Life & Work with ToonMac of Aurora

Today we’d like to introduce you to ToonMac

Hi ToonMac, 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?
At the age of 13, I was walking to Walgreens and randomly decided to remix Nelly’s song E.I. off his first album, Country Grammar. I never actually wanted to be a rapper, just enjoyed it as a hobby and, as time passed, I just perfected my version of storytelling. By 17, I wrote my first song entitled Police Brutality. This song was inspired by the constant random searches, all the guns pulled on me, and the fan favorite, “you fit the description” by Chicago’s “finest”. By the time I turned 18 years old, I hadn’t graduated from high school, didn’t think I would live past the age of 17, and I was ready to just give up and give in to the stereotypical path that so many others took before me. And to make matters worse, I was also told at this time, by my hero, my brother, that I sucked at rapping because I didn’t include lyrics centered around selling drugs on the streets.

Fast forward to 2020, and the pressure had mounted to insurmountable heights in my life. I put myself in therapy and my therapist told me I should write out how I feel, so I did. Came to the next session, rapped her a few bars, and, right then and there, she told me I should pursue my dreams of being a rapper. The need for therapy came about from a significant heartbreak in 2020, someone I thought I was going to do forever with. Right after the breakup, the world seemingly shut down and I was left to do life alone amidst a global pandemic. Nevertheless, this inspired my first single, Do You, in 2021, a song that I was only originally supposed to be a feature on. And the rest is the beginning.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been anything but a smooth road, far from it. Many struggles I’ve encountered as an artist include: never being heard, people not taking me seriously, and that a ton of miscommunication happens along the way. Also, learning that I’m not relatable to everybody is a struggle that’s always bothered me. My struggles with fellow artists include: always being told we should do a song together and never actually doing it, actually doing a song and then it never gets released, or learning that even recording studios will try to get over on you if they think they can. The biggest lessons I’ve learned as an artist are here are a lot of selfish individuals in this industry and everyone’s not your friend.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create a vibe through words and rhythms. I am naturally myself so it’s easy to be authentic, and I am more myself through my music than I am in person. I specialize in making songs for women, in my humble opinion. I’m known for giving memorable experiences in my performances. I am most proud of the fact that “I wasn’t nominated for Rookie of the Year, but my stats sound like I’m a created player” – ToonMac What sets me apart from others is my unparalleled lyrical depth and unmatched ability to articulate said lyrics. I’m me and they them, period.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work or collaborate with me by reaching out to my manager @glbentproductions on IG. People can support me by following me @_toonmac_ on IG. Then hit the link in the bio, buy a ticket to a show, and then come kick it with a star.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_toonmac_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToonMac117
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/toonmac
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_toonmac_