Meet Abstract C.I.M of Atlanta, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abstract C.I.M.

Hi Abstract C.I.M, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My mom always encouraged me to embrace my creativity and performance art. Whether it was years of ballet classes or making me audition for the finest fine arts magnet school in the CSRA, or testing me for the gifted program, she always saw something in me way before I could.

The first time I memorized and performed a poem was in my freshman year of high school – it felt like an out-of-body experience. I forgot who and how shy I was, and executed Shakespeare with effortless precision.

The second time, I won first place at a big poetry competition called Poetry Out Loud. I knew in my gut that I had unlocked my superpower. The rest was history. I kept competing at my hometown poetry slams until I graduated and moved to Atlanta. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Theater from Georgia State University. I continued to perform so much that I found my tribe, my audience, and a home away from home.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Something I struggle with as an artist is being a shy introvert with a passion and a purpose.

There’s a constant pressure for me to network, promote myself, touch stages, shake hands, kiss babies, make negotiations, etc. Which is all very important for business and brands, but deep down, I still battle with stage fright, humbleness, social anxiety, and perfectionism. I’m sure this has slowed my growth some along the way. Luckily, I’m also very self-aware, and I view personal development as another form of self-love and self-care – habits I try to invest in daily.

When I reflect on my journey as an artist, it feels a lot less about creating the art itself and more about my progress in facing my fears, being fully present in the moment, being authentic, and utilizing every gift God gave me in the best way possible.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a spoken word artist and a hip-hop lyricist. In other words, I create performance poetry, and I rap. I believe I’m most known for my poetry and the way I deliver true stories and vulnerability with power and grace.

I’m most proud of my album NEOSOUL SPACE. I’m proud that I took a major project from ideation to completion and grateful for the team who helped me. It’s a beautiful collection of music and rhymes that speak to the conscience, heart, and soul. Each song was written with intentionality, honesty, and depth that you don’t hear much from mainstream music these days. My voice, my love for soul and rhythm, and my ability to wear my heart on my sleeve create a very unique experience for anyone listening.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how vast the artistic community is here. I love how rich and deep culture runs here. I don’t think I could have imagined a city full of creatives who look just like me, and many who don’t. No matter what your niche is – art, dance, poetry, music, film, photography, culinary arts, etc. The people, places, and events are HERE. There is something for everyone. There is a space for the cool kids and the outcasts, the superstars, CEOs, and the average Joes. And if you simply show up, you get a chance to mix and mingle with all of them. The diversity is absolutely beautiful.

What I like least? The parking. The parking. THE PARKING. Way too few spaces and options for how great the city is. I have to pay to park at work downtown. We pay to park at events that we also sometimes pay to enter. And between the locals, the transplants, and the tourists, the roads can get pretty congested. On the bright side, my parallel parking and defensive driving skills would win most improved lol. Thanks, Atlanta.

Pricing:

• Album: NEOSOUL SPACE by Abstract C.I.M – FREE to stream on all music platforms!
• NEOSOUL SPACE Physical CD: $10 + shipping
• NEOSOUL SPACE T-Shirt: $25 + shipping
• NEOSOUL SPACE Notebook & Pen Set: $10 + shipping

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/AbstractCIM?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5ffd8349-5af6-436a-bbec-d23eb0f07ee1
• Instagram: @abstractcim
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abstractcim
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/7vS4it4aeX7afoSvk6OD1D?si=YTmardlGRoupZPJQA9GqHw&nd=1&dlsi=2e2bea3f469a4607

Image Credits
Aaron Spells
Desmond Champion