Prolific Wone shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Prolific, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My music and creative works. Knowing that beyond earning money to live and support my family, I have a calling and higher purpose that manifests itself every time I complete a new artwork.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a lifelong artist and creator with multiple communities, brands and movements I’ve helped to foster and develop.
I’m co-founder of a global hip hop organization called End of the Weak that started as a NYC Open-Mic and has since become a foundational support system to artists and MC’s around the World for the last twenty five years.
As an MC and songwriter I’ve released countless music projects, since the early 2000’s both solo (Prolific Wone) and with my groups (i2i, 3 Kings, and Gods of the Basement). I’ve been privileged to direct and produce several incredible music videos and two short films.
I’m also the creator and founder of Shooters Street Art, a NYC street art community famous for our Original Scavenger Hunt. I also founded Kitchen Sink, an art variety showcase in NYC that celebrates all art forms and creative competencies.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with the world and my community has most shaped how I see myself. From a very young age I realized that I was different from a lot of the people in my environment. Growing up on the Lower East Side of NYC I was exposed to hardship and adversity early on, specifically being raised in public housing and Alphabet City tenements.
There’s a pervasive mindset amongst people in low income environments that’s based on survival, and need. This leads many people into despair. I realized early on that I wasn’t like most people, I was determined to be successful and to grow beyond the neighborhood, despite all of the hardships and perceived setbacks.
My environment helped me to realize that my drive and ambition were some of the characteristics that set me apart and that would eventually lead me to success.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Time and time again. The real question is how do you motivate yourself to keep going. What makes you take the next step.
To my earlier point about drive and ambition. I’m obsessed with finishing and completing what I set my mind to. So any time there’s doubt, I remember my goals and the long term vision of success. It’s a promise to self, don’t break promises to yourself.
That’s what sets winners apart, the willingness to succeed when no one else cares, the ability to work when no one is watching.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
There’s a familial side to me that I keep private and off limits to the public.
In the world today everyone shares so much of themselves, almost nothing is sacred.
That said, I’m myself on and off camera. There’s no public facing persona that I’ve conjured up to make me more accessible or polished for consumption.
However, I do reserve the right to not share everything with the world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If immortality were real, what would you build?
Immortality is real. I’m already building it.
An undeniable portfolio of artworks and deeds that will forever impact the spirit of those who are ready to receive them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Prolificwone.art
- Instagram: Prolificwone
- Twitter: Prolificwone
- Facebook: Prolificwone
- Youtube: Prolificwone
- Other: @shootersstreetart
Text me: (917) 473‑0322
Image Credits
Ray Cuts
Monk.e
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