Creating My Debut Solo Album

UPDATE: I’ve had this fundraiser up for 2 months now and we have hit some stagnation. I realise that you can’t really get to know about the project or me for that matter, so here’s some a quick recap of Adeeb.

I have been a musician in some form since I was a child. Whether it was my parents getting me to sing in front of my uncles and aunties when they came for tea, singing Nasheeds at Malayali Muslim community events or playing Oliver Twist in a Year 4 production, I’ve been out here belting the classics for as long as I can remember and as the years went on, we transitioned from Pop, to rock, to heavy metal in secondary school bands. When my voice broke, I was like damn but it didn’t stop me, I thought let me get deep, let me give the people poetry, which then transitioned me into the rapper I am today.

I started working in the music industry 2 weeks before my 17th birthday, I was in spaces with people I looked up to in the UK rap scene watching them grind and become the greats they are today and I was inspired. I wanted to be just like them but for the people who looked like me. I worked on my own craft through uni, waking up my younger cousin Hadi to record for me and releasing Soundcloud songs at 3am trying to understand who I was as an artist. What was my niche? Where do I fit in within this industry? It took me a long time. From my first bedroom studio in 2015 courtesy of Ifti’s scholarship money, to releasing my debut single BROWN in 2018, I was on this journey to answering those questions. But the process dragged on because as much as I loved the songs I was releasing, I was straying further and further from who I am and becoming way too comfortable being vague and not understanding my true purpose as an artist.

That brings us here, to my Debut Rap Album. Working Titles “Know Yourself” “Abdul”. This album is the first time I have written looking within myself as the multifaceted, nuanced human being I am. I have come to understand and accept that I live in contradiction, balancing being a creative, with religion, with family, culture, earning money, having fun. I feel like I am constantly everything, everywhere, all at once (favourite movie) and I only get to share bits and pieces.

This body of work will be made up of singing, poetry and rap as we traverse through the person that is Adeeb, I am not a complete person and I don’t think I will be until the day I die, but I hope through this you will be able to understand a few of the things that make me… well, Me. With added narration from my family and possibly friends, I discuss the topics that affect us all such as, love, family, friendship, culture and heritage but from personal anecdotes of my own life. The narration will help me understand how the topics have affected both me and my parents, creating a better intergenerational connection. The way we understand the world changes so much in the space of a few years and I find that learning what my parents had to go through will enrich the art that I create.

We can only bring something new to this world if we focus on the unique yet worldly experiences that we have individually gone through. We are able to find connection in the feelings we convey through words that hold meaning to us, the more personal the story I present, the deeper the emotion I can share. I want to also explore more of my Malayali culture because this will be the first piece of music I share with my parents(Wild, right?). I am making this for them and my sisters. I have spent a long time catering towards people who don’t necessarily care about me and I want to make a body of work that my parents can be proud of. I’m surrounded by family friends and cousins who don’t have music that they can necessarily relate to and I want them to also know I’m creating music for the greater us.

I have completed the first song on the album, working title “acts of service” which is an introduction to me, the weight of legacy and the way I live in servitude. Here is a small excerpt from the song:

https://on.soundcloud.com/4obmc

Made in the masjid next to Omma’s house on Anela road,

remember my father holding me as I dipped my toes

in Kappad Beach, its half past three, rice covered in sambar, seeds

Of doubt of what the weather would be,

And whether we could play out in the streets,

no bats needed, we rip off a piece of the coconut tree,

Even when I’m stumped,

I’m hitting agricultural shots,

Balls bouncing off pots

and pans and other utensils that hold Veliyamma’s love in monsoon season,

I remember how much it hurt her when I was vegan,

Treason in Kolakkad

How could I hurt the women in my life in their own backyard,

so I’m back eating meat to get bigger, facts,

Auntie loves to see me healthier

And wealthier, lacks, that’s probably why its been so long since I’ve been back,

Barely stacked enough p,

And my chest feels so heavy,

I’ve only got body dysmorphia in London streets,

But my mental healths still playing up back in east,

I’m back in east.

