We recently connected with Ameer Williamson and have shared our conversation below.

Ameer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

In 2010, I entered an online contest thrown by Keepers of the Art and won an opportunity to open up for hip hop legends Rakim, Whodini and Slum Village at Lock 3 Amphitheatre downtown Akron, Ohio. I had to fight through multiple rounds of voting before being selected. This was the first time I had performed positive content and it was well received by the crowd to the point I signed autographs. A lady even told me we need more artist like you who are not afraid to go against the grain. This was the moment I decided to pursue music more seriously. This woke up a sleeping giant and I vowed to never use profanity or vulgar language to express myself because I know the power of words and I wanted my music and message to appeal to all ages.

Ameer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Minus The Alien. I’m a hip hop artist/songwriter/content creator hailing from Akron, Ohio. With a passion for the culture and a unique artistic vision, I blend old and new school hip hop with an eclectic twist. I just released a new 7 song EP titled ‘Neon Cactus’ available on all digital outlets. I’m also the host of ‘The PLAT,’ a platform and podcast dedicated to shedding light on hip hop culture through diverse perspectives. The moment I saw Michael Jackson light up the side walk on the Billy Jean music video, I knew I had found my calling. As a kid I truly believed I was born to be an entertainer. I always had a strong passion for music. I can remember being in 5th grade and would always hear music in my head to the point I would be knodding my head up and down constantly. It was like an uncontrollable tick. My teacher Ms. Thomas asked me why do I always knod my head and I told her I could not help it…there is a song on repeat in my subconscious. My musical journey began in Warren, Ohio by singing in the church youth choir as well as, middle & high school singing and dance ensembles. I discovered i was a gifted writer by taking an advanced college prep English course which led to my love for songwriting and writing in general. I use to write about things my mom and grandma did not approve of. They use to find my raps and told me I was using my gifts for the wrong purpose. Now my music has good energy that comes from a place of conviction and provides digestible subject matter that leads to a deeper connection with audiences, as well as, inspire hope and much needed change in modern society.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had recently taken a break from music due to some unfortunate life circumstances and had been planning a comeback but had some doubts. I believe I was feeling a little discouraged then out of nowhere where I received notification I was chosen as an emerging artist to spotlight by The Launchpad Podcast which was the official podcast for Ohio University’s Music Industry Summit and that ignited a flame of confidence and gratitude. My spirit was lifted. This opportunity lead to an original song of mine titled ‘Neon Cactus’ which is the title track for my latest EP being selected to get mastered by Senior Mastering engineer Dave Polster of Well Made Music for a breakout session class. This experience allowed me to gain some new knowledge on how the business works in the Digital age and networked with some industry professionals which was the icing on the cake. The cherry on top was getting to meet Dj Premier, take a picture with him and he autographed my Gangstarr ‘Hard To Earn’ Vinyl Album. He was cool and very down to earth.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to develop a new sound that has global appeal and is Alien to the average ear. My goal is to stick out like a sore thumb sonically due to an oversaturated market of monotony. Hip Hop music is lacking creativity/subject matter and is marketed as a monolithic culture of sex, drugs and violence when there is more depth and layers that are more positive than what’s being presented to the masses.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minusthealien?igsh=NDJhN2pnOXh0M3Az
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16o6WEGboV/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@minusthealien?si=GRhWdSpS9zcrRKPh
• Other: For Booking: https://onepagelink.com/minusthealien

Image Credits
Prince Amoa Mensa and L Squared Photos