Today we’d like to introduce you to Ismail Abdi.
Hi Ismail, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
the story doesn’t start with a final product, but with a persistent curiosity. Whether the initial spark came from a love for technology, creative expression, or community leadership, the foundation was built on a desire to solve problems and see things differently.
Early on, it wasn’t about having all the answers; it was about the drive to experiment. was born to Somali Bantu parents who fled the Somali Civil War. This heritage is a core part of his identity, frequently referenced in tracks like “Bantu Drip” and “KOY ILIDEEL.”Raised in the wards of Houston (specifically the 3rd Ward), he was heavily influenced by the city’s legendary rap scene—citing local icons began rapping at age 15. He honed his craft at Workshop Houston in the 3rd Ward, a community space where he and his friends recorded their earliest tracks after school.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
To be honest, the road for ismail has been anything but a straight line. Like any journey worth taking, it has been defined more by the detours and uphill climbs than by the flat stretches.
While the “highlight reel” shows the successes, the reality behind the scenes involved several significant hurdles that shaped the resilience Ismail carries today. One of the earliest struggles was simply breaking through. In the beginning, there were moments of shouting into the void putting out high quality work or ideas and not seeing immediate traction
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The “Global” Approach: Unlike many regional rappers who focus solely on local trends, Ishmail intentionally creates music with a “global approach,” drawing from a diverse palette that includes Reggae, Afrobeats, and East African sounds. His music isn’t just about wealth; it’s about the specific intersection of being a refugee child in one of America’s most famous rap cities. This “outsider-turned-insider” perspective gives him a lyrical depth that is rare in the genre.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Workshop Houston (3rd Ward): This non-profit organization played a pivotal role in his early development. After school, Ishmail and his friends would go to the “Beat Shop” at Workshop Houston to record and refine their sound. This community space provided the resources and guidance that allowed him to transition from a student interested in music to a professional recording artist. Ayo Torrance,Ayo Jeremiah & Ayo Aj: These are his primary teammates and creative partners. They frequently appear on each other’s tracks and are credited with helping build the unified “Ayo” brand in the Houston scene. Ishmail frequently cites his parents as his primary “cheerleaders” and advocates. He credits their work ethic and the sacrifices they made after fleeing the Somali Civil War as his main source of motivation. Their resilience is a recurring theme in his music, and he views his career success as a way to honor their journey. While not personal mentors, Ishmail credits Houston legends like Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Z-Ro as being instrumental to his “business” mindset. By studying their independence and local dominance, he learned how to build a “homegrown” fan base before experimenting to expanding globally.
Pricing:
- $2000
- $500
- $200
- 50
- 25
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayo_ishmail1010
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ishmailsouthwest
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ayoishmail
