Meet Hanif Free. | Music Artist, Creative Director, and Renaissance Man

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanif Free. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanif, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursuit a career in art because that’s what I grew up around. From my father and uncle being musicians themselves, to my mother and grandmother both working in fields that allowed creativity and improvision, art and creativity definitely comes naturally. Music allows me not only the opportunity to speak my truths and express myself in creative ways, but also grants me the opportunity to impact lives and build connections with people across the globe. That, to me, is priceless. I love the craft. It’s a feeling you can’t really get anywhere else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is about life. I think that we all share so many experiences, but we live in a time where shame has overpowered people. My music is about community, about connection, about story telling. I want voices to be heard, even if it’s through me. I believe that as artists, we have a duty to really have a duty to be impeccable with our word in the art. People go home and sit with it. The believe it. It’s not just entertainment to me. I’m from ClayCo, where there’s a lot of good, but a lot that could be improved on. I see the potential. To get where I am today, it just took me staying the course and staying true to myself. Through every challenge, I have found that sheer will and determination will always be a tried and true method to getting to where it is you want to be. I have learned countless lessons. Too many to share here. I’ll say this though, most things worth having, takes work. Every now and then a great thing comes with ease, but something about earning something makes it taste sweeter. I would love the world to know that we are more alike than we could ever imagine. Be kind. Be fair. Do right. Good will follow. No shortcuts. Get up and get to work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so many spots in the city. I wouldn’t consider myself a regular anywhere, just because I believe in switching things up. Also, important to mention, I am a vegetarian. With that being said, I love Piedmont Park, it’s just a good place to unwind. Also, if we’re talking food, I’m a Cava guy. I love a good bowl. If we’re want Atlanta staples, I’d recommend Little 5 Points for vibes, Midtown for diversity, Downtown for the culture, and Georgia in general. The HIgh Museum has some dope art, which is always nice to go check out. I also really like coffee shops. I’m a simple kinda guy. I like relaxing with people I enjoy and also finding solitude to recharge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends that have supported me along my journey. As I mentioned, I started making music because my father and uncle were artists themselves, and still are today. Being around their pen game has definitely given me an unfair advantage in the rap game. My mother and sister are amazing supporters as well, always giving me their honest feedback and love! Their growth inspires me! My grandmother has showed me that though life may not be easy, you can win. My beautiful habibi, who has been encouraging and also even hands on with some of my projects. My cousins, aunts, and uncles, who support me. My friends from different walks of life that have stayed loyal and true! Even my Language Arts teacher from high school, Ms. Ramsey, who always told me to use my powers for good. Lastly, my cousin Hassan. He lost his life due to violence a few years back. I often times find myself thinking about our conversations, how supportive he was, and how far we came. I really do it to honor my cousin. My whole family truthfully. Blood related, and those who have shown me true love. Much love always.

Instagram: @presidentialfree

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HanifFree.

Other: TikTok : Getflywithfree

Image Credits
Ashanti Garrison