Conversations with Michael

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael

Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Over the last year, I’ve been creating events called From Roots 2 Branches that engage with personal history. I’ve been utilizing art to show how we can make change in our lives. I also have a YouTube Page under Sev Sojourner and FLL ARMR MVMT, where I vlog and podcast about history, mindset, and current events related to hip hop culture and spirituality. In 2025, I’ll be releasing new music and clothing from my FLL ARMR MVMT label. I believe strongly in creating opportunities for our youth; I have an internship program and workshop series called Each 1 Teach 1 Hip Hop `101 with my business partner, Fat Trak, aka David Lee. We plan to educate adults and youth on entrepreneurship through creativity, self-health, and a growth mindset through Hip Hop culture. Partnerships have been the root of my creative endeavors over the last year. I’m honored to have been a part of building a brilliant movement as well with Olivia Symone and Rebellious called Gypsy Lab Sessions where we invite local and national artist to perform in an intimate concert series. I’m excited about the future events and visions I’ll be sharing throughout this New Year!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey hasn’t been easy at all! I’ve been working through the ups and downs of being independent in my artistry. The biggest advice I could give to an artist who is up and coming is not to chase but to embrace. All of the struggles that I’ve experienced have taught me how to endure, create, and adapt within the fires that life has thrown at me. This year came in swinging, and I’ve realized how much I have learned going through the storms of independence over the years. We must keep our eyes on our purpose and push through to make these dreams into visions and visions into reality. Success has been a lesson in learning from mistakes and applying the knowledge.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an Artivist. I have been using my ability to teach and create to inspire youth and adults to do the same. I’ve always seen music and art as outlets to redirect the narratives that the world feeds us. Fat Trak and I have a workshop series called Creative Conversations, empowered by Each1 Teach1 and 4thaCulture Festival, that deals with beat production and music writing to take back our stories and transform the noise the world pushes onto us. This year, we’re launching a series of workshops that will dive into artists’ creative processes. We will also be creating music and art at these events with our audience, which I’m excited about!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m a big believer in walking in faith. Most of my movements have been because I know what I’m called to do and unapologetically walk in that purpose. Some call that risk; I call that faith and fate. Our movement, we’re building Each 1 Teach 1, is to help others find their purpose by exposing them to creatives that have found a way through hustle. Trusting in self will always look like a risk to those who can’t see your vision.

Pricing:

• Workshops Each1Teach1 $100 an hour
• FLL ARMR apparel $25 T=shirt
• Trak7 Earth Seed Album Bandcamp $7

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trakse7en.bandcamp.com/album/earth-seed
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illse7en/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ill.seven/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-acu%C3%B1a-35643453/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ILLse7en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SevFLLARMRTV
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ill-seven
• Other: https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_ill_se7en_acuna_how_we_build_bridges_between_police_officers_youth/up-next

Image Credits
Concert pictures Ujwal Gurung, Alexandra Earth, Michael Acuna