The World of LiMM : Alim-Karim Kamara
The hip-hop world is ever-changing and it takes a lot for any music artist to be able to keep up with the wave, while also staying true to his or herself. I recently got the chance to connect with a young artist by the name of LiMM, who manages to not only ride the wave, but add in his own unique currents and tides. He has the uncanny ability to somehow fit in and stand out at the same time, creating a vibe that almost anyone can relate to.
LiMM, whose actual name Alim-Karim Kamara (no relation to me lol), was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone before moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and eventually settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Canadian emcee's worldly background can also be heard throughout his music (Think Drake, minus the fake accents and add younger vibes). Not only is he cultured, LiMM also has experience in performing at a number of different venues, one in which includes St. Joseph's University's, Hagan Arena, where he performed as an opener for rapper Mac Miller during the school's annual Spring Concert this past April.
Learn more about this dope artist in his own words by checking out our interview below!
How would you describe your style of music?
LiMM: Hook master, but I can do anything. rap and sing, -I guess Hip-hop/Rap/R&B/Pop
In a world full of hungry, unsigned artists how do you separate yourself from the pack?
LiMM: I'm the voice of this generation. I speak real, raw & uncut truth. Kids can understand and relate. We're going through the same thing. Being 18, I'm only going to keep experiencing what the world has to offer, which will give me more to speak upon in regards to my music. There's always going to be someone that can relate.
Shot by Dillon of St. Joseph's University's Spring Concert Student Committee IG:bigd1516
Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating music was something you had to do?
LiMM: It was in the fall of 2016, I had just started my college career. In the few quick weeks, I built a quick rapport & released a track that did exceedingly well, way beyond my initial expectation. Weeks went by and I received a "DM" from a SoundCloud user from India. I had changed the cover photo of the track and he had asked me to switch it back, because he loved how it vibed with the song, setting the perfect mood. He then went on to talk about how the lyrics touched him, and how he could really relate to what I was saying. It was like putting everything that he ever thought out into perfect wording. He told me to keep pushing & that a lot of people would like it. I was sure to blow up soon.
When i realized I was able to connect with people I didn't even know to that steep of a level and be able to do things for them, I knew it was something that I had to.
If you could narrow it down, what would you say is your favorite piece of work to date that you have created?
LiMM: I tend to really enjoy a new song while I'm creating it & even more before it's released. Once it gets released it becomes like whatever to me haha, but one of my favorite songs will always be Lost & Found. It's fairly new - out on SoundCloud. It's my most memorable piece because my little brother loves it. His genuine love for the song & my music specifically somehow brought us closer.
Do you have any musical influences? if not, where do you draw inspiration from when coming up with new music?
LiMM: Don't really have a musical influence, but I draw my inspiration from my life and the lives of the people surrounding me. I'm a people watcher. I see things and tell their stories, at least how I saw them or understood them to be. Sometimes its just a story. Other times it seems so relatable to my life that it makes me feel obligated to share it, so anyone else feeling a certain way about something can find comfort within the song - an assurance that they're not alone, that no one is alone.
What advice would you give to any up and coming artists like yourself?
LiMM:
- make yourself known. every and any chance you get.
- learn. ~ read. write. rehearse.
- find your niche and rock with it.
- have faith & patience
Shot by Dillon of St. Joseph's University's Spring Concert Student Committee IG:bigd1516
via Malanga Photography