Meet Hanif Freeman: Music Artist and Director

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

Hi Hanif, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
So I’m from Clayton County, also known as the Southside (of Atlanta), and I moved up north for college in Kennesaw. For me, Clayco taught me my roots. I’ve always been a bit different as far as my interests and style, but my hometown definitely has a lot of influence on my choice of approach to music and life and general. It’s a really good area, but it’s definitely a place that will make you tough and a go-getter by nature. As far as Kennesaw, I was able to move there and embrace and explore all the creative stuff that I feel like wasn’t really embraced fully in my prior neighborhood. I was able to try new sounds musically, meet a lot of different people with different interests, and ultimately just find myself without worry of opinions. Both places are held near and dear to me because the combination of such different areas made me super well-rounded.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art right now is in a fluctuation between full-time music, and then directing and film work to escape and get a clear head. What sets me apart is simply the lens that I see the world through. My experiences are unique to me, just as everyone’s are to themselves. For me, I just want to tell authentic, compelling, and iconic stories through my music and films that resonate with people and form connections. My dad and my uncle got me into music so it was pretty innate as a skill when I decided to pick up a mic around 13. The challenges that I’ve had so far have more so been internally, learning to navigate myself and learn patience and stillness. I’ve learned that God’s timing is the only one that matters. I came into the industry with a lot of expectations of when things should occur, which took away a lot of my joy of the moment. I’ve found that a lot of times If I just enjoy the moment and keep working hard, I usually do better and get to fully experience important moments that I probably would’ve overlooked in my younger years. LOV is a creative hub that I’m starting. There are a few great minds and creatives in that network and I definitely want to keep expanding on that. The biggest thing for me at this point is spreading love, working hard, and having fun with it all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m big on black owned businesses so I’d probably say Forks and Flavors for a brunch, then Slutty Vegan for Lunch, Clean Juice Sandy Plains for a light but tasty dinner+ smoothie combo. Those are all over the ATL/metro areas so fill up the tank for sure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. all had a hand in what I’m doing today. All of my friends and my BrownPaperBag homies have been with me and supportive since the beginning. I think of attribution as one of the most valuable currencies, so I really do appreciate everyone for every way they’ve helped, big or small. Even my high-school AP Lit teacher haha. Her words still stick with me to this day. Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to my girl because she’s my best friend and biggest supporter.

Website: li.sten.to/hanifthefreeman

Instagram: @hanthefreeman

Twitter: @hanthefreeman

Facebook: @hanthefreeman

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGWFoNqtTBS86nu3Sj6FiOQ

Image Credits
@Emanthecreator (Instagram) @Dhanur_Sapolia (Twitter)