Hip-Hop Artist Nissim Black: The Struggle of Success; the Power of Authenticity; & the Challenges of Bridging Two Worlds

Nissim Black grew up in Seattle as Damian Jamohl Black. His parents were pioneers in the Seattle hip hop scene and his grandparents had also been musicians, playing alongside Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. His childhood was extremely disturbing, both his biological parents and then his stepfather used and sold drugs from home, his mother was arrested; and later died from an overdose. Nissim himself was also involved in gang life in his early years and at age 18 began his career in the gangster rap scene. He was raised Islam, converted to Christianity at age 14, and after a long and intense search for God and spirituality, eventually converted to Judaism in 2012. At that point Nissim exploded back on to the music scene, this time creating music with powerful messages about faith and personal growth. Today, Nissim is a Hasidic Jew living in Israel who is still bringing his sharp beats and hooked-filled rhymes to the masses. This episode of the Empowered Jewish Living podcast is powered by OKclarity.com.  OKclarity.com is THE place for any Jew - no matter how frum or religious you are - to find a top notch therapist, coach, or nutritionist. And its completely free! OKCLARITY.com’s therapists, coaches, and nutritionists are vetted and have extensive experience working with the Jewish community. If you’re in the market for a therapist, Coach, or nutritionist - or if you are a therapist, coach, or nutritionist, you must go check them out at OKclarity.com. Also, if you have WhatsApp, OKclarity has an amazing WhatsApp status or groups with thousands of obsessed followers. Their WhatsApp is a free way to improve your mental health and they post great humor so you’ll laugh too. If you have WhatsApp shoot them a message at 917-426-1495. Find an OKclarity verified professional: https://okclarity.com Join OKclarity on WhatsApp status or groups: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=19174261495&text=Hey!%20I'd%20like%20to%20join%20OKclarity%20on%20WhatsApp.%20(EJLP) Become an OKclarity verified professional: https://www.topjewishtherapists.com/ Intro music is from the song "Change" by Nissim Black.