Today we’d like to introduce you to Alma “A.P” Milford.
Hi A.P, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, music played a big part in our upbringing. In a home where English was a second language, you could argue that Music was a strong third. My Mother taught English so we were fortunate enough to learn it at a young age. My father was a percussionist, my uncle was an entertainer, and my little sister played the piano. There wasn’t a day that went passed where our neighbors from every direction could hear the music coming from our house, even more so when my folks weren’t home. I fell in love with Hip Hop at a young age. I found that I was different from the other kids in the neighborhood, in the respect that I never got into reggae or some of folk music in the islands. I remember listening to Nas, and Tupac as early as the 4th grade. I’d find myself writing what I thought were the lyrics at the time and trying to emulate the cadences. Upon moving to the states I found Rap and Hip Hop to be more present in my surroundings. I was exposed to a lot more stylistically. At the time southern rap was making a huge stamp on the industry all the while east and west coast rap had solidified their influence on the general public. My love for music grew into what I can only call pure curiosity in high school where I met a kid from the neighborhood who was into beat production. He introduced me to drum machines, and production software. I immediately dove in. It wasn’t long before I was producing my own beats and selling them to local rappers. Freestyle rap was always around in the form of ciphers, rap battles and just pure entertainment amongst friends to pass the time. Halfway through my Sophomore year my family and I experienced the tragic loss of a family member to whom I was very close to. The tears I never shed turned into lyrics, those lyrics ended up on paper and eventually made their way onto a song I never released, but it was this particular occurrence that clarified it all for me. I decided right there and then that no matter where life took me, I would be in control of the soundtrack. After graduating High School I relocated to Las Vegas where I mustered up the courage to show up to an open mic event that a local radio station was sponsoring. Nervous as hell I did my bit and was greeted with praise and acknowledgment from peers that I have the pleasure of calling good friends to this day. That same night I was invited by the radio station personnel to perform at an official event they were throwing for the city. From there, opportunities started flowing in faster than I could keep up with. Collaborations, and opportunities to open for bigger acts provided my first taste of generating income from my music other than production. Since then I’ve released a mixtape, numerous singles and most recently an EP. I’ve taken a step back from music once or twice but what I’ve come to realize is that providing a voice, or speaking on what I know and have experienced has had a much bigger impact on the lives of those who have come to know my music, rather than what music itself has done for me. That’s what it is for me. Hearing my lyrics being repeated back to me, the expressions on people’s faces, the perspective that it provided for those who, if it weren’t for my music, would be unable to see it from where so many others are seated. As it unfolds, my story is far from over. See you soon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not always. Its been a learning experience every step of the way. Sometimes life got in the way, and sometimes it was just me. In a lot of scenarios, I was my worst enemy. At times I was very hesitant, doubtful even. I was fortunate enough to have individuals around me who had my best interest at heart, even if they weren’t necessarily in a good place either.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an upcoming Hip Hop artist from West Valley. I’ve recently released my highly anticipated album titled “Here Without You”.
I am proud to be a voice for the voiceless from all over the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’d say very little. I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid a lot of the darkness that comes with this lifestyle. With that said I’d say what success I have been able to achieve was solely attributed to hard work and dedication. Refusing to accept the norm or succumb to others’ expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://koji.to/OFFICIALLY_A.P
- Instagram: instagram.com/officially_a.p_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068671991705
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC43gUWnIg0JAgE9WBe7xbA/featured