Translations:

Masjid - Mosque

Omma - Mum’s Mum

Sambar - lentil based vegetable stew

Veliyamma - Dad’s Mum

Kolakkad - My Dad’s village in Kerala

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Hey there, I'm Adeeb, and I'm an Artist- well I say that but these days I feel a lot less like one and that is why we are here.

I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your financial support in bringing my Debut Rap Album to life. Creating an album is a deeply personal and meaningful endeavour for any artist, and it requires significant resources and funding to ensure its success. As an Artist, I have poured my heart and soul into this project, investing countless hours of writing, recording, and refining my craft.

However, as someone with limited financial means, I face massive challenges in realising my vision. The costs associated with studio time, professional mixing and mastering, distribution, and promoting the album are substantial. These expenses can be overwhelming for someone like me, who comes from a working-class background and lacks the financial resources and industry connections that are often necessary to sustain a successful music career.

By contributing to my campaign, you become an invaluable partner in this creative journey. Your financial support will enable me to access and promotion in ways that aren't financially viable for me in my current situation.

A 2021 study by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) revealed that the creative industry lacks diversity, with only 16.2% of individuals in creative jobs coming from working-class backgrounds. This disparity is even more pronounced for ethnic minority individuals within the working-class.

Your contribution goes beyond just financial assistance; it is an investment in my artistic growth and the realisation of my ambitions. Your belief in my talent and dedication will empower me to continue creating projects that resonates with listeners and helps bridge the gap between diverse communities. Together, we can challenge the existing barriers in the creative industry and pave the way for more opportunities for artists from working-class and minority backgrounds.

I am truly grateful for any support you can provide, whether it's a small contribution or spreading the word about my campaign. Your involvement will not only help me bring my Debut Rap Album to fruition but also make a lasting impact on the larger goal of fostering a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape.

Project Overview and Budget Breakdown:

My vision is to create a rap album that reflects who I am as an artist and as a person. It's an opportunity for me to express myself in ways I have never been able to before and share it with the world. To make this vision a reality, I need your help. Here's a breakdown of what this money will go towards:

Why Your Support Matters:

By supporting this project, you'll not only help bring my album to life but also contribute to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in the creative industry. Your generosity and belief in my artistic vision will have a lasting impact.

Rewards:

As a token of my appreciation, I'm thrilled to offer a range of exciting rewards to backers who support my rap album project. Here are the reward tiers and their corresponding price thresholds:

Supporter: £10

Insider: £25

Contributor: £50

Superfan: £100

VIP: £250

Please note that these rewards are cumulative, meaning that backers will receive all the rewards from the previous tiers in addition to the rewards of their chosen tier.

Your support at any level will make a significant impact on bringing my album to life, and I'm truly grateful for your contribution. Together, let's create something special.

Spread the Word:

I kindly ask you to share this campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your support in spreading the word will significantly help in reaching the funding goal and making this project a success.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and considering supporting my Debut Album. Your contribution will not only support an independent Artist but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape.

Love,

Adeeb

The Artistic Tapestry: Previous Works and References

Albums:

RIDE OR DIE RIGHT NOW - RARELY SLEEP, Adeeb Razak - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ln4cZQSSVJIKaaU1QM3LetsQk6xAUCm0k

FEELS, HUH? - RARELY SLEEP, Adeeb Razak - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_niJ3PjxGUlWAY8JQ7BwO01Gq3jHJs1Ovk

Music Videos:

BROWN - Adeeb Razak: https://youtu.be/T242tYtRaJs

EAST SIDE AIRLINES - Yemzo Katana, Adeeb Razak: https://youtu.be/EyyjKSAnHCo

DRIVE - Yemzo Katana, Adeeb Razak: https://youtu.be/eGbuiXs3Pr4