We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Classic Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Classic below.

Classic, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Yeah, 100%. I feel like for a long time, people misunderstood what I was doing because I didn’t fit the typical mold of what a rapper “should” look or sound like—especially coming out of the South. I was always into anime, video games, tech, and nerd culture, and early on, that didn’t always translate to people who expected me to come with a more traditional image or sound. Some folks saw it as a gimmick, or thought I was just trying to be different to stand out, when in reality—I am different. That’s just me being fully myself.

One time, I performed at a show where the crowd clearly didn’t expect me to come out in full Final Boss mode, rapping with anime references and high-concept visuals—and by the end of my set, people were coming up to me like, “Yo, I didn’t expect to like that… but that was fire.” And that taught me something important: people may misunderstand you at first, but when you lean into your truth and keep delivering with authenticity, they eventually catch on—or they get left behind.

So now, I don’t tone it down. I amplify it. Because the very thing that made me “different” is what’s connecting with people on a deep level now. My music isn’t just hip-hop—it’s a portal into who I am, and if that challenges people’s expectations, then good. That means I’m doing something right.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

What’s up, I’m Classic Williams—a hip-hop artist, creative visionary, and self-proclaimed final boss currently based in Nashville. I’m originally from here, and my journey started the moment I realized music was my way of channeling all the things I grew up loving: anime, video games, art, storytelling, and most importantly—emotion. I’ve always been that “Black nerd” kid who didn’t quite fit into the box, but instead of hiding it, I embraced it and made it my superpower.

I got into music by experimenting, freestyling with friends, and recording songs in my dorm room. But I took it seriously when I saw the kind of impact my music could have—how I could tell my story and help others feel seen. I’ve opened for legends like DMX, Curren$y, Project Pat, and even recently performed in front of 10,000+ people at the Riverbend Festival. But it’s not just about the stage for me—it’s about the message.

My creative work spans more than just rapping—I’m building a universe. Whether it’s through music, visuals, merch, or brand collaborations, everything I do is centered around helping people feel empowered to be themselves fully. I provide music that blends hard-hitting lyricism with themes like resilience, identity, healing, and leveling up in life like it’s a video game. I solve the problem of people feeling like they have to hide who they are to succeed—I’m proof that you can be your full, authentic, nerdy, emotional, powerful self and win.

What sets me apart is the intentionality. Every track I drop is crafted to make people feel something—to reflect, to celebrate, to cry, to rage, to rise above. My newest release, “Black Nerd Final Boss,” is the embodiment of that energy: breaking out of the simulation, defying stereotypes, and becoming your highest self.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve turned pain into purpose. I’ve taken heartbreak, loss, rejection—all of it—and turned it into art that resonates. My fans are people who feel misunderstood, overlooked, or like they’ve had to shrink themselves to fit in. I make music for them. For the ones who never gave up.

If you’re new to my work, I want you to know that my brand isn’t just music—it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and embracing your uniqueness. I want fans and followers to feel like they’re not just listening to a song—they’re entering a world, unlocking a piece of themselves, and leveling up with every track.

Whether you’re a hip-hop head, an anime fan, a gamer, or someone just trying to survive this chaotic world—I got something for you. And I’m just getting started.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Yeah, definitely. I think one of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand about the journey is the emotional and spiritual investment it takes. Like, this isn’t just a job or a hobby—it’s a calling. Every song I write, every performance I give, every visual I put out—it all comes from somewhere deep inside. That’s energy I’m pouring into something with no guaranteed return. You’re creating from scratch, with only your vision and belief to hold onto.

Non-creatives often look at success as something linear—you work hard, you get results. But for creatives, the path is way more unpredictable. You can spend months, even years, on a project that never gets the recognition it deserves. And still, you keep going. Not because it always makes sense, but because you have to. It’s part of who you are.

Another thing people don’t always see is how isolating it can be. As a creative, especially one who doesn’t fit the mold, you’re constantly questioning if people “get it.” You’re putting your soul into the world, and sometimes it feels like shouting into the void. But even in those moments, we keep creating—because we believe that one day, it will reach the right people.

There’s also this misconception that we’re just having fun all the time. But what they don’t see is the pressure—the financial stress, the late nights, the self-doubt, the rejections, the reinventions. Being a creative means carrying both the dream and the doubt at the same time… and still choosing to show up.

So if you’re not a creative but you’re watching someone pursue that path—understand that it’s not just talent, it’s resilience. It’s fighting battles you can’t always see. And if you are a creative reading this—keep going. You’re not crazy. You’re chosen.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection I get to build with people. When someone hears my music and it resonates with them—whether it makes them feel understood, inspires them to keep going, or just helps them get through a tough time—it’s like everything comes full circle. I’m not just making music for myself; I’m creating something that impacts others in a real way.

It’s powerful when someone tells me they’ve had a song on repeat because it helped them heal or get through a personal struggle. That’s the kind of impact I strive for—being part of someone’s journey, even if just for a moment. It’s not just about the fame or the accolades, it’s about knowing that your work has meaning beyond the surface level.

And of course, the freedom to create without limits—that’s a reward in itself. As a creative, I get to be fully me, and I don’t have to fit into any box. I can express myself however I want, and that authenticity shines through in the work I put out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.classicwilliams.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicwilliams
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/classicwilliams
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClassicWilliams

Image Credits

all photos where shot by Brandon Clark (@bclark615 on instagram)