In a captivating conversation, a hip-hop artist opens up about his 15-year hiatus and return to music. He reflects on his childhood, navigating love, divorce, and the dynamics of family life. The duo dives into the complexities of the music industry, from early industry struggles to the shift from physical CDs to digital. They also discuss the role of social media as a creative outlet and a tool for connection, while emphasizing the importance of resilience and positivity in facing life's challenges.
Unkonfined reflects on his challenging childhood and how it shaped his resilience and creativity as an artist and father.
He shares his disillusionment with the music industry, emphasizing the struggle for creative authenticity within commercial constraints.
The guest discusses the impact of his recent divorce and co-parenting challenges, focusing on personal growth and positive influence for his children.
Deep dives
Cultural Background and Migration
The guest shares insights about his upbringing, having been born in Iran during a tumultuous period of war, the Iran-Iraq War. His family fled to the United States when he was just three years old, seeking a safer life and better opportunities. He reflects on the sacrifices his parents made, leaving behind their homeland, friends, and jobs to build a new life in California. This experience shaped his identity and perspective, influencing his creativity as an artist and his approach to fatherhood.
Childhood Challenges and Growth
Growing up in the Bay Area with strict foreign parents, the guest faced challenges such as bullying and isolation, which significantly impacted his social experience during childhood. He recounts feeling disconnected from typical teenage activities and friendships, resulting in a sense of contentment with solitude. This upbringing instilled resilience, preparing him to navigate life's difficulties, including a recent divorce. His ability to be comfortable alone has proven beneficial in coping with the challenges of single parenthood.
Musical Journey and Industry Realities
His journey into music began with a love for poetry, which evolved into writing rap influenced by artists like Tupac. He shares recounts of his early experiences in the music industry, including signing with Universal Records, where he struggled with creative constraints imposed by label executives. The pressure to conform to commercial trends led him to experience significant disillusionment with the industry, almost extinguishing his passion for music. Despite these challenges, he found joy in live performances and connecting with fellow artists.
The Role of Social Media and Influence
After stepping back from music, the guest turned to social media, specifically Twitter, to express himself and connect with others. He cultivated a following by sharing motivational quotes, using his platform to provide encouragement during challenging times. Engaging with followers, he realized the impact of his words, as many expressed how his content resonated with them during difficult periods. This led to a deeper sense of responsibility to use his voice for positive influence, reinforcing his commitment to authenticity in the digital space.
Navigating Personal Struggles and Growth
The conversation shifts to personal challenges, particularly surrounding his recent divorce and the impact on his family life. He reflects on how the experience has affected not just him but also his children, as they navigate the complexities of co-parenting. Despite the pain and hardship, he expresses a desire to focus on personal growth and being a positive influence for his kids. Acknowledging the emotional toll, he maintains hope for the future while currently feeling disillusioned about love and relationships.
Zuby is joined by hip-hop artist and social media creator Unkonfined. The two discuss Unkonfined’s return to music after a 15 year hiatus, his childhood, and the trials and tribulations during that period. The two also explore the inner workings of the music industry. Unkonfined shares his personal experiences with marriage, divorce, and family, as well as how social media has helped as a creative outlet in response to these experiences.
Sponsor:
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:13) Unkonfined’s childhood
(07:00) Social support & independence
(08:59) Introduction to poetry and hip-hop
(15:09) The music industry & early industry stories
(22:10) Unkonfined’s 15-year hiatus
(26:16) Divorce & relationships
(36:36) Marriage & family
(51:06) Creative outlets outside of music
(59:18) Social media
(1:08:38) Outro
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