Ishmael "Clash" Wilburn
Q What do you do?
“I bring light to dark situations and educate youth on escaping tough environments, overcoming adversity, obstruction and becoming resilient. ”
Through music, art and speaking I've been able to channel my personal memories, experiences and knowledge into tangible goods that restore people's hope and faith in whatever dreams they're chasing.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
The steps I took looked a lot like cutting leaves from my family tree, and allowing myself to feel those built up layers of pain. From there, I would learn how to express that pain in a non destructive and healthy manner. Through practice, self-expression and reflection I've been able to build an audience and community off the strength of my voice, focus in my vision and the path of my journey. It's taken a lot of determination, grit and humility to get to where I am today and where I want to go tomorrow.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My contemporaries lack the empathy of wrath. They haven't gotten to a point where their pride/tongue forces them to rebuild from nothing. This lifestyle is forced onto us in the hood, and breeds champions if conquered. I feel like the way I've managed to stand out in the crowd is being unapologetically myself, real, authentic, transparent and true to my words. The consistency in my character has created some really amazing opportunities that would've gone in other directions had I been projecting to be someone i'm not.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on a children's book, as well as gathering the craziest creatives I know to collaborate and participate in the process of it all.
Q What’s your style?
My style is highly addictive, raunchy, and laced with a semisweet truth. My music project 'Bleu' best represents this.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I had the time for voice acting and video games more, they give me new channels to express without having to be seen. I love that.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
What's frustrating me everyday is that Lakeith Smith is incarcerated for the murder of his best friend. A murder that was at the hands of the police, everyday is Lakeith day until he is free.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
My team starts at 50/hr, I would have them follow me around and write notes on everything we do. History must be written, documented, republished and distributed.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would go back to 16 year old me and tell him that everything is going to be okay. I was so afraid that if I didn't ""make it"" by then that I would die living on the streets.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
If I could reach one expert it would have to be a highly successful musician turned business person. I would showcase all of my current projects and ask for directions on allocating company funds.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for future forward projects, anything that is new and risky! The higher the risk the better I perform to lead my team to victory.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
The ultimate partnership would be an 8month program where I shadow Snoop. He doesn't even need to coach me, just put me next to the work and watch the creativity spew!
Q What is your rate?
Currently my rate is $2500 /hr with for-profit events and just covering my transportation for non profit events.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
If someone wants to work, I would like them to speak to me as a professional human.
Meaning, I want to be able to easily read what they want but also be able to connect to what you're saying. Honesty gets you a lot further with this Midwest baby.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I stay creative by seeking art that amazes me. Artists that do things that I'm afraid to do, and then confronting that fear through in own art!
This member profile was originally published in July 2023