We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Az-lee Wilbon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Az-Lee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most impactful project I’ve been involved in is called AVP, which stands for Artist Vs. Producer. This initiative presented a challenge to twelve local artists and producers from Arizona, including myself, to compose a song in just one hour while following specific guidelines. The event is organized by me, Th3 Z#00, and Eubank$ within our church community, and we host it biweekly to encourage collaboration among artists and producers, while also stretching their creative limits. This project is especially meaningful to me because it allowed me to connect with new individuals and witness the artistic growth of my friends. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see them evolve from occasional music makers to regular creators, and it fills me with joy to watch those around me flourish.

Az-Lee, 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?

Hello everyone! I’m Az-Lee Wilbon, a music artist and producer based in Phoenix, Arizona. My skills include rapping, producing, mixing, engineering, and even graphic design. However, my journey to this point has been quite unexpected. I always felt a creative spark within me, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2022 that I truly stepped into the music scene. A close friend of mine, Prince Twumasi, also known as Th3 Z#00, invited me to a friend’s house to collaborate on a song. That day, I created my very first track, “Silly Check,” which quickly became a personal favorite. Fast forward to the summer of 2023, and we released a remix titled “Silly Check V2,” which debuted at my very first live performance. I transitioned from being just a college student to an emerging artist with a passion and purpose. This experience has taught me the importance of embracing new opportunities; you never know what hidden talents you might discover until you take that leap. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of performing at two shows, producing, mixing, and mastering two albums, and growing alongside my friends in the music industry.

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

The most rewarding aspect of creativity, in my view, is the ability to transform ideas into tangible experiences for others. There’s an incredible joy in taking a fleeting thought or a burst of inspiration and crafting it into something that evokes feelings, provokes thoughts, or simply adds a touch of magic to someone’s day. Engaging in creative pursuits also offers a sense of liberation—you can venture into new realms, experiment with various concepts, and discover the limits of what can be achieved.

Moreover, art fosters meaningful connections. When someone resonates with your creation and feels acknowledged or motivated, it establishes a unique bond that transcends differences and promotes understanding. This opportunity to genuinely connect with others is what truly makes the creative journey worthwhile.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Certainly! Several aspects of a creative’s journey might be difficult for non-creatives to fully appreciate. One major point is that much of the creative process occurs beneath the surface. Ideas don’t always emerge instantly or clearly; they often simmer and develop quietly over time. Creativity is frequently a journey filled with trial and error, experimentation, and moments of frustration when things don’t go as planned. It can appear chaotic, and at times, it may seem like nothing is happening at all. Yet, behind the scenes, there’s a constant flow of thought and exploration.

Another challenging element to comprehend is the deep personal investment that creatives have in their work. When they present their creations, they are often revealing a part of themselves. This isn’t merely a “finished product” or a “completed task”—it’s a manifestation of their inner thoughts and feelings. Therefore, positive feedback can be incredibly validating, while a lack of connection can feel quite personal.

Lastly, there’s the delicate balance between creative freedom and self-discipline. While many view creatives as free-spirited individuals, the reality is that their process demands a significant amount of structure and dedication. Inspiration is fantastic, but genuine progress often stems from the commitment to sit down, show up, and push through creative blocks, even when motivation is lacking.

So, if you want to understand a creative, remember that their journey is a distinctive blend of passion, patience, vulnerability, and resilience. When they share their work with you, they’re offering more than just a creation—they share a piece of their essence.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azleewilbon/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@azleewilbon
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/azleewilbon
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1krCYrZ13Lp0buLBliJLMZ?si=HyifVlqcRKKCyPDS-9PKBA
  Favorite Song: https://open.spotify.com/track/7j4flS46Xq1Q9l9mltDLpf?si=08957b92845d4bba

Image Credits

Allen Jacob
April Headings
Az-Lee Wilbon