Atlanta's very own aspiring R&B singer, Aijalon Williams, is the true definition of what a soulful musician should look and sound like. His ability to compose songs by freely expressing himself with freestyled flows; continuously touches the hearts of many of his supporters around the world. He's taken heights others can only imagine reaching. His hard work and dedication to his craft shows his potential, and with this new year making its grand appearance expect great things from the man with the master plan.

"Not looking for any recognition, I just want to shine light on heavy life circumstances "

When you begin to take yourself out of a lot of situations you begin to see the bigger picture. Music is more than a paycheck, fame or notoriety, it's a lifestyle. The love Aijalon has for music surpasses all of his fears, doubts, and perceptions others may have of him. He's taking strides every day to perfect his craft his experience is refreshing; his journey has just begun. Allotted the time to dig deeper into his life and music, I discovered he has a heart of gold.

How did you get your start into music?

AJ: What got me into music was watching my cousin Arash make music and have me sing on tracks for background [vocals]. Then one day I decided I wanted to make my own track for once, which I did, and I began loving creating music and people really loved the first song I made which is called, "I Can Be".

When you look at Aijalon the individual and Aijalon the singer do you see a difference, do you have an alter ego?

AJ: When I look at Aijalon from both angles, I see the same person just about the only difference is that I am more of a poet on the musical aspect of things because I express myself more. I tend to be more open in music because of the story and journey that I am telling whether it's my story or someone else story.

Where do you see yourself in the R&B game, or do you want to be an independent artist?

AJ: Well, I want to see myself in the game just as an artist in general whether I am signed or independent just that respect asks an artist is a standpoint itself, but I am open to all avenues of this game and you have to in order to gain more experience.

Who are your all time favorite artist?

AJ: My favorite all time artists most definitely include Tupac, Biggie, Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill, Common, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green. I have a list I could name but I picked the most influential to me whether they are dead or alive their work speaks for itself.

Where does your music take you? Does it bring peace of mind to your darkest thoughts or grimmest times in life?

AJ: My music takes me to cloud 9 because honestly music was not my go to nor did I ever intend to pursue it. It's very powerful which is why I enjoy it because it's poetry and end I am a huge fan of poetry and pun. Music just helps calm me and if I do have any negative thoughts music drives them all away.

How has music changed your life?

Aj: Music has changed my life in ways I could not imagine it showed me people do care, they do listen, and they are inspired by what I do and what I put out and the support behind it. The feedback from music I do is always the best negative or positive I love opinions, but just recently the most inspiring message I received read, "Thank you for your music it really helped me a lot and you have inspired me to be somebody." That comment alone lets me know this is my calling to be able to help somebody along the way through whatever it is the people are going through.

What would you say are your favorite topics to sing about?

AJ: My favorite topics to sing about are real life events, things I have experienced or something people can relate to altogether. I cannot really narrow it down because I'm so open to everything that everything becomes a sort of "word to the wise" thing to me.

How was your first performance, what emotions were you going through as well as how has it shaped you as an artist?

AJ: My first performance was an actual backup for a friend, but being on stage watching the people react to of tones and textures and melodies sparked more in me to want to see people reciting the lyrics back. The feelings I was going through at first was nervousness, but then once the song came on and we started singing, I instantly became comfortable with "Entertaining". The performance helped me grow by having more confidence and now I feel like I can do everything because I went through the first step.

In this life, some of us will take baby steps to reach our goals and some will take giant ones; but those leaps towards success will shape and mold us into who we want to become and Aijalon has been that prime example of what rising to the occasion is. So take a page out of his rhyme book and learn something valuable.

Written By: Rahkiah C.