We’ll remember 2021 as a year of triumphs and tragedies, wins and losses, and unifying optimism and aggravated division. In THIS INTERVIEW we revisit the last 12 months from the perspective of rapper Ari Stylez.
A product of Chicago, Stylez has made waves with singles “Through It”, “Pesos”, “Stripes”, and “Go Back”. “Big Dawg” featuring Iman might be his biggest wave yet.
Stylez shared some of his thoughts with us by answering THIS questionnaire about his life in 2021 and what to expect from him in 2022.
How would you summarize 2021?
Man, the year 2021… 2021 was a change. We were coming out of lockdown and people were able to do more things. I was able to work more and shoot more, and create more content. It was being back active after 2020. I had a lot of time to create more stuff and just keep it interesting.
Did you read anything inspiring or influential that you would recommend to others?
The book that I always read from time to time, one of my favorite books, is The 7 Laws of Success.
What was the best song of the year?
“Vaccine” by NoCap. I listened to that song a lot.
What were the movies or television shows that you couldn’t stop watching?
I watch Power. I’m a big Power fan. I watched Snowfall, BMF, and Godfather of Halem. Those were some of my favorite shows.
Who or what entertained you the most?
I was still going outside when I could, traveling and stuff. And I played basketball. That’s what I like to do for fun. And workout and stay in shape. I go to the gym 4 time a week.
What was your favorite social media post – by you or someone you follow?
That’s a good one! People who follow me know I post crazy stuff all day, every day! That’s what most of my people come to my page for.
But specially, it would be when I posted the video with me and Iman.
Tell us the most surprising thing you heard or saw all year.
Man, them making us get these vaccines to go everywhere! That was the most surprising thing because I never thought that would be the day we live in 5 or 10 years ago. That was the most shocking thing. And I’m in L.A., so, you’ve got to have it everywhere, pretty much.
How did you evolve over the last 12 months?
First off, I got in shape. I dropped like 70 pounds. I wanted my image to look better so I could shoot all these visuals. I also made a lot of content, a lot of music; I recorded a few hundred songs. I became a better form of me.
In what way has the pandemic affected your outlook on life?
It made me realize that we can’t take the time we have for granted. A lot of people pass on certain opportunities. Before this it was jobs and opportunities where I’d be like I’m not doing this, I’m not doing that. I wouldn’t even entertain the thought of it!
But once everything shut down, I realized it ain’t too many times we can turn down big checks if it makes sense. As long as it doesn’t go against my morals or my character, I’m more open to listening. More opportunities presented themselves and I entertained it. I’ve got a few things coming up that would not have done before the pandemic.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
I can’t really say. There’s still some things in the midst that haven’t fully happened yet. Things that could be. My life and my career have been through so many ups and downs, and I’ve kept receiving blessings.
So, I can’t account for which one is the biggest because I know there’s so many more to come.
Did you experience a defining moment?
When I realized I wanted to set a goal weight and then I did that. Then I thought maybe I could go smaller than this. And I did that! Then when I finally hit my target…I became vegan! I thought in a million years I’d be vegan.
My dad’s been vegetarian for 20 years, and I also had that option growing up. But I was like, no, I’m not rocking with it. But I grew up and I changed my lifestyle. That’s big to me.
Growing up in Chicago with fried chicken, Italian beefs, deep dish pizza… Man, I was eating bad! I don’t eat none of that no more.
What can we expect from you in 2022?
I have a lot more visuals to come. I’m working on a podcast, and I’ve got relationships with a lot of people in the industry throughout music, sports, actors, arts, all types of stuff, and I’ve got a lot of music to release. I’m trying to come strong! |THIS ENT.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
