We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hakeem Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hakeem, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking risks is a big part of going after our dreams. For me, Hakeem Martin, it meant jumping into music with everything I had and being 100% true to my artistic self. It’s definitely a gamble to bet on your dream and really go for it. So many people in their 20s feel the pressure to fit in, go to university, and follow the traditional path to success, but they never really find themselves or their own definition of success. The biggest risk I’ve taken has been trusting my own gut and following my intuition. And honestly, it’s helped me find who I really am and what success really means to me.

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

My name is Hakeem Martin, and I’m an artist born and raised in the southern part of Sweden. I create music mostly in the hip-hop and R&B genres, and I also direct music videos, design graphics, produce merch—basically, I’m involved in everything within the creative sphere. My music reflects the reality we live in, and it’s very introspective and transparent about my own experiences and thoughts. Growing up as a Black man in Sweden, I’ve faced racism and other hostilities, which made resilience a part of everyday life—a necessity for survival. This resilient mindset has influenced every aspect of my life.

My brand, PANTHERS FROM THE SNOW, encapsulates the experience of people of color in predominantly white spaces and highlights our reality. Whenever I perform, I bring that energy and our story to the stage, delivering my message with passion and energy to the audience. which is also what I am the most proud of. To be able to represent my people and give others a glimpse of our reality.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A lot of people told me I shouldn’t make rap music in English because it’s tough for an artist from Sweden to break into the international scene. They said I should stick to rapping in Swedish and stop being delusional about making it big in English. There were moments when I almost started to believe them, and I felt stupid for having such a big dream. It was really hard when everyone around you is doubting your vision. But something deep within me knew this was my purpose, and I had to keep doing it, no matter what.

Even when it felt like the whole world was against me, I couldn’t let go of my vision. I saw opportunities in the music landscape and on social media that made me realize it was possible to make it, even if not everyone else could see that. I knew that with the right approach and perseverance, I could reach a global audience.

Now, I’m working on an album with my good friend Elias “small village” Hellgren, set to drop later this year. It’s called Untitled Soul Project, and we just dropped our second single from the album called SELFISH. We went all out with our unique, artistic ideas and rapped in English. Elias understood the vision, and together, we’ve created something special.

If I’d caved in to everyone else’s whispers and doubts, there wouldn’t be an album. We wouldn’t be having this interview. Staying true to your vision is vital. It’s a tough road, but worth it. Now, the same people who told me this was impossible are starting to see that it actually is. It just goes to show that believing in yourself and your dreams, no matter how out there they seem, can lead to amazing things. So, to anyone out there feeling the same pressure, remember to trust your gut and keep pushing forward.

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

The most rewarding part of being an artist and a creative is that it feels like I’m nurturing my inner child and soul. I’ve always been creative, and doing something that genuinely makes me happy is a blessing beyond words. At 25, I see so many people my age chasing things others tell them to pursue, following someone else’s definition of success and happiness. It’s heartbreaking to watch how it slowly kills their spirit, making them suppress their inner voice for a false sense of security.

For me, doing something I truly love and that makes me feel complete is what life is all about. Every time I create music or art, it’s like I’m feeding my soul and keeping my inner child alive. Being around like-minded people who live authentically and pursue their passions inspires me to do the same. There’s something magical about being in a community of creatives who push each other to grow and explore new ideas. Creating something from just an idea to a tangible piece of art is what pushes the world forward, and being part of that process is incredible.

The hip-hop community and culture means the world to me, and being able to contribute to it and help shape it is an amazing feeling. It’s the culture that shaped me into who I am today, and giving back to it feels like a full-circle moment.

Inspiring people to be themselves and follow their dreams is what keeps me going through the tough days. Knowing that my work can positively impact others is incredibly motivating. I do this for my people, for those who feel like they don’t fit into the traditional mold and need that push to follow their own path. Seeing people come alive when they connect with my music or art, and watching them feel inspired to pursue their passions, is the best feeling in the world. It reminds me why I chose this path and why it’s so important to stay true to myself. This journey has its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the struggles. Being able to do what I love, inspire others, and contribute to a culture I deeply respect is a blessing I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://panthersfromthesnow.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realhakeemmartin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8wSm5T_X37gjl2OGjf6NQ
• Other: Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RFIUnawOwbvLTpuvLF6JP

Image Credits

1: John Stenberg
black and white photo 2 photo : Nils Sjöholm
3 Hakeem Martin
4 Tilly Hofstetter