Today we’d like to introduce you to Iman Dillard.
Hi Iman, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My music journey started in Kansas City, Missouri. As a young child, I remember writing songs and poems as early as the 2nd grade. Eventually, my mom allowed me to join the church choir, she opened up my mind artistically in so many ways. I was heavily involved in musical plays, drill teams, ballet, tap dance, and gymnastics. My mom would even record at-home commercials of myself and my siblings. I remember when Aaliyah’s first album came out… she would tell us to choreograph dances to her favorite songs.
My dad is also very musically inclined.. he introduced me to a lot of 70’s and 80’s classics. I wouldn’t say that there’s 1 particular artist that has had an influence on me. I’m inspired by many. Music is so timeless, and that very reason is why I fell in love with it. I’ve found that as I’ve gotten older I’ve naturally evolved as a woman, mother, and artist. My music reflects true life experiences. As an upcoming artist living in Nashville, TN, known for Country music… my goal is to show the world that this city is so much more than that.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had countless struggles on this journey.. yet I continue to beat all of the odds against me. Coming from a dysfunctional family dynamic, foster care, and being a young black mother to 2 boys. Growing up academics played a huge role in my life. I felt the pressure of having to excel in everything. I went into foster care at the age of 16 due to physical abuse at home with my dad. I was able to graduate high school a year early… with help from the state I was granted a scholarship to college. You could imagine the disappointment of my family when I chose not to attend right away. After I graduated high school I immediately jumped into the music scene. I put my first couple of songs out in 2017.. to my surprise I began to heavily receive support from the underground scene. It wasn’t until 2 years later that I decided to enroll at MTSU. I quickly learned that life just wasn’t for me.
I flourish best in environments where I can just be without any restrictions… without anyone trying to put me in a box. During my 2nd year of college, I found out I was pregnant with my oldest son. Becoming a mom pushed me to truly step into my light. I took time off from school to focus on my passions. I was in the studio, performing, and shooting videos all while pregnant. I even participated in a YouTube reality TV music competition shortly after I gave birth. That same year my big sister passed away… it was so sudden, but still, to this day, I struggle with grief, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Through the process of my family planning the funeral, I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd child. Reality quickly set in for me. I know you’re probably asking “How did she manage to get through all of this?” I have a very simple answer. Faith.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multidimensional artist… there are so many different aspects to Iman. I dabble in different genres of music, but mainly I’m known for my rapping skills. I’m also very spiritual. God blessed me with gifts to see and connect with the unseen. I was introduced to Tarot in 2019 when I was gifted my first deck.
I’ve recently ventured out into mediumship. I created an online presence to extend my gifts to others. I’m proud of the fact that through all of my adversities, I never lost faith. Instead of allowing myself to fall victim to my circumstances, I dug deep within myself to discover that I have everything that I need.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My children are the reason I strive to get up every day, and face the world with my chest out. They are the reason why I refuse to give up… it’s the pure love that makes me happy on my darkest days.
Contact Info:
- Website: Linktr.ee/ImanDillard
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ImanDillard
- Twitter: Twitter.com/ImanDillard
- Youtube: YouTube.com/ImanDillard
Image Credits
@ShotByCee, @KeptFrozen, @BexxChin, and @LeahsPerspective
