We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Redd Ali. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Redd below.
Redd, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
As a child, I was raised by my Muslim father who went to prison the first few years of my existence. My father showed me what it was like to come from the bottom and make a way out of nothing. Once he was released from prison, he enrolled himself in college at The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and gained custody of me at the age of 7. Then changing my name from Destiny Cash to Destiny Ali due to his religion. Being the only kid and girl living in an all mens dormitory, I was forced to become a ‘tomboy’. I wore baggy pants and ball caps to the back for a significant amount of time. From playing basketball with all the boys at my neighborhood court to making up choreography with my old friends in our driveways. My father was determined to test all my talents by enrolling me in the best Karate Classes, Piano Lessons, Gymnastics and Basketball. All of which I adore. As a teenager in High School, I had a scholarship for Basketball to MOVAL. But unfortunately, I suffered a bad asthma attack and couldn’t play the whole season. Which emotionally traumatized me. I gave up Basketball and started writing music. As my love grew more and more for music, I suffered another traumatic incident. Which led me to become hospitalized and in a coma for 2 months. I was shot twice in my hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri. Though it held me down temporarily, I never allow it to hinder me forever. That specific time made me grow fonder of music and my ability to tell the world my story! I’m a Living Testimony and may my fathers name ‘Ali’ live forever. Rest peacefully pops. Inshallah.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started my music journey back in 2014. 1 year after I had my son and 1 year before I was shot. Early 2015, is when I took my craft very serious. Music has allowed me to express myself as well as tell my story. It also helps my supporters uplift themselves, vibe and turn up! In 2019, I wrote a song specifically dedicated to myself and my immediate family titled ‘I Do This’, currently on YouTube. The song speaks volumes! It talks about why I do music and of course who I do it for.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to touch lives, souls and hearts. To make music that not only makes the artist(s) feel good, but most importantly the listener(s).
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Absolutely, if I knew what I know now, I’d be wealthy! TikTok and YouTube are the main social networks to be incorporated with as an artist. I lack in those areas but am doing my best to keep my creative journey going but giving the people what they want. Content!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drum.io/reddali
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/reddali
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/officialreddali
- Twitter: Www.twitter.com/reddali23
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfhbOXGLNGLgvWwy2Vv5uhw
- Other: ‘ISSA THROW’ One Fame ft Redd Ali https://youtu.be/NFO9nKeKkjI SnapChat 👻 https://t.snapchat.com/wivCEQJU
Image Credits
Otis Clayborn Lone Star Beauties