the founder [part 2/5] — behind the creative vision of the smartest animal

Origin of A2

Siri: Talk to me a little bit about how A2 was born. Is there a deeper meaning to that as far as A2 goes?

A2: Well, I haven’t gone by AJ my whole life. Let’s start there. I had different nicknames growing up. My first name is Asnel and my second first name—because I have two—is Agapito.

So my stage name, A2nelito, is a condensed version of those two names: Asnel, Agapito—the two A’s—and then the last three letters of those first two names: N-E-L, plus I-T-O. A2nelito.

Asnel is my dad’s name, Agapito is my grandfather’s name on my mom’s side. I’m the first boy in the family because my mom has three sisters. So from the jump, when we’re talking about A2 and its inception, it was important to me to come up with a stage name that represented nobody else but me.

It was about self-awareness and authenticity. Nobody else in the world has my full legal name; it’s long when you look at the birth certificate. This was a way to find my identity within myself, but also create an artist identity. I didn’t know then that it would eventually make FILMHOP, or involve networking globally, but I had this artistic bucket in mind.

Before AJ and A2, I was called Jr. growing up because I had my dad’s name. People thought Jr. were initials for something else, which they weren’t. That was strike one. Strike two: I got tired of explaining my name. I just wanted something that made sense off the rip so I could shut down the conversation if I wanted to. That’s where AJ came from.

By 16, when I moved from New Jersey to North Carolina, it was easy to step into a new school and say, “I’m AJ—boom, problem solved.” It was an ultimate chess move for me to step into my own identity, separate from family expectations and upbringing.

Even though AJ originally stood for Asnel Jr., nowadays I just let it be AJ. That’s it.

College Years & A2 Evolution

A2: By sophomore year of college, I was deeply invested in music. I had been learning instruments beyond piano, which I started at age four. I was in classical contexts but wanted a modern, alternative, improvisational path.

I had to decide how much formal music education to pursue, and I made a minor in music. Moving forward, any investment I made in music would be intentional. I experimented with stage names when writing poetry and blogging, but nothing stuck.

A2 came naturally—it wasn’t about being corny or popular. It was authenticity. That’s how A2nelito was born.

Faith & Music

Siri: You mentioned family expectations and faith. How did that shape your music?

A2: Faith has always been central to my life. The first track of my first album, Vessel, represents me as an artist—a vessel for authenticity, self-awareness, and community. My parents guided me toward music with that in mind, but as I innovated beyond church ministry, it sometimes created tension.

A2: I learned other instruments—clarinet, violin, B clarinet, a semester of organ in college. I can work around guitar and bass—but piano has always been the core. My parents’ joy came from seeing me accompany them, performing in church.

The A2 identity is multidisciplinary, not just music. It’s for people who understand entrepreneurship, legacy, and creative vision. AJ handles logistics, finances, and keeping the foundation strong; A2 is the artistic vessel on stage.

Cultural Influence

Siri: How has your cultural background influenced your art?

A2: I’m multicultural—my mom is Filipino, my dad is Haitian. Growing up in a household proud of its identity shaped me. Haitian culture taught me community; Filipino culture emphasized connection and caring for others.

I apply that community-centric approach to my art. It’s not for me to keep; it’s to share. Every performance, every piece, is meant to connect, inspire, and amplify.

Undeniable Energy

A2: The word for me this year is undeniable. I want my art, my soul, everything I do to be undeniable. Musically, sonically, across mediums—I want it to be so good that it can’t be ignored.

It’s not just about me; it’s about legacy. Music lives beyond me, motivating the next generation to embrace authenticity, appreciate themselves, and stay convicted in their passions.

Favorites & Personality

Siri: Quickfire—your favorites?

• Favorite food: Anything my family makes—rice and beans, white rice.

• Favorite cartoon: Ed, Edd, n Eddy. It was quirky, carefree, and different from the formal atmosphere I grew up in.

• Favorite villain: Joker—his individuality, impact on the plot, and behind-the-scenes influence resonate with me.

• Pet peeve: Voicemails—just text me.

• Favorite thing to waste money on: Chee-tos, white cheddar for sure.

Ideation & Let Them Dream

Siri: How do your projects evolve over time?

A2: Ideation is fluid. Dreams increase creativity and allow ideas to flow through seasons. Nothing I create dies; ideas continue to evolve, like a phoenix. Even my first Film Hop single is just one iteration. Let Them Dream is about giving ideas room to grow, evolve, and manifest.

Life Outside Music

Siri: When you’re not A2, what are you doing?

A2: I focus on health and wellness. Chronic back pain led to the song Rehab Gospel. I stay stretched, hydrated, and mindful of inputs. Being offline, outside, in nature helps me reconnect with myself. My best work comes from that balance—art, health, and life intertwined.