Introduce yourself.
My name is Rahim Kasim, I was born in Minneapolis Minnesota. I love this language we call music. It’s in my blood, it’s in my soul, and most importantly it’s in my heart.
How would you describe yourself as an artist / musician in your own words?
I would describe myself as a watchmaker when it comes to music. The attention to detail and the craftsmanship to make the gears shift for every song is who I am. I love music all the way.
What emotions or messages do you hope your music communicates?
The emotions I try to express are all feelings, the complicated ones, the ones that make us human. I hope my self-expression in my music inspires others to be themselves first and foremost.
What makes your sound or style unique?
I try to stay within the frame of how I feel rather than what I think. I think that’s what makes my style unique. I don’t let myself get in the way of the music. Another thing is when it comes to genre, I see no walls — I do as I please.
How has your background or upbringing influenced your music?
I was raised on music from the 60s all the way to the year I was born. A lot of Michael Jackson, a lot of Prince, D’Angelo, Sade, and OutKast, — definitely a lot of R&B and funk going around my household since I was a child. I’ve taken that inspiration with me everywhere I go because it’s what I love. I was shunned during elementary school and middle school for liking the music and inspiration I’m attracted to. However, I stuck with it because I know myself very well and I can’t give up on myself and let my soul decay.
How do you define success?
Success: making the cool things I have visions of into reality. Either that be music, short films, magazines, clothing, or anything to keep my mind creative. Success is also going places in life by doing what I do.
What is a hobby / interest you have outside of music?
I love making things, like anything. I am also a nerd — I love books, movies, art, games and what not. I’m interested in anything creative.
What song, album, or artist are you currently obsessed with?
I’m currently obsessed with the album Janet. by Janet Jackson. It sounds so perfect. There are so many hidden gems and deep cuts across that entire project. I love it so much now that it’s on vinyl and CD.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I need to perform at First Avenue in my hometown of Minnesota. It would just be the greatest full circle moment for me.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know I’m the biggest Sonic The Hedgehog fan. He is my spirit animal and I love all the games. Especially Sonic Unleashed and Sonic P-06. Also the Japanese Sonic CD soundtrack is 10/10 — highly recommend you listen to it.
Which of your songs or projects are you most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of the single version of “Dreamin’.” I found the beat online while I was producing/writing this Prince type of song. The BPMs just fit so well and so did the rhythms so I just took the lyrics, bought the beat and then spent almost an entire year recording that song. I personally think it’s perfect, from the flows to the falsetto. It just makes me want to listen back again.
Can you share a story behind one of your recent songs or projects?
I’ve been currently working on a lot of music, however there’s this character I’ve been creating called “Ralph.E” for an album called Get Off The Fence. That album is my breakaway album from rapping — it’s mostly singing and the genres are funk/R&B/rock and some hip-hop influences tossed in there. The story goes that this time around I’ve been taking more time working on this project because I want it to be truly special. Every day I wake up and start creating something new fits into the bigger picture for this album and I love it. Moral of the story is keep working and manifest it. Speak your heart out into existence.
How has your music evolved over time?
I’ve been shedding my rap and hip hop skin. I’ve been more locked in on instruments and song writing. I want to become better than I ever have been before. I want to be the best version of me.
What’s a recent musical experiment or risk you took that you’re excited about?
A recent risk I’ve been taking is collaboration, but I like it — go out and explore with other people this thing we love that we call music. It’s genuinely an eye-opening experience and I recommend it for anyone doing anything in life. It’s always better to have a companion.
What are your upcoming goals or dreams as a musician / artist?
I want to finish my album and I want to perform live either this year or next year. I think that would be insane.
Are there any genres, sounds, or artists you’d like to explore in the future?
I’d love to explore any and every genre and seek sounds in different countries by visiting them. There’s a good handful of artists that I would love to work with in the future. Tyler, The Creator would be so cool, another one is Steve Lacy. I love both of them a lot.
What projects are you currently working on right now?
I’m currently working on four albums and two EPs and a game soundtrack. I’m a busy bee.
How do you see your music impacting the world or your community?
I see the impact being in people that want to hear interesting sound selections, and purity from the human complex that I can offer the world. A voice for many who can’t speak, either being forgotten or being an outcast.
