Meet Az-Lee Wilbon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Az-Lee Wilbon.

Hi Az-Lee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up without a religious background, my life often felt like an uphill struggle. I endured persistent bullying in elementary school, which laid the groundwork for years of feeling unloved and out of place. This pain accompanied me as I matured, and when I reached high school, I saw it as a chance to transform myself. I thought that by crafting a new persona—one shaped by society’s misleading notions of success, like wealth, status, pride, relationships, and perfection—I could finally achieve happiness and acceptance.

Behind the scenes, I dedicated myself to perfecting every aspect of my life, investing countless hours to project an image of having it all figured out. On the surface, I appeared successful, confident, and content. However, beneath that facade, I remained broken, lost, and profoundly empty. The mask I wore concealed my pain but did nothing to heal it.

Then, during my senior year of high school, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. In a heartbeat, everything I had painstakingly built—this false identity I had crafted—collapsed. My sense of control disappeared, and for the first time, I had to face the reality of how fragile my foundation truly was. I began to lose faith in myself and my ability to persevere. By the end of that summer, despair had taken hold. I had spent my entire life in pursuit of happiness and belonging, yet no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find it on my own. This left me feeling trapped in a cycle of fear and rejection.

However, God had greater plans in store for me. When I entered college, everything started to shift. On August 21st, 2020, I met two campus ministers who invited me to join some events. At first, I was hesitant, but as I spent more time with them, I witnessed something remarkable—God working in their lives. I realized there was so much more to life than fear, anxiety, and loneliness. These individuals radiated a sense of peace, joy, and purpose that I had always yearned for. I came to understand that the life I had been pursuing, based on superficial notions of success and perfection, was leaving me feeling empty because it was built on falsehoods.

On October 21st, I had a conversation with one of the ministers, and in that moment, God revealed the truth to me: the enemy had been stealing all the good from my life. I recognized that my selfishness, pride, and resistance to God were the very barriers keeping me from moving forward. For years, I had blamed others and my circumstances for my pain, but I was finally ready to take responsibility and surrender. That day, I chose to place my faith and trust in God’s plan for my life. Just four days later, on October 25th, I was baptized, and I felt a freedom I had never experienced before. My past sins, shame, and brokenness were washed away, and I embarked on a new journey with God at the heart of it all.

My journey isn’t about my efforts to find Jesus; it’s about how Jesus sought me out. For years, I depended on my own strength to discover happiness and meaning, but that only resulted in prolonged suffering. I became a testament to the fact that no level of personal achievement, success, or perfection can fill the void within us. The reality is, we cannot rescue ourselves. However, the wonderful news is that with God, the enemy is never victorious. When I finally chose to surrender my life to Jesus, everything transformed. God granted me a new identity—one grounded in love, grace, and purpose. My life is no longer shaped by fear, anxiety, or the deceptions of the world. Instead, it is characterized by faith and trust in a God who redeems and restores.

Since then, God has given me the the passion to pursue my talents, such as music and art, in a healthy way as I continue to pursue him and since then I have seen great success. I no longer worry about how I am seen, but who I truly am and that is all that matters to me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In my journey, I faced challenges related to rejection and figuring out who I am, which were intensified by the constant pressure to be flawless and meet societal standards. I experienced many ups and downs, largely due to my fear of others’ perceptions. However, reflecting on those times, I realize they played a crucial role in my self-discovery. I gained valuable lessons from my missteps, evolved as an individual, and improved my skills throughout the process.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Az-Lee Wilbon, a music artist and producer based in Phoenix, Arizona. My skills include rapping, producing, and being a mixing engineer. Most people would know me for being a creative and crafty individual with a lot of creative outlook. I enjoy the ability to transform ideas into tangible experiences for others. There’s an incredible joy in taking a fleeting thought or a burst of inspiration and crafting it into something that evokes feelings, provokes thoughts, or the ability to add to someones day.

I have experienced tremendous growth as a music artist over the years, and I am happy with the progress I’ve achieved. From the early days of searching for my unique sound to now crafting music that genuinely represents me, every moment of this journey has been invaluable. I’ve encountered obstacles, gained insights from my missteps, and dedicated countless hours to honing my skills. Reflecting on my journey—whether it’s through improved songwriting, performing with newfound confidence, or connecting with audiences through my music—reinforces my belief that dedication and passion truly yield results. This is just the start, and I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads me next.

What distinguishes me as an artist my ability to be authentic and vulnerable in the music I create. Rather than solely concentrating on catchy tunes or refined production, I channel my personal experiences, challenges, and growth into my work, enabling listeners to forge a deeper connection with me. My distinct viewpoint, paired with my commitment to honing my skills, helps me shine. I embrace risks, venture into new sonic territories, and remain faithful to my narrative, making sure my music resonates with sincerity and significance.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting your journey as a musician can be exciting yet challenging. My top piece of advice is to be patient and have faith in the journey. Mastery doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time and dedication. Consistency is key to reaching your goals. Instead of mimicking current trends, concentrate on finding and developing your own unique sound—your authenticity is what will truly make you stand out.

I wish I had realized sooner how crucial it is to accept mistakes as part of the learning process. Don’t shy away from trying new things, failing, and learning from those experiences, as that’s where real growth occurs. Surround yourself with supportive and inspiring individuals—mentors, collaborators, or fellow artists—who will encourage you to push your boundaries. Lastly, keep in mind that music is all about connection. Stay true to your own story and purpose; when you create from the heart, it resonates with others. Keep pushing forward, even on tough days. Your passion will make it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azleewilbon/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@azleewilbon
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/azleewilbon
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1krCYrZ13Lp0buLBliJLMZ?si=HyifVlqcRKKCyPDS-9PKBA

Image Credits
Kendrick Clitso April Headings