A Conversation with Ian the general

© 2025 Jay Wright Cognizance Magazine

Hip-hop has always thrived on self-expression and breaking boundaries, and few embody that spirit like Baltimore’s own IanTheGeneral. In an era where independence defines success, he stands as a reminder that artistry doesn’t come from a record deal, it comes from purpose, persistence, and authenticity. From writing rhymes at just four years old to finding his voice in the same city that raised him, Ian’s journey reflects the heart of a new generation of creators who are building their legacies on their own terms. 

Cognizance Magazine sat down with IanTheGeneral to talk about his creative process, faith, and the freedom that comes with owning your story. What emerged was a conversation about more than music; it was about growth, purpose, and the power of staying true while chasing greatness.

Cognizance Magazine: Can you start by introducing yourself and telling our readers where you’re from?

IanTheGeneral: Hey, my name is IanTheGeneral. I’m from Baltimore, Maryland.

Cognizance Magazine: Hey Ian, it’s great to meet you. Baltimore has produced some real talent, so it’s always good to see another artist representing the city. I appreciate you taking the time to connect. I’d love to learn more about your journey. What first inspired you to start rapping, and who were some of your earliest musical influences?

IanTheGeneral: Music has always been something that lived inside me. I started creating music and writing poetry when I was just four years old. I’d play on toy pianos, make beats with drumsticks, and even use shoeboxes as drums. During my downtime, I’d write poetry and rhymes. My first rap name was “Lil E.” 

My mom had a big influence on me early on. She managed artists and was heavily involved in the Baltimore music scene. Because of her, I was always surrounded by music. My first time in a real studio was back in elementary school with a well-known Baltimore artist named Caddy Da Don. 

Whenever my mom picked me up, she’d hand me a booklet of CDs and let me choose what to play during the ride. I was always in control of the car’s music vibe, which made me fall in love with sounds and storytelling even more. I was exposed to so much music and so many Baltimore artists growing up that it’s hard to name just a few. Honestly, I think I was influenced by it all. My mom gave me the freedom and access to explore different sounds at a really young age, and that shaped who I am as an artist today.

Cognizance Magazine: That’s great that you were introduced to the music industry by your mother. So tell the readers, how would you describe your sound or style to someone who’s never heard your music before?

IanTheGeneral: My sound or style is a hint of 90s, 2000s, and modern music all in one. It has Baltimore’s punchiness and rawness but mixes with an Atlanta flow. I have an old soul, so I pull a lot from the older generation of music, study how they used their voices as instruments, and blend that with my own style. Mix it all together, and you get The General! Cheea.

Cognizance Magazine: Ok, I like that. You combined different eras to create your own sound. What would you say has been the biggest challenge and reward of being an independent artist in today’s music industry?

IanTheGeneral: The biggest reward of being independent is the freedom. You can move how you want and do things on your timing. The biggest challenge is the investment you have to make in your music. If you look at music strictly from a business perspective, it might seem like a bad decision because you’ll be in the red for a long time before seeing profit. And when you finally do, most of it goes right back into your craft, studio time, videos, content, travel, clothes, and more. But if you love the art, it’s worth it. Getting paid to create something you’d do regardless is a blessing.

Cognizance Magazine: Freedom is definitely the key, as you said. When you’re in the studio, what does your creative process look like? Do you start with the beat, the lyrics, or the concept?

IanTheGeneral: My process changes and grows as I evolve. When I was younger, I wrote everything down in a notebook. Around 2021, I started freestyling everything. Now, it depends on how I feel in the moment. I try not to overthink it and remind myself its art, which eliminates the pressure of everything being perfect, which keeps the process authentic. I focus on making music for my younger self. Sometimes a line will come to me randomly, like in the shower, and I’ll record it on my phone to build from later. Other times, I’ll watch something or go through an experience that inspires me to find a beat that matches the mood. I might write, or I might just freestyle and fill in words as I go. It’s all about capturing the moment honestly.

Cognizance Magazine: Great response. It’s important for artists to evolve creatively. How important is storytelling and honesty in your lyrics? Do you ever feel pressure to follow trends instead?

IanTheGeneral: Honesty and storytelling is super important to me. That’s what I do it for! I’ve never made a song just to chase a hit or money. If I ever did something like that, it never got released. I have too much respect for myself and my message. I don’t need to follow trends. I’d rather grow a loyal fan base over time that truly connects with my music and heals from it versus blowing up overnight with something that has no meaning. I’m here to do GOD’s work by serving. Money and fame fade, but impact lasts forever.

Cognizance Magazine: It’s refreshing to hear that you don’t follow trends. So many artists do, and it stagnates creativity. Tell us, how do you use social media to connect with your audience without losing focus on the music itself?

IanTheGeneral: I’m still learning how to use social media. The funny thing is, I have a solid following, but I’ve never been a big social media person. As I’ve gotten older, I like it even less, but I also understand that not using it would be selfish. I have a platform that can reach people around the world, and I want to use it to spread positivity and purpose. Ask me this question again in our next interview, I’ll have more to share by then. But I’ll leave readers with this: nothing beats love, authenticity, and consistency.

Cognizance Magazine: I’ll remember that. IanTheGeneral, what kind of artists or producers do you hope to collaborate with as your career grows?

IanTheGeneral: I have a list of artists I’d love to work with, but I don’t want to name names. We’ll see what happens if it’s in God’s will.

Cognizance Magazine: That’s understandable. What’s one major obstacle you’ve faced as an artist that taught you something valuable about yourself or the industry?

IanTheGeneral: The biggest obstacle has been realizing that not everything is as it seems. What truly matters is staying true to yourself and that inner kid that’s in you. Use the gifts God gave you to reach the audience meant for you. You don’t need the whole world to know your name to make an impact. Many who gain worldwide fame had to do things they might not be proud of. So, be grateful for where you are. Mind your business and water your own grass and let others admire it from a distance. Their grass might look greener, but it’s probably turf, yours has real roots.

Cognizance Magazine: You’ll go far with that mentality. That’s powerful and rare among artists today. Where do you see your music taking you in the next few years, and how do you want it to impact the culture?

IanTheGeneral: Wherever God leads me, that’s where I’ll go. I’ve already lived the rapper lifestyle, money, cars, women, shows across states and none of it made me happy. I was depressed. God pressed the reset button on my life, and ever since, God’s been blessing me abundantly. I’m giving everything back to God. Whatever impact I leave on this earth will be through God.

Cognizance Magazine: Staying connected to your spirituality is key. God will definitely lead the way. What upcoming projects or goals are you most excited about right now?

IanTheGeneral: Like I said, God has been blessing me abundantly, so I’m excited for everything. Every day brings something new, acting, modeling, music, traveling across the world, and getting paid to do what I love. If you’re curious about what’s next, just follow my journey and watch how big God is.

Cognizance Magazine: Thank you for sharing your story with Cognizance Magazine. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. For those who want to keep up with your music and latest projects, what’s the best way to find you on social media?

IanTheGeneral: Thank you for having me. It’s been an honor. You can find me on Instagram @ianthegenerall, TikTok and Facebook @ianthegeneral, and YouTube under IanTheGeneral. I took my old music down, but clean versions will be re-uploaded soon. Be on the lookout for that. Thanks again. Cheea.