Meet Sensei $wank | Advocate, Rap Artist & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sensei $wank and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sensei, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I want to change the narrative around my hometown Birmingham, Alabama.

I pursued my creative career because I realized in order to reach my people with a positive message, I would have to become creative. It’s that simple honestly. My message is about self love & mental wellness. As a first generation undergrad student, during hardships I would journal and read to remain present and process life. One random night I watched def jam poetry I was inspired to attempt spoken word, I believed I could better my self-expression that way. Other than that I’m living in the moment one day at a time. I’m simply pursuing a better life for myself, my family & whoever God calls to join my community. You’ll have to stay tuned for more just like myself. I wasn’t raised around music or given any fancy lifestyle that led me here. I’m on a very unique journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is inspired by liberation, love and actually living life, I focus on unity. I was not influenced to make art at an early age like most artists, for me it just happen. Hardships led me towards writing, only to clear my mind and think clearly. Overtime I started enjoying it and envisioning myself writing movies, books, etc. I joined the poetry club on Alabama A&M campus and the rest is history. I would only want the world to know I care, I understand that we all have a unique perspective and I’m not here to play God. I just believe we can do better. I am most excited about the future I may provide for my family and the change a community of people will experience due to our imaginations and our team work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well since you’re asking me I will have to say come to the Self Luv Function. (IG: @daselfluvfunction) I’m into nature and food. However, between Birmingham & Huntsville you will find there’s plenty to do. Contrary to popular belief.

But ima stick to the self Luv function for now.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Every mentor I have had. You all know who you are.

Website: https://dot.cards/senseiswank

Instagram: SenseiSwank_

Linkedin: Darienne Smith

Twitter: SenseiSwank

Facebook: Daselfluvfunction

Youtube: SwankNetwork

Image Credits
Event photos : Colby Polius ( IG: Machia.Musa) Covert Art: Sensei Swank Book Cover: Sensei Swank