Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Austin, also known as Lil Jedi.
Ali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For most of my life, I never knew what I wanted to do. I played basketball but I knew I wasn’t going to be an NBA player, I didn’t really have many hobbies, just go outside and play basketball then come in the house, watch YouTube and play video games. My freshman year of college was really when I started figuring out who I am as a person and what my main goal is. I stumbled upon making music by accident really, my old friend handed me headphones and a computer and said “freestyle to this beat.” The song SUCKED, but it’s when I fell in love with music, it was so much fun.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing worth it is easy. Me already being an anxious/insecure person, I struggle often with just wondering if people will like my music. In order to be successful, I’m this field, people have to like you. I’ve never cared about what people thought of me, whether they liked me or not, or how they felt about me period. But now, I have to, it helps me mature, knowing I have to maintain a certain image while still being myself, so I can be as successful as I possibly can be. Most of my struggles are an internal conflict. I don’t really have any external issues.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
Well, as an artist, you can relate to on a personal level but a musician who makes fun, happy sounding, get up and jump around to the beat music. I’d say I specialize in harmonizing, melodies, cadences, and flows. My lyrics aren’t godly but I certainly have word plays and bars. I’m most proud of my progress so far, where I’m at now is a long way from where I started from, and it’s only been a little over a year. What sets me apart from others is my agenda. I don’t care for the money, yes, I want to love comfortably, by my main goal is to use music as a platform to let kids know that you don’t have to be trapped into a box, into your own mind. You are NOT alone, and you can do ANYTHING you want to if you work hard.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is making a career out of music. I don’t want to do anything else with my life but this, so if I can make this my life? I’ve succeeded. If I can inspire people to chase their dreams and fight their demons? I’ve succeeded. If I can make others happy, and change their lives thru my words? I’ve succeeded. That’s all I want, I don’t need a billion dollars, 100 diamond chains, and a Bentley. I need people to understand that anything is possible and that you are never truly alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: iTunes.apple.com/us/artist/lil-jedi/1377498269
- Phone: 732.439.4920
- Email: liljedimusic@gmail.com
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