Meet ATM Bezzal | Rap artist & Military Veteran

We had the good fortune of connecting with ATM Bezzal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ATM, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Memphis, TN and I practically have seen it all. The good and the bad. Living in Memphis, you have no choice but to mature at a young age. I knew when I was younger I didn’t want to go to college. I wanted to play ball but I knew I was not the best. I love my city and always will but I wanted to bring it with me everywhere I went so I eventually took the military route and joined the Navy. Being in the military, they try to break you of your old habits but they couldn’t take the Memphis out of me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to my music I really feel like I’m way ahead of my time. My talent and work ethic is top tier. Some days I can write songs in 10 minutes, but days when it takes time maybe 30-45 minutes, I still take my time when I put the pen to the paper. I care about what I put out to my fans and supporters. I care about the quality of the engineering and production. I treat the people I work with like family because they’re talented just like I am but they don’t get recognition they deserve. Loyalty is something I learned at a young age and it’s always been in me. It doesn’t matter if you gave me the smallest of a favor, I always keep mental notes on whoever has been there for me. I’ve shown love so much over the course of my life, it’s for sure been a weakness people have taken for granted. I’ve been incarcerated, broke, betrayed, you name it, but nothing compares to the loss of my firstborn baby girl Empress. I had fallen into the deepest, darkest depression ever in life. Slowly over time, I proceeded to get the help I needed to somewhat try to get my life back on track, and at that time I can easily say that was the most difficult thing I could ever do. Those smaller lessons just taught me how to move and avoid all the negativity. It was easy when we I came up with the rap name “ATM Bezzal”. “ATM” stands for “All The Money”. I tell people all the time that I may not have all the money but my goal is to get to it. “Bezzal” just came from my first name, Brent. I want to continue to establish my brand and expand it to everyone who can relate to being a hustler or getting to their bag no matter how you’re doing it. Remember, the only thing that’s stopping you from going forward with your goals, is you. Simple.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a very chill laid back person. I prefer being at home working on a verse, or playing 2k, but I still like to go out and have a good time with my friends. When my people come from Memphis to visit me here in San Diego, the first place I take them is to get the best tacos I can find. Birria tacos is not a common thing in Memphis so I try to get my hands on them as much as possible. I think King and Queen Cantina is one of my favorite spots but if I want something quick I’ll go to Lolita’s. If I wanted to introduce them to the nightlife of San Diego, I definitely would give them a tour of the gaslamp area which is full of different restaurants and bars. One of my favorite hang out spots however is more for people who like to kick back and relax. Sunset Cliffs is hands down my favorite place for me to go and clear my mind and meditate if I’m having a rough or complex day. The scenery by itself is enough to capture someone’s attention.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, shoutout to God for helping me through every battle I’ve been through. Shoutout to both of my kids, Amir & Amira, your daddy loves you and is grinding for y’all. Shoutout to my mom, Shauna for being with me every step of my life. You’ll always be my bestfriend and the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree so shoutout to my grandmama, Mary as well and the rest of my family I love you all.

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@atmbezzal1990