top of page

TWO32: THE ARTIST + MUSICIAN

By Kemi Karim

Portraits by Kemi "TRUTHIS" Karim

Life is about making decisions and experiences.
TWO32, an artist and musician based in NYC, discusses love, loss, art, and growth.

Any books that changed your life?​

I feel like “The Secret” changed my life; it's a simple read. It contributed to my newfound control over my

perspective on life.

 

What is your self-love routine?​

When I feel like I’m in a slump, I usually take a day to clean my entire house while listening to the reggae, or R&B

music on my phone. I take at least two showers and use a face scrub, cook myself some food and roll a spliff.  

 

What does love mean to you?​

In my opinion, loving someone means you accept them for who they are and not just the parts you like about them.

Love is consistent. Love welcomes every part of someone with open arms. Love is freedom, not possessiveness

unless you’re into that kinda thing. Love is a lot of things but above all, I think it's a choice.

 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from 2019?​

I’d say it was learning to trust myself and my intuition. Your first thought is usually the right one but we tend to second guess ourselves. Trusting myself is essential in the line of work I do because my art must come from the heart.

 

What do you look forward to in 2020?​

I look forward to more spiritual growth, emphasis on spiritual growth. I look forward to expanding my horizons,

picking up new skills and hobbies. I look forward to being educated in areas such as financial literacy.

I look forward to improving my musical capabilities. More love and more money haha.

 

How do you center yourself in a room full of chaos?​

Ordinarily, I close my eyes for about two to five minutes and take deep breaths essentially meditating without the mudras.

If not, you'll likely see me practicing boxing and karate moves in a corner that’s me making sure I don’t go crazy.

 

Tell us the most important thing you’ve learned from love and loving others.​ 

Outside of love itself, I learned that thorough and honest communication keeps relationships together. This is true for all relationships whether they are romantic, platonic, etc. We live in a society that encourages poor communication skills,

but it’s an essential part of the human experience. If we can communicate effectively, any problem/issue can be rectified.

 

It may not be easy, but it is possible. 

 

Your greatest loss?​

At this stage in my life, I view nothing as a loss no matter how much it hurts me because everything happens for a reason. We may not know the reason at first but there is a purpose behind every situation. To answer your question, I’ll tell you what felt like my biggest loss (at the time). In 2018, after I came home from my tour, my girlfriend at the time breaking up with me, hit me the hardest. On top of processing my uncle’s death, I made every effort to assess my thoughts after touring. It all felt like bad timing. People must do whatever is best for them. For that reason, I can’t be mad at her.

I’ve healed from the situation. There’s nothing for me to really feel about it now outside of knowing it happened.

 

How have you responded to your greatest loss?​

Well, I got drunk in my basement for a few months and recorded a 25-song mixtape called “Back Home”, released in February 2019. It was the only way for me to get all my feelings out in a healthy manner. Otherwise, I would’ve likely been that toxic ex that doesn’t leave you the fuck alone.

Posted on February 13, 2020  2:32 AM

bottom of page