The Story of A.I. the Anomaly (Rapographies Ep. 1) [Watch]

A.I. the Anomaly, real name Aitina Fareed Cooke, is a mom, wife, rapper, filmmaker, photographer, entrepreneur, and teacher. She was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where she found solace in writing lyrics as a child after being labeled “emotionally handicapped.” Her counselor encouraged her to use words as a way to express herself, which ultimately led her to become an artist. Today she is known for her truth-filled, thought-provoking lyricism.

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A.I. faced a number of hardships and trauma during her adolescence, including the death of her mother when she was just three years old and not having her father in her life. She and her siblings were placed in foster care, and she eventually found a new home through adoption. Despite finding stability in her new family, she struggled with self-esteem and emotional well-being throughout her teenage years.

It was during this time that A.I. developed a love for filmmaking and photography, which would later become important aspects of her artistry. She also became drawn to Christian values, thanks to her foster mother’s relationship with God, and developed a deep desire to build a relationship with God herself.

In 2019, A.I. signed with the God Over Money record label, becoming their sixth artist and first female artist. Her label-mates, Datin and Selah The Corner, helped her develop as an artist and lyricist. She has since released three albums on streaming platforms: Sever Threads (2019), BLNKNVS (2019), and Soul’s Acrylic (2021), as well as a 5-song EP titled Sibling Rivalry in 2022.

A.I. has gained a significant following, with over 77,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. She was also featured as a Rapzilla Freshmen in 2020 and won the 2022 Rapzilla Award (Reader’s Choice) for “Women’s Spotlight Artist of the Year.” She has also collaborated with other notable artists whose projects received Rapzilla Awards in 2022, including Lecrae on his Church Clothes 4 and God Over Money’s Us Against the World. To add to her partnership with Lecrae, she was featured in Lecrae’s “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration: The Unashamed Rappers” in 2022 alongside Lecrae and other artists including Not Klyde, Jon Keith, Wande, nobigdyl., and 1K Phew.

A.I. is intentional about engaging with her community and has contributed to the development of programs and opportunities for the youth that provide them with alternative, engaging activities. She started her own business, Get Fokus’d Productions, which teaches people how to tell stories using a camera and invests a portion of its profits in the next generation. Furthermore, she devotes her time and attention to working closely with other artists, helping them develop their craft and providing opportunities for the artists to be showcased.

In March of 2023, A.I. had a residency at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania, where she gave class visits, presentations, and a theatrical hip-hop performance to ignite thought and expand perspectives. A.I. is passionate about using her gifts and roles to be a living example of Christ and inspire others to do the same.

Watch the A.I. the Anomaly Below:

 

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