Iman Nunez Is Making Room for More

An Artist Who Keeps Learning

Iman Nunez has been building his place in New York’s hip-hop scene for years. Known for his lyricism and storytelling, the rapper has developed a catalog, cultivated relationships with fellow artists, and earned the respect of some of the city’s most recognizable names. But beyond his ability to rap, there’s a curiosity that has continued to shape his career.

In an August 2022 interview with On The Radar, Iman reflected on the process of finding his identity as an artist. Early in his career, he experimented with sounds and subject matter that didn’t necessarily reflect who he was. Over time, he noticed that the records listeners connected with most were the ones where he was being completely honest. Rather than chasing a particular image, he began trusting his own experiences and perspective.

That willingness to learn has influenced more than his music. In the same interview, Iman discussed his unconventional rollout for Rosedale, which involved releasing songs individually, each accompanied by a music video, before eventually assembling the complete project. He wanted to give every record an opportunity to be heard rather than have listeners move on from an entire album after a few weeks. It was a strategy informed by his experience releasing consistent freestyles during the pandemic and observing how audiences responded.

His creative interests also extend beyond the studio. An avid film enthusiast, Iman has expressed that if he weren’t making music, he’d pursue filmmaking. His appreciation for storytelling, whether through music or cinema, reflects an artist interested in the many ways people communicate their experiences.

For Iman, developing as an artist has meant remaining open to new ideas without losing sight of who he is.

The Company You Keep

Relationships have played a significant role in Iman’s career, from the artists he creates with to the supporters who show up for his music.

During his On The Radar interview, he recalled spending three years regularly visiting D-Block’s studio alongside fellow artist Rondon. Rather than asking for opportunities, he focused on writing, recording, and showing up consistently. Eventually, that dedication earned the respect of Styles P and Sheek Louch, who collaborated with him on “Roberto Cavalli.” Styles P later featured him on “Yes Lord” from his project PRESENCE.

His approach to building an audience has been equally personal. When preparing for his first headlining show at SOB’s, Iman chose to hand-deliver physical tickets instead of relying on online sales. He traveled throughout the tri-state area, including Connecticut and Pennsylvania, because he wanted to personally connect with the people supporting him. The show sold out, as did a subsequent performance at the Knitting Factory.

Years later, that emphasis on relationships remains evident in his music. During a listening event for his latest project, when will u call?, Iman explained that many of his recurring collaborators are also his friends. They’re artists he genuinely admires, people whose ideas and abilities inspire him to explore new possibilities.

The album features Abby Jasmine, SWEATA, TJ Brown, Sol ChYld, and Rondon, each contributing something distinct to its sound. Iman has spoken about allowing those contributions to shape the music, whether that meant keeping a reference hook Rondon recorded or working with TJ Brown to create the kind of record he’d been wanting to make.

Even the producers accustomed to making harder rap records with him were encouraged to explore unfamiliar territory. Jesus, one of the project’s key creative collaborators, helped bring its musical direction together.

There’s an understanding throughout Iman’s work that collaboration isn’t simply about collecting features. It’s about recognizing what other people bring to the creative process and making room for those contributions.

Collaboration isn’t simply about collecting features.

A Different Side of Iman

Released September 29, when will u call? introduces another chapter in Iman’s musical journey. While listeners may primarily recognize him for his rapping, R&B has always been part of his musical foundation. It’s the music he grew up listening to, the music he drives to, and a sound he’s wanted to explore more fully for years.

Across 12 tracks, the project leans into that influence, balancing intimate storytelling with melodies, rhythmic production, and a range of vocal performances. Its featured artists help create a listening experience that moves between different moods without losing its direction.

Earning the No. 1 spot on this week’s Intuned Top 10 is “ticky,” featuring TJ Brown. Sultry, seductive, and effortlessly suited for a bedroom playlist, the record highlights a different side of Iman’s musical sensibility. It also feels right at home within the project’s broader R&B atmosphere.

During the album’s listening event, Iman reflected on how his ambitions have changed. When he was younger, he wanted to become the greatest rapper in the world. These days, he’s more interested in making timeless records, music he can return to a decade from now and still enjoy.

That change in perspective has also opened the door to experimenting with how he distributes his work. For when will u call?, Iman partnered with FIRSTPRESS to offer the album for direct purchase. Having never sold an album before, he saw an opportunity to try something different.

It’s an interesting continuation of the approach he described back in 2022. Whether releasing Rosedale one song at a time or inviting listeners to purchase his latest project directly, Iman has consistently looked for ways to rethink how his music reaches people.

And despite this latest exploration of R&B, he hasn’t abandoned his roots. He’s spoken about wanting to bring his musical worlds together, finding ways for his love of New York rap and R&B to coexist.

After years of developing his craft, Iman Nunez isn’t starting over or trying to become an entirely different artist. He’s drawing on the experiences, relationships, and influences he’s accumulated along the way, allowing them to inform what he creates next.

An artist who has always had more than one story to tell.

With when will u call?, he’s giving listeners another side of an artist who has always had more than one story to tell.