Elmont Artist Calls for More ‘Unity’ in His ‘Melting Pot’ Community

We often say that the Elmont community is home to excellence in many forms. Perhaps a lesser known facet of the Elmont neighborhood is its dynamic ‘underground’ music scene.

Largely on the web and out of town, Elmont natives and alumni have for several years been especially active in the worlds of music, dance, performance art, and entertainment.

However — due to lack of infrastructure, support, and unity, these artists (and their work) are usually fragmented across different mediums — essentially off the radar of everyday Elmont residents.

In our interview, Elmont native and artist, Rah Hoolian, discussed the Elmont community’s diversity, his wish for more unity, and his ‘infectious’ work ethic in constant pursuit of his dreams.

Please enjoy our interview!

Interview by Karl Valere for The Elmont Excelsior. Answers by Rah Hoolian of Hoolian University.

Your Name: Rah Hoolian

Favorite album of all-time: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast

Artist whose legacy you admire: Sean Combs (P. Diddy)

Year graduated from Elmont: I didn’t — left Elmont in 2007 & graduated [from a school] in Queens back in 2009.

Hidden talents: Being a father to my children. I’m known for so many other things so when I’m seen with my children out in public the love and feedback I get is amazing.

Out of the other forms of expression, what made you choose music?

To be truthful, I started drawing but I sucked at that, so I started dancing then somewhere along the line I got too ‘cool’ for that. Music was the only way I could really express myself.

How would you describe your work ethic? Where does it come from?

Infectious. I’m in love with the culture which makes my work nonetheless a job but an opportunity to make my reality and dreams transparent. It comes from the constant phrase playing in the back of my head that ‘time is the final currency’ and the thought of knowing I haven’t yet given it my all.

20170206_214721 — *Photo courtesy of Rah Hoolian/Hoolian University.*

There are plenty of artists. Does the Internet make it easier or more difficult for your music to reach people?

Most definitely easier. It gives me the outlet to be seen. Some people get put on pedestals bigger or smaller than others but the internet always finds a way to balance back out.

In what ways has being from or living in Elmont impacted your success, if at all?

Elmont is a melting pot of New York, which gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures and walks of life in a controlled environment. You get the good, the bad and the ugly of New York, which is key to me telling my story.

What do you wish there was more of in Elmont?

More Unity and young entrepreneurs.

What makes you unique or sets you apart as an artist:

I have the ability to turn trash into Ruth Chris and capitalize off of what others can’t…..”That’s the Truth.”

Screen Shot 2017-03-26 at 2.49.28 PM.png — *Photo courtesy of Rah Hoolian/Hoolian University.*

What is your favorite song of yours and why?

It’s called “Forever” and ironically it’s unreleased and unrecorded, but I’ve been working on it for about 7 months. But the hook is the reason why it’s my favorite — it’s clear and straight to the point like all of my work.

It goes, “You know the streets don’t last forever/You gotta change up for the weather.” I think that pretty much speaks for itself, no matter what walk of life you’re from you always need to have an exit plan.