Today we’d like to introduce you to Son Brave. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Son Brave is a Baltimore-born artist and creative force driven by a passion for exploring the complexities of ethics, identity, and liberty through his art.
Formerly known by many names such as The Black Sunn and Sun Zulu, his current name is an affirmation of his legacy rooted in America. He cut his teeth in the Underground Hip Hop Blog circuit of the late 2000s-early 2010s, where he honed his craft touring, releasing music, and cultivating a fan base and cultivating a fan base on websites such as 2DopeBoyz and illRoots.
It was a journey to Chicago in the early 2010s, however, that changed his life and put him on his current path. While visiting the Harold Washington library, Son observed a youth program that provided kids aged 11-17 with the resources to learn and create music for free. This experience inspired him to work more closely with the youth through non-profit organizations such as AFSC, By Peaceful Means, and Higher Achievement and strengthen his skills as a multidisciplinary artist.
With a background in multimedia production, Son Brave’s work spans across audio, video, and more, weaving together a tapestry of sounds and stories that paint a vivid picture of the world around him. He honed his craft at Morgan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Multiplatform Production and made a name for himself with his mini documentary “Gahspill” and the multimedia experience “This Is My Baltimore” featured in The Baltimore Sun. His goal is to tell peoples’ stories through his work, creating “time capsules” to commemorate our culture for future generations.
As an artist, Son Brave has written, shot, and edited music videos, documentaries, and more; while also executive producing and performing on multiple music releases himself. He’s also interviewed established veterans in the music industry, leading to “On-assignment” beats at WEAA 88.9 FM in Baltimore and eventually producing and hosting the first transcontinental edition of the “Strictly Hip Hop” show as a senior at Morgan State University. With a talent for pushing boundaries and experimenting with new forms of production, Son Brave’s work continues to evolve and inspire, which includes a weekly show called the #trueOGseries, the original “Podcast like a Mixtape.” He is a must-listen for any Hip Hop fan and music lover in general.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel the challenges that I face are the challeneges all artists may face when seeking to be heard on a large scale and maintain their creative freedom. Despite these obstacles, I have remained committed to my craft and have learned to trust in myself and my abilities. Through perseverance and the willingness to readjust my plans when necessary, I have been able to achieve a greater level of success than I thought possible.
While it hasn’t been easy, I am proud of the progress I have made and the resilience I have shown. I know that my goals are within reach and that I will continue to work hard to achieve them. Through my experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and my creative process, and I am excited to see where my journey will take me next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d say my work is centered around exploring complex ideas related to ethics, identity, and liberty. I approach these concepts through a music-centric lens and use multimedia formats such as audio and video to bring my vision to life. Through my art, I strive to spark meaningful conversations and encourage people to think deeply about the world around them. By blending different mediums and exploring diverse perspectives, I hope to inspire others to see the world in a new and more nuanced way.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I recently ran not only my first marathon ever but two marathons back-to-back in a week span. It didn’t go as planned – the goal was a return to Chicago to celebrate my progress after the ten year anniversary of the journey that changed my life. I ended up crashing out at mile 13. Thanks to the great Chicagoans who helped me and my team mates who saw me and got me back on track, I still finished my race. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, as long as you never give up you will accomplish your goals. Music has always been the love of my life and as long as I know I’ve made a meaningful impact on someones’ life through music I have accomplished something worth living and dying for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sonbrave.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesonbrave
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSonBrave/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSonBrave
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/trueOGseries
Image Credits
Ryan Lyons
Adam Ford
