Introduction
In the diverse landscape of the music industry, stories echo with the spirit of passion, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of dreams. Today, we dive into the creative mind of Mike Avant, the visionary CEO and founder of the upcoming record label, Wordz N Vizion. Currently serving as a staff sergeant in the military, Mike brings a unique blend of discipline and creativity to the world of music, shaping the narrative of Wordz N Vizion with his diverse experiences.
Mike’s leadership has elevated Wordz N Vizion into a space where the values of legacy, brotherhood, and the spirit of passing it forward are paramount. I had the opportunity to interview Mike, asking him about how he got started and more. This article provides insight into the visionary force driving Wordz N Vizion‘s growth and its profound impact, extending far beyond the confines of the music industry.
In the Beginning: Crafting Rhymes from Memphis to the Airwaves
In the early chapters of his musical career, Mike Avant, the visionary force behind Wordz N Vizion, found his roots in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee where he attended the University of Tennessee to get his degree in social work. Before the establishment of Wordz N Vizion, Mike was already shaping his destiny as a rapper. His lyrical excellence soon transcended as he showcased his freestyling talent on the city’s radio waves, making a lasting impact with just a few memorable performances.
As Mike continued to cultivate his musical identity, opportunities unfolded before him. In the earlier days in the army, a crucial turning point materialized when a perceptive military colleague recognized Mike’s talent and encouraged him to share his mixtape with Elvin Vega, a local producer renowned by his stage name Legacy Trackz. This encounter not only marked the inception of Mike’s transformative journey but also laid the groundwork for the evolution of No1zShadow.
Unveiling the Visionary: Mike Avant, aka No1zShadow
Mike Avant’s journey with Wordz N Vizion began with an unexpected twist, a challenge thrown down by a fellow artist—a turning point in the life of a man serving in the Army. Hesitant at first to showcase his rap skills due to stereotypes in the military, Mike’s perspective shifted when encouraged to enter a rap challenge by a fellow artist. Rap Master Ricky, is a catalyst for would become a transformative journey for Mike and the birth of Wordz N Vizion.
the discovery of his mentor Ricky a 27-year retired combat command sergeant major led to the subsequent evolution of Wordz N Vizion from a mere concept into a thriving collective. What commenced as an individual endeavor blossomed into a community-driven movement, echoing the mantra that it transcends individuality; “it’s bigger than us.”
The Motto that Echoes: “It’s Bigger Than Us”
At the heart of Wordz N Vizion beats the resounding motto, “It’s Bigger Than Us.” For Mike, success transcends personal milestones; it’s about a broader impact. The motto isn’t just words; it’s a mission, especially shaped by Mike’s experiences challenging stereotypes in the military community.
In a space where rap and hip-hop face biases, notably within the military, Mike confronted stereotypes due to his association with these genres. Rather than succumbing to preconceptions, he transformed these challenges into opportunities. His vision for Wordz N Vizion extends beyond a traditional record label. It’s a commitment to providing a platform where artists, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can define and achieve their success.
Mike’s philosophy centers on an impact that goes beyond the visible. In his words, “So if I start here and I light a fire and then the fire ignites the world, then cool, but who’s to say that that’s all there is? This whole world could catch on fire, and then it sets the next planet on fire. Think about that—there’s a type of way I kind of think about stuff, it’s the unimaginable, the impossible, it’s all of those things making a way out of no way and making things come from nothing.” He envisions Wordz N Vizion as a transformative force, challenging norms and creating paths where none existed. For Mike, it’s not just a label; it’s a movement— “It’s Bigger Than Me.” which later transcended into “It’s Bigger Than Us”
Wordz N Vizion: A Visionary Collective
The birth of Wordz N Vizion was not a sudden occurrence but a gradual unfolding of artistic connections, mentorship, and shared aspirations. It started as a personal expression of Mike’s artistry, grew through collaborations with fellow soldiers like Peenut The Unsung and Otziell, and expanded into a collective vision that extended beyond individual projects. Notably, among the various projects at Wordz N Vizion is the creation of safety music curated for individuals in the military, addressing themes related to mental health, safety while driving, and other safety concerns. The philosophy driving these initiatives is rooted in the belief that if they have the platform, why not use it to make a positive impact on the well-being of their community and beyond.
Adding to their impact, military organizations and agencies such as the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, National Safety Council, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, and Cumberland County Schools have acknowledged and adopted Wordz N Vizion’s music and videos. These recognitions underscore the meaningful contributions Wordz N Vizion is making within the military community and beyond.
In the Making: Wordz N Vizion’s Unfinished Story
The journey of Mike Avant and Wordz N Vizion continues to unfold, a symphony of resilience, passion, and collaboration. As the rhythms of transformation guide their odyssey, one can’t help but anticipate the harmonious notes they will compose in the chapters yet to be written. Stay tuned for more, as Wordz N Vizion strives to make its mark on the ever-expanding canvas of the music industry and be sure to check the links below to keep up with their latest on social media and music streaming platforms.
Links:
Wordz N Vizion Website- wordznvizion.pro
Wordz N Vizion Social links- https://linktr.ee/wordznvizion
Do that safety- https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Video-Library/Video-Player/VideoId/524/do-that-safety