Exxpose Magazine 22 | Page 7

EXXPOSE: Why music? Why now? EXXPOSE: How important is your swag as it related to you image? Cross: Music is my way of telling my life story... the good, the bad, and the ugly, and there's no better time than the present. Cross: I don't do swag, I'm like this everyday it's not something I turn on and off. EXXPOSE: If you had to prepare a speech for the BET Awards or Grammy's what would be the top 3 things you mention at this phase in your career? Cross: First, I would thank God for bringing me through all that he has to get to this point. Secondly, I would thank all those who were with me when the times were the darkest because that's how you know who's really with you. Lastly I would want people to listen and heed my messages in my music because there is power in words. EXXPOSE: What have you done to gain higher learning of the music industry as it relates to actually studies, seminars, conference or conventions? Cross: I go to everything possible so that I can gain as much knowledge as possible and apply it to this business. EXXPOSE: Have you traveled throughout your music career? if so, where to? Where would you like to travel for upcoming targeted performances? Cross: Yes, I've been quite a few places Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Mobile, Tallahassee, Miami, Monroe Louisiana, Shreveport Louisiana, and my home turf of L.A. I really want to do New York and Vegas. EXXPOSE: What is your take on fashion or swag in the music industry? 26 Exxpose Magazine Cross: Some of it's cool, but I just do me. EXXPOSE: What is your opinion about the media and industry celebs personal life? Cross: It's a double edged sword. It helps to in one aspect because you need the media to get known but sometimes the media forgets that you are a real person with a life who wants a certain amount of privacy. EXXPOSE: Does being a music artist also mean being an entrepreneur? If so, why? If not, why? Cross: Yes, it's so much more than music. The music is merely a platform to brand yourself and expand into other media types. EXXPOSE: As an entertainer, what is your insight on investing or saving for a rainy day? Cross: As Andre 3000 said "If you don't move yo' feet then I don't eat". Real artist know that money doesn't always come when you want it to or would like it to so it's best to invest in other things to provide yourself with other revenue streams. EXXPOSE: Reflecting back on your work ethics, accomplishments and/or mistakes throughout your career...what would you do differently in you had to start over again? Cross: Nothing, experience has been the best teacher in the world. If you don't learn fro