Start off by telling us who you are and where you are from. How long have you been making music

AWKWORD. With an "O" for OK, because you don't have to apologize for doing U. I was born and raised in CT, where I got my start musically. I was selling out shows in Danbury in the early 2000s. I've been rapping since 9th grade. In 12th, in 1999, I performed for the first time, at a schoolwide anti-racism event I organized with the ADL. I hit the Internets in like 2010, when Shake gave me a shot, featuring my song "Imperialism," with C-Rayz Walz and Reks, on 2DopeBoyz.com. That song made it to my 100% for-charity album 'World View,' which I finally dropped in 2014 via DJBooth. My parents were from NYC and NJ. My grandparents came from Russia and Palestine.

How did you come up with the name AWKWORD?

The "other" is often awkward in his/her situation. While in AmeriKKKa "other" typically and rightfully refers to POC, women, immigrants, LGBT, etc., it can also signify religious or even political minority. I grew up a leftist, working class Jew in an upper class, all-American Christian, CONSERVATIVE town. In this world, I was the other, a "freak," and instead of blaming myself I reappropriated the existence for the better: it's OK to be AWKWORD.

What motivates you to make music? What inspires you?

Inequality and injustice, mostly. Personal and societal.

Why did you choose hip hop to express yourself? Why not another genre?

It was 100% organic. I just felt Hip Hop at the gutteral level as soon as I first heard it.

Who are some of your idols?

My mom (RIP) and my wife.
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What is the hip hop scene like in NY?

There are rappers and rap shows in New York, but there is no NY Scene. Harold Hunter RIP.

What is the core message of your music?

I make Protest Music. Music for the people. Do-You music.

What do you want your fans to take from your music?

It's ok to be AWKWORD.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

Positively impact one person. Make my mom and children proud.

What's next for you?

More, better music. Look out.

Connect with AWKWORD
www.awkwordrap.com
Facebook.com/AWKWORDrap | Twitter.com/AWKWORDrap
Instagram.com/awkwordrap | Youtube.com/AWKWORDvideos