As a 15-year-old growing up in one of the roughest neighborhoods of St. Louis, AJ McQueen was involved with a gang.
Then he got shot, and the incident may have saved his life.
“That was really a crossroad moment for me to change my life,” he told The Epoch Times. “My mom made the decision to change my life by sending me away.”
He lived with six different families during his youth, which he said gave him a second chance at life. He was not placed in foster care but relied on the goodwill of people who wanted to see him succeed.
“There would always be somebody, you know, there that would take me, whether that be a counselor or a teacher, you know, because they really came together to make sure that I didn’t go back to St. Louis.”
Mr. McQueen, now 34, is an independent hip-hop artist and poet driven by faith and determination.
Finding His Faith
Faith, Mr. McQueen said, plays a crucial role in his life and music.“I’ve always had an internal compass of faith,” he said. “My dad, you know, he passed away years back, but he always talked about God to me. ... It planted seeds into me that, as I grew over time, it grew.”
He said his faith is the source of his music and shapes his outlook on life. He’s not motivated by the prospect of fame or notoriety when he makes music, but rather sharing what’s on his heart, he said.
Mr. McQueen said he finds it remarkable how his heartfelt thoughts transform into songs that resonate with people. His creative process often begins with him alone, putting pen to paper, and eventually sharing his message with the world.
He is deeply committed to conveying themes of revolution, evolution, growth, healing, and faith in his music.
“And that’s important to me, that I translate and I speak a language that those that come from where I come from can understand, and also those that are far removed from where I come from can understand as well, so that we can ultimately grow together and get closer to God,” he said.
Mr. McQueen’s first album, “Sorry Ma, I Was Distracted,” released in early 2024, serves as a personal narrative, showcasing his unique life journey and sense of being chosen.
The album weaves together his experiences, navigating adulthood while reflecting on childhood memories that contributed to his growth and evolution.
“I’m big on mental health,” he said. “Mental health, especially in my communities, is still a taboo thing. But, you know, I wanted to use that album as a platform to speak on things like that. ... When you’re telling your truth, you’re freeing yourself. And so, that album definitely freed me, but it was amazing to see it be the story, and me tell the story, of so many people around the world.”
Changing Popular Music
Regarding the current state of Top 40 radio and hip-hop music, Mr. McQueen said he believes music is moving toward a more reflective and conscious place, and that he is leading the charge in that.As an independent artist, he emphasizes ownership and strategic partnerships. He prioritizes empowering his community to shape their destinies and seeks collaborations with companies that share his vision to amplify his message.
Additionally, he is driven to achieve recognition in mainstream charts, aiming to reach audiences wherever his music resonates.
Mr. McQueen grew up listening to rapper Tupac Shakur and has sometimes been compared to the iconic late artist.
However, he said he is focused on creating his own legacy and making his unique mark in the world and the music industry.
Looking ahead, Mr. McQueen aims to continue spreading his message of evolution, growth, and healing through his music. He explained that true growth involves experiencing challenges and setbacks, and that facing difficulties in life should not stop someone from pursuing their goals.
“If the Most High can use me, he can use anyone,” he said.
