Hamza “@In_Zo” Muhammad on NAACP Image Award and work for Cardi B, @Showtime, Def Jam
You come from a very unique background. Tell us a little about your family ?
I’m From Chicago. I come from two both a Jewish and Muslim background. My Dad is a well established Islamic Priest. My Grandfather was Muhammad Ali’s Manager and my Great Grandfather is a pivotal figure as well.
On my mother’s side my great grandmother essentially helped to establish government programs that we now know Section 8 and Public Housing.My Great Uncle was the Head Cartoonist for Walt Disney . I got big shoes to fill!
Considering your Family’s Religious and Political background… How did you develop such a Passion for Art?
Art runs through my veins. My father is an Artist,My Grandmother is an Artist, My Cousins are Artists !
I started drawing when I was one year old! Thanks to my Mom, I’ve been in over fifty-eight courses and programs to perfect my craft.
The funny thing is I always knew ,even as young as 8 Years Old. I always said I was going to be in Film. I feel like. me using my artistic gifts for Film and Television was God’s way of telling me this MY path …instead following in other people’s path.
Something that we both share is that we come from very accomplished legacies . How has it been creating such an awesome brand for yourself?
- I’ve been in the film and television industry for 11 years . I worked my way from the ground up . It’s been an amazing journey stay tuned for more.
Recently there was a SAG-AFTRA strike were you affected?
Actually I’m a member of the I.A.T.S.E. Union…All the unions stuck together during that time. It was a very rough 6 months. It was rough because I just bought a home literally right before we went on strike…I didn’t get back to work until December 2023.
Excited that you’re back to work! You’ve also done TONS of work in the Music Industry. How is it working with Music Artists?
It has its ups and downs because sometimes they know what they want but sometimes they don’t. A lot of times I find myself taking their vision to another level and expounding their vision and creativity. People keep coming back to me because I’m not just a hired hand , I’m an overall creative. I’m always looking for what’s going to make it pop and what’s visually amazing. That dazzling flare has become my signature. I give it my all I give an extra 200 — 300% .
You’ve been commissioned to work for Def Jam, Cardi B, Wiz Khalifa, G.O.O.D. Music’s G.L.C. , Teyana Taylor, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, The Roots Band, Antonio “A.B.” Brown… Which project was your favorite?
Working with teyana was probably the biggest moment of my life (career wise) ! Also ,that was the first time I worked with a Major Label.
My homie, Tuo Clark, Former VP of Def Jam ….really looked out for your man during the COVID Pandemic.
It was such a moment in time ! Teyana Taylor “Made it” Produced by Kanye West was an Anthem for all the High School Kids that couldn’t walk across the stage during the Pandemic.My work on that project was used EVERYWHERE!
Another extremely notable project was The Roots Holiday and Annual Grammy jam session. It was a really good feeling there was soo much publicity around this art.
Now, you have some even more notable moments in the works! You’re nominated for an NAACP Image Award AND a GLAAD Award. How did all of this come about?
I got an opportunity to work on Showtime Television’s “Heist 88”Movie, thanks to Lisa. (I also currently work with Lisa on Showtime’s The Chi ).
Lena Waithe is the Creator of Showtime Television’s “The Chi” Series and Lena also happens to be a prominent figure in the LGBT Community. Thus, bring “The Chi” to the forefront to be nominated for a GLAAD Award. This is my first time being nominated and it’s happening for my birthday week! SOO hopefully I bring home two gifts .
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