Meet Phresh Ali

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phresh Ali.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
East sides own, Phresh Ali, was actually born in the birthplace of Hip Hop, Bronx NY. Ali moved to Decatur, Ga then to Stone Mountain Ga right before his 8th birthday. With roots in New York, there was a major east coast influence on Phresh and his taste in rap, but being raised in Atlanta, he was heavily influenced by the soulful southern culture and uptempo, bass-heavy music with melodic rap patterns. This unique mixture of styles is a key factor that distinguishes Phresh from his counterparts.

Essentially, Ali is a visual artist, drawing as early as age 3. From grade school art contests to attending the Art Institute of Atlanta for Graphic Design, visual art was the first love and foundation for writing music and other creative endeavors. After switching majors in college, Ali earned a degree in Audio Production, and soon after released his first solo rap project ‘Bang Bang.’

After almost a decade of organic, grassroots grinding, countless shows in Atlanta and surrounding cities, releasing music and going door to door for fans, his music got the attention of Hip Hop mogul Jermaine Dupri, who took interest in Ali after finding a link to one of his projects on Twitter. JD took him under his wings and introduced him to the world on BET Music Moguls, as well as bringing him along for the So So Summer 17 tour. Although Phresh hasn’t yet signed any deal with So So Def, the exposure and good relationship with JD was very beneficial.

The buzz around an industry co-sign gave Phresh a new perspective on the music industry and his own personal art, which he uses to strategically market himself and engage with core fans while they’re in his reach. Following the release of his EP ‘The 13th’ and his most popular album ‘Fake Deep’, Ali has been consistently releasing single records and visual art content through streaming services and social media outlets, along with opening up for some major acts like Snoop Dogg & TDE’s Jay Rock, and curating his own events such as the Phresh Ali: Solo Show that took place in Atlanta early 2019.

Please tell us about your art.
I like to emphasize the term “recording artist” when introducing myself. Crafting verses of lyrics and the style which they’re delivered in relation to an instrumental is high art to me. I’m extremely passionate about hip hop as an art form, so I keep a level of integrity when creating it.

I also have a very competitive spirit. Not necessarily competing with the people, but competing with myself to think of new ways to captivate the people. There’s a thrill for me in thinking of “new ways to do the same old thing,” in a sense. Thinking that way keeps me performing and delivering at a high level.

Hopefully, my work and work ethic will encourage others not to compromise their (art) for commercial success, but to be unapologetically original. Each person’s unique individuality is the factor that will set them apart and push us all forward. Trends die, waves settle. It’s been proven throughout history.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
My advice for other artists: never forget why you started doing this in the first place.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My records are available to buy and stream on all major music platforms online, along with lots of underground work floating around the internet. Albums, EPs, and singles. I only produce physical work for shows and personal fan requests. Search ‘Phresh Ali’ on whichever platform you use to enjoy music.

I perform in my city, Atlanta, very often. The best way to keep up with my shows and to buy merch is to follow my social media accounts @PhreshAli for details on dates and merch drops. To book Phresh Ali in your city, beat submissions or features, email 4PhreshAli@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (770) 508 – 9487
• Email: 4phreshali@gmail.com
• Instagram: @phreshAli
• Facebook: Facebok.com/PhreshAliAli
• Twitter: @phreshAli
• Other: linkt.ree/phreshali

Image Credit:
Rita Harper. Dillon Green. WavyBoogz. Ellmatik. Amaru Marley. Willie Hemphillian James. Ace Drewman.

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.