Tizzi's Truth: Art, Identity, and the Power of Authenticity

In the realm where music, poetry, and acting converge, Tizzi, a multifaceted artist, rapper, and actor, stands out as a beacon of creativity and authenticity. Her journey is one that defies conventions, weaving through personal and cultural influences, and anchored in the spirit of individuality and resilience.

 

When asked about the inspiration behind her work, Tizzi reflects on the profound impact of nature and her upbringing. "I feel as if nature inspires me," she tells ASLUT, "but as a child, I've been taught to follow the beat of my own drum. With that came a difference in how I approach music." This individualistic approach is also a testament to her talented family lineage, where music was more than just an art form—it was a way of life. "I remember when Kanye would practice 'Family Business,'" she recalls with a smile, hinting at the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped her.

 

For Tizzi, the creative process blurs the lines between songwriting and poetry. "I feel as if they're both the same," she explains. "You don't need five birds to make one tone." This seamless integration of different art forms is a hallmark of her work, where each piece resonates with a distinct yet harmonious voice.

 

Collaboration, however, has been a learning curve. "Great question," she begins, "before, I would speak too much and give out so much and not hear the other person's vision." Over time, she has learned to balance her vision with others', approaching collaborators as beings with their own artistic integrity. "Throw out the thought that we're doing something for money," she advises. "Have fun, ask questions, and through that, I can see and help them cultivate the things they didn't see within themselves."

 

Her creative evolution is marked by a deepening connection to her craft. "My creative process is much more delivering to me," she muses. "It's like the infinite just blessed me with words, some I may not understand. Which now, I take the time to look up compared to before." This quest for understanding and growth is evident in her work, which continues to resonate with profound depth and insight.

The Midwest art scene, while vibrant, hasn't significantly influenced Tizzi's work. "Honestly, the Midwest has never affected me to be affected," she states. Her art draws from patterns that transcend realms, influenced strongly by her African heritage. "Growing up, I've had a strong influence within my family to know where you come from," she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of cultural roots in her creative expression.

 

A life-altering car wreck forced Tizzi to confront her vulnerabilities and reshape her approach to life and art. "It caused me to severely pull back from everything, lock myself away in my thoughts that weren't always positive," she reveals. This period of numbness and introspection ultimately fueled her resilience and commitment to her craft.

 

As a queer woman of color in the Midwest, Tizzi has faced significant challenges. "I've faced severe challenges," she acknowledges. "Not being selected for different opportunities based on someone else's perception of me, or what someone else said." Despite these obstacles, she has carved out spaces for herself and others like her, determined to increase visibility and representation for queer artists of color.

 

Her audience's response to her identity and work has been overwhelmingly positive. "They love it," she says with a smile. "But I feel as if they want more rawness from me. People are seeking my truth; they want more. They don't care what it is—they just want it. And it's time I give it."

Tizzi's identity is deeply interwoven with her art, shaping the themes she explores and the messages she conveys. "My identity is shaped by boundaries," she reflects. "I've always been told to be careful of how you express yourself, which I feel is true. But I am boundless, and I want the motivation of which I speak to be embodied by others. They have limitless potential, and I just dive into that."

Looking ahead, Tizzi's aspirations are global. "Being on a global stage, acting," she says with excitement. Her journey is far from over, and with each step, she continues to inspire and uplift, following the beat of her own drum, and inviting others to do the same.