For Los Angeles artist and executive Azad, it’s been a long and unforgiving journey to where he is now. Born to Iranian political refugee and renowned poet Majid Naficy, Azad grew up in Section 8 housing with his father, who's been blind Azad's entire life. Emerging from hardship to attend UC Irvine, Azad began his ascent through the music industry in the mailroom of Interscope Records, where he interned while harboring aspirations of becoming a successful rapper. After the internship and college, Azad began releasing music, scoring breakthrough success with single "Spiderwebs" and opening for Kendrick Lamar, Mos Def, and 9th Wonder. When these opportunities didn't generate bigger breaks, Azad continued to develop his craft as a songwriter and producer. In the meantime, he joined the ranks of Mind of a Genius, where his ear for breakthrough music and attention to detail helped him further the careers of Gallant and THEY.. Now back on the scene with new music, Azad is challenging what it means to be both an artist and an executive, and keeping his focus solely on sharing top-quality music to the world.