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Music

DR. MARTENS SPEAKS TO MIKEL AMEEN

We caught up with UK rapper, Mikel Ameen fresh off his move to LA to ask him about his new home, the World Changer Movement and what 2017 has in store for him.

Head to our Studio City Store on 24th February for a special performance by Mikel Ameen.

Mikel 1
Mikel Ameen in Carpathian Leather 1460s.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a born a bred Londoner with Caribbean heritage and African roots. I first started getting into music at the beginning of the grime scene in 2001 when my friends and I sat in abandoned buildings writing lyrics to perform in our area. My wide cultural background can be heard in my music with hip-hop being the foundation with influences of London, Caribbean, and African culture.

Why the move to L.A.?
I wanted to come to L.A because it’s another place I feel my music and message would be appreciated for how different it is. We need to touch the world.

Who are some of your influences?
Artistically, my influences vary from UK artists like So Solid and Dizzee Rascal to Hip Hop legends like Tupac, Nas, and even Bob Marley.

You performed at AfroPunk, the Olympic Park, played with Wu-Tang, what are some of your favorite moments from your career so far?
My favourite moments are when I’m halfway through my set; I look into the crowd, and I can see the joy and euphoria on peoples’ faces. That excitement and freedom they get from listening to my music gives me so much energy that I go into “SUPER” mode and I literally feel like I’m high off the atmosphere.

Mikel 2
Mikel Ameen in Carpathian Leather 1460s.

For those who don’t know, can you describe the World Changer Life Movement?
World Changer Life is a mindset movement that says, ‘Be the change you want to see.’ I created this lifestyle brand which includes music, clothing, and experiences to encourage people including myself to live the life that they love. Everyone has a gift everyone has a purpose, and we want to help people free themselves from themselves.

What are some of the changes you’d like to see in the world?
Honestly, there are so many changes I want in the world. One in particular is to change the way youth, especially black youth, see themselves. A lot of us grow up with low self-esteem because of our surroundings, and tend not to aspire to much because we don’t associate greatness with our culture. I want to change that. Overall, I want to be an example to the world that real CHANGE IN THE WORLD starts with self-development.

Mikel 3
Mikel Ameen in 1460 Monos.

What are you excited about in 2017?
We have a lot going on in 2017. Live gigs, preparing some cool visuals to go along with my new EP, and planning a World Changers Road Trip Experience to Kenya in October which will end with a live concert by me. There’s a lot to look forward to; not to mention the creative outbursts I’m sure to have throughout the year.

Who are some of the musicians who you are excited about right now?
I’m excited about the artists from my city, London. With so many different styles on our small island, it feels like we are bringing our best kept secrets to the world stage with artists like Skepta , Shingai Shoniwa, Shakka, and many others are dope.

Tell us about your first pair of Dr. Martens:
My first pair of DM’s I got last year at my show in Paris when I performed with Afropunk, they are the sand coloured Talibs and i wore them for 5 days straight they were so comfortable.

And finally, what do you stand for?
TRUE LOVE, TRUE FREEDOM

Find out more about Mikel Ameen on his website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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