We were lucky to catch up with Edwin Owusu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Edwin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Hip-Hop For Flood Relief (HHFFR) is an artist-led initiative that harnesses the power of hip-hop to address environmental justice, community resilience, and cultural empowerment.

Born out of urgent climate challenges and social inequities, HHFFR brings together artists, activists, and community members to raise awareness, provide resources, and inspire action through music, storytelling, and education.

Through live performances, workshops, and multimedia projects, HHFFR amplifies voices, fosters intergenerational healing, and builds solidarity in the fight for climate and social justice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Edwin Owusu is a hip-hop artist stage name is “Sinnn” who teaches public speaking and coaches debate at the University of Vermont. He focuses on themes of art and depression in his music and studies.

Edwin also actively organizes events centered around hip-hop culture and social justice, including series like “Hip-Hop for Flood Relief” and “Highlighting the Hip-Hop Diaspora,” which support community causes and celebrate hip-hop’s legacy.

His work blends creative expression with a strong emphasis on mental health awareness and social impact.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Consistency helped me build my brand. It is absolutely crucial to stay front of mind with your intended audience especially in this tech driven age.

Being diligent, doing the little things as well as the big flashy things all create a groundswell that gives your brand the reputation money cannot buy. It is a cultural capital.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was making a decent living as an artist—booking gigs, performing, and doing what I loved. But there was no real foundation, nothing solid to build on. Just the constant hustle of chasing opportunities, trying to make ends meet while staying true to my craft. I told myself it was enough, that I was doing what I was meant to do.

Then my mother called.

She didn’t sugarcoat it. She told me I needed to go back to school and finish my master’s. At first, I resisted. School had always been there, something I had started but never fully committed to because music had pulled me in a different direction. But my mother saw something I wasn’t ready to admit—I was stuck. I had talent, passion, and drive, but no real plan. And she knew I was capable of more.

That conversation hit me hard. It forced me to step back and ask myself what I really wanted—not just in the moment, but long-term. I realized going back to school wasn’t about giving up on music. It was about building something bigger than myself.

So I pivoted. I went back, finished my master’s, and along the way, I started seeing how academia and hip-hop weren’t separate worlds—they were two sides of the same coin. That realization led me to pursue my PhD, to create a project that fuses hip-hop with deeper conversations about art and mental health. It led me to use my platform in a different way, to think beyond just the next gig and focus on the legacy I want to leave behind.

My mother’s call wasn’t just about school. It was about stepping into my full potential. And she was right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hiphopforfloodrelief.com
• Instagram: @hiphopforfloodrelief
• Facebook: HTTP://www.facebook.com/hiphopforfloodrelief

Image Credits

Edwin Owusu