Pictured Above: Azory Infinite sits in the music recording studio at Good Life Youth Foundation
Sixteen-year-old Azory Infinite hopes to one day make music that is as vast and singular as his last name.
“I want to make something that no one on this planet has made before, … I want my name to be remembered and for people to know I made something new and that I was the first person to do it.”
Infinite is one of the “unexpected entrepreneurs” currently participating in the Good Life Youth Foundation’s (Good Life) HipHop-preneurship program. The program uses hip-hop, music, entrepreneurial education and culture to engage youth living in under-resourced neighborhoods through interactive workshops, boot camps and learning opportunities.
Growing up in the Bronx, Hasan Stephens, founder of Good Life, was acutely aware of the risks associated with living in a high- poverty neighborhood. With schools largely funded by property taxes, children living in those neighborhoods often lack access to quality education and resources. When their ability to succeed is undermined, they face increased rates of violence, incarceration or even death.
To combat these systems, Stephens launched HipHop-preneurship, a program designed to break the cycles of poverty and combat systemic disparities by using hip-hop culture as a tool for understanding, identity, purpose and entrepreneurship.
“During the first three years of our program, none of our participants were arrested,” said Stephens. “Incorporating hip-hop helps engage youth in a relatable way, ultimately providing them the tools they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.”
The yearlong program, designed for youth ages 13-24, culminates in a summer intensive where budding entrepreneurs gain hands-on experience in nine business sectors. This includes areas like music, content creation, marketing, cosmetology, lawn care and more. For instance, Infinite spends his time in a “mock” professional music recording studio and has the chance to mow lawns and learn about lawn maintenance.
Throughout the school year, as participants narrow their focus on a preferred sector, they engage in intensive workshops on financial literacy, leadership and project management. With guidance from Good Life mentors, they also develop a mock business plan which they have the opportunity to pitch at the end of the year.
Winning proposals receive startup funding to bring their ideas to life — opening the door to future opportunities for youth like Infinite.
“My personal opinion is if I live in the trenches and you grew up in a mansion, the only problem is the environment,” he said. “The HipHop-preneurship program has given me mentors, materials and skills that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Growing up, Infinite said he was surrounded by a lot of examples of “what not to do.” He’s seen the personal impacts of gun violence and crime — but he won’t let his circumstances hold him back. Through the support of extended family, he’s been able to beat the odds by using common sense.
“I surround myself with people who are also focused and motivated to create better lives for themselves and their families,” he said. “People thought I was going to end up in the street, but I’ve turned out to be the complete opposite.”
For 10 years, Good Life has designed anti-poverty and mentorship programs for Black and Latino youth living in low-income or under-resourced neighborhoods around Syracuse. We provided the organization with a $50,000 grant from our Anti-Poverty Initiative Fund for HipHop-preneurship to continue making opportunities accessible for youth, like Infinite.
Infinite recently listened to some of the first music he created and says he’s gotten “insanely better” with guidance from Good Life mentors. He has advice for those that might be interested in joining the program:
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” he said. “Whether it’s for music, photography or content creation. You might be the best person here. You might see things that normal people don’t see. You might find a mentor. So why not just give it a shot?”
