the scene means a lot. Thanks to all the readers for checkin’ me out! Look out for “The Set-Up,” and “Something to Prove,” releasing soon! Peace!
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