Born in the vibrant city of Pontiac, Michigan, Ismail Abdul-Aziz has emerged as a multifaceted artist whose work spans across the realms of acting and music. Known to his music fans as Ismail Abdul, he has successfully navigated the intricacies of both industries. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into his artistic journey, his recent projects, and his future aspirations.
Ismail, you’ve built a diverse career spanning acting and music. Can you share what initially drew you to these forms of artistic expression?
I got involved with performing arts as a way to have fun and overcome the shyness I had as a child due to vitiligo. I joined local performing arts groups and learned improv, which came naturally to me. Musically, I was inspired by the great artists of the 1990s, a time when you had to have real skills to be recognized. I still adapt to the times, though. I’m not stuck in the past; I just go with the flow of what inspires me, such as current events, relationships, motivation, encouragement, sports, and so on.
In ‘To Live and Die and Live,’ you play Yusuf, the brother of the main character. How did you prepare for this role, and what aspects of your personal experience did you bring to it?
When I was offered the chance to audition for ‘To Live and Die and Live,’ it was initially for the role of a drug pusher who welcomes the main character back to his neighborhood. That audition went well, and then the film’s director, Qasim Basir, noticed that I, like him, was born to Muslim parents and raised in an Islamic household.
He had me read for the supporting role of Yusuf. My Islamic upbringing helped me prepare for this role, and with Qasim’s artistic direction and the performances from my amazing cast mates, it all came together nicely.
Working with Qasim Basir and Amin Joseph must have been an enriching experience. Could you describe a memorable moment from the set?
Oh, the synergy! It was definitely a fun and rewarding experience working with Qasim Basir and Amin Joseph. Amin did a lot of method acting for his role and nailed it. He also stayed in character throughout much of the filming.
Some memorable moments on the set included sitting and discussing various topics like politics, show business, health & wellness, religion, and life in general with my cast mates.
Meeting the producers and some of Qasim Basir’s family members was also great. Sitting down and eating dinner with the cast before filming a scene was really cool. It was all love!
Your music spans hip-hop, nu-metal, and pop. How do you navigate these different genres, and what challenges do you face when shifting between them?
When it comes to music and songwriting, I’m sort of all over the place. One day I may be in a nu-metal mood, or a rap groove might pop into my mind, or a pop synth flare may catch my attention. So when I’m writing a song, I decide if I’m going to perform it in a way that’s more hip-hop, metal, or pop-ish, and I always aim to reach a broad variety of audiences and listeners. I actually like the challenge of adapting and getting into the mood to perform and record the song.
Can you talk about the creative process behind your latest songs, ‘Don’t Even Matter’ and ‘Pontiac 2 Palestine’? What themes or messages were you aiming to convey?
‘Don’t Even Matter’ came about after I looked up at the sky on a late summer day and got an idea to compose a whimsical beat and rap about all the extravagant, flashy lifestyles portrayed in pop culture. I thought to myself, ‘None of that stuff even matters really, but yet you have people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on cars and jewelry like it doesn’t even matter.’ Money doesn’t grow on trees, but some people act as if it does.
The rapper Hollywood Street Savage is featured on the track too. ‘Pontiac 2 Palestine’ is a political nu-metal rap song I wrote, composed, and performed to promote more awareness about the Gaza conflict and as a way to extend empathy, support, and a voice for the many innocent Muslim and Jewish people impacted by the situation. It also shows how we rock out in Pontiac, Michigan, baby!
All of my songs are available on YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and all streaming platforms. Search for music by Ismail Abdul and go ahead and stream it up! I love and appreciate the support and feedback from listeners.
Much of your identity as an artist seems tied to your roots in Pontiac, Michigan. How has your hometown influenced your artistic style and philosophy?
Pontiac, Michigan, located between Flint to the north and Detroit to the south, is a cool, scrappy, tough place. The city is a melting pot of sorts. There is a good mix of Black American, Hispanic, White American, and Asian throughout the city. It’s urban and suburban at the same time. A lot of musical and sports talent comes from Pontiac.
Pontiac is also a city filled with ‘haters,’ and what I mean by that is people in Pontiac do not support artists from Pontiac like they should or build each other up like they do in Flint or Detroit. So, in terms of promoting my music, that motivates me to shine and go where I’m celebrated, not tolerated.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations in either film or music that you’re particularly excited about?
I’ve released 10 singles over the years and am currently working on two more solo songs—one song baseball-themed and the other a cool rap jam—and then will most likely hang up the microphone and retire from music. Music is a hard sell in today’s market. It’s like you have to be hooked on drugs or be a gang-banging killer to be successful in hip-hop/rap music nowadays, and I’m not with that at all.
I have recently been in touch with award-winning film director Michael Flees regarding a role in his upcoming biopic epic based on Nat Turner and have been writing a martial arts action comedy screenplay for myself to star in.
What advice would you give to young artists in Pontiac and beyond who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
I would encourage them to go for it and be in it for all the right reasons. Use your art to be the change you wish to see in the world. It’s a nice feeling to earn and get paid for your creative output and inspire others in a positive way. Also, learn the business side of the entertainment industry.
Contact the Screen Actors Guild of America and request a list of guild signatory talent agents and seek representation from one. Look up ways of how to get your songs to music supervisors. Music supervisors are the ones who place your music in film, television, commercials, video games, and so on. And come up with a quick plan of how not to be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution.
Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to leave through your work in both the music and film industries?
One that shows that Ismail Abdul (Ismail Abdul-Aziz) did the opposite of the agenda that was being pushed. I made it a priority not to use curse words in my songs and don’t glorify violence or drug use, and still deliver a fun, catchy, groovy song.
That was my aim in music, and of course, to make a few dollars in the process, because why not, Lol! In film and television, I want to entertain and showcase my athletic abilities in the areas of martial arts, baseball, and American football. Those have always been exciting and inspirational subjects for me.
From the editor…
Throughout our conversation, Ismail Abdul-Aziz has shown that he is not just an artist, but a visionary who uses his platform to inspire and engage. With a career that spans across genres and mediums, Ismail continues to make his mark, staying true to his roots while pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an entertainer.
Whether through his thought-provoking music or his compelling performances on screen, Ismail is a true testament to the power of art in sparking conversation and change.
As he looks to the future, his plans are not only to leave a legacy of diverse and impactful work but to foster a space where art is an echo of life’s realities and a catalyst for cultural conversation.
All songs are available on YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and all streaming platforms. Search for music by Ismail Abdul and go ahead and stream it up!
