Today we’d like to introduce you to Amani Alexander.
Hi Amani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Music became more than just a creative outlet for me it became a turning point in my life. Growing up as a teenager and young adult, I went through a lot personally and was known for being argumentative, getting into conflicts, and sometimes fighting. I carried a lot of emotions and energy that I didn’t always know how to channel in a positive way.
When I found music, things began to change. It gave me somewhere to put those emotions and allowed me to express myself in a way that didn’t involve conflict. Over time, I noticed that not only was I changing, but the way people perceived me was changing as well. Music helped me discover a different side of myself and gave me something positive to focus on.
Music became even more important to me during one of the most difficult periods of my life. While I was pregnant with my son, I experienced a tremendous amount of loss. I lost most of my best friends my older cousin and my grandmother, and I found myself navigating grief while also preparing to become a mother. During that time, music became an outlet for emotions that were sometimes too difficult to put into words. It gave me a space to process my pain, reflect on my experiences, and express parts of myself that I may not have otherwise known how to communicate.
Eventually, becoming a mother caused me to take a step back from making music. Motherhood became my priority, and I dedicated my time and energy to raising my child. But my passion for music never left me.
Now, I’m returning to the music scene with a new perspective. I’m older, more mature, and have experienced growth, loss, motherhood, and life in ways that have shaped both me and my artistry. Music was once the thing that helped redirect my life, and during some of my darkest moments, it became a source of healing and expression. Now I’m coming back to it with even more purpose.
My journey hasn’t been perfect, but every version of me from the troubled teenager, to the young woman finding herself through loss and grief, to the mother and artist I am today has played a role in shaping who I’m becoming. Music isn’t just something I do; it’s been a part of my growth, my healing, and my story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve had to navigate a lot of grief and major life changes throughout my journey. While I was carrying my son, I lost several people close to me, including my best friend Khalil, also known as CW Khalil, who was one of my biggest musical inspirations. Losing him affected me not only personally, but creatively as well. He was someone who inspired my passion for music, and after he passed, I lost a lot of my drive to continue.
At the same time, I was becoming a new mother and navigating postpartum, while also dealing with my son’s colon disease and health challenges. With so much happening emotionally, mentally, and personally, music was no longer at the forefront of my mind. There were times I genuinely considered walking away from it altogether.
However, I’ve come to realize that music has always been an outlet for me. Even when I stepped away, my passion never completely disappeared. Now, I’m finding my way back with a different perspective, more life experience, and a deeper purpose. My journey hasn’t been easy, but everything I’ve been through including grief, motherhood, and the challenges I’ve faced has shaped me into the person and artist I am today. Returning to music is not only about rediscovering myself, but also about honoring the people, especially Khalil, who inspired me along the way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an authentic artist who takes pride in creating music that genuinely reflects who I am. I specialize in making music with its own unique sound and energy while maintaining a balance that allows me to be expressive without feeling like I have to be overly vulgar or overly clean. My music naturally falls somewhere in the middle—relatable, versatile, and unapologetically me.
I’m a very confident person, and I use my platform to encourage girls and women to be comfortable in their own skin and unapologetically embrace who they are. I want to show people that you don’t have to change yourself, fit into a certain box, or become someone else to be successful. You can be exactly who you are and still achieve everything you aspire to.
Another major part of my journey is navigating my music career while being a mother. Being a mom has never stopped me from pursuing my dreams—it has given me even more motivation to chase them. JJ is with me every step of the way, from late nights in the studio to video shoots and everything in between. I want him to grow up seeing firsthand what it looks like to work hard for your dreams and never give up on yourself. No matter where my career takes me, motherhood will always come first. I’m a mother first, and 3mani9 immediately after. Learning how to balance both worlds hasn’t always been easy, but they are both a part of who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What I’m most proud of throughout my journey is my ability to remain authentic. I’ve grown personally and artistically, but I’ve never wanted to lose the qualities that make me unique. In an industry where it can be easy to follow trends or try to sound like everyone else, I take pride in standing firmly in my own lane. I have my own sound, my own flow, and my own energy.
I don’t believe I sound like anyone else, and that’s one of the things that truly sets me apart. My goal isn’t to recreate what has already been done—it’s to create something that feels original every time people press play.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Any artist just starting Always be yourself, you’ll get farther being authentic. Your Music Isn’t supposed to fit everyone some will love it some will hate it , that does not mean you aren’t a good artist. Don’t get discouraged hearing the word no. What I wish I would’ve learned then that I know now is , I’ve learned to always count my no’s because every no gets you one step closer to your biggest yes. You can’t appreciate the drastic yes without experiencing a few no’s first. Rejection doesn’t always mean you’re being denied it can simply mean you’re being redirected. So I don’t let the no’s discourage me; I let them motivate me, because eventually, all those no’s will amount to the yes I’ve been working toward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam3mani9?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17dNnDcPQR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iam3mani9ho?si=J8KiJCeBm3MEkk7b
- Other: https://youtube.com/channel/UCWOyvDpwwR8aorFNZRn5yzw?si=dv2yuvM7cl2Zgwev
