C U L T U R E
various ways to communicate it . I have grown in my craft , especially in collaboration . I wouldn ’ t say the experience has changed me , but it has helped me broaden my scope . What I have taken away from the experience is that you should never let the fear of the unknown compel you to miss out on great opportunities .
GMI : What are your thoughts about rap , hip hop , and poetry as a genre and their impact presently on the global scene ?
JB : My thoughts are that they are durable genres and have stood the test of time . I think one of the reasons is that they have been tools of activism and a megaphone for the working class . They continue to impact the global scene in major ways , probably more so than any other genre . Sometimes it ’ s positive and other times negative . It just depends on the artists and the moral values of the listeners .
GMI : Talking to you for a while now , you seem like a very relational person who values people . What steps do you usually take to keep yourself from toxic relationships ?
JB : People are important . People matter . The last 18 months should have taught us not to take people for granted . I do keep a small circle of like-minded people , as I believe surrounding yourself with people who have a similar vision or drive is edifying .
GMI : What do people misunderstand about you most and what has that taught you about yourself , people , and assumptions ? vision or drive is edifying .
GMI : What do people misunderstand about you most and what has that taught you about yourself , people , and assumptions ?
JB : I think the major one is that people think I am an ultraextrovert because of how I am on stage , but the reality is that off stage , I am pretty reserved . People are bound to make assumptions , but it ' s just the way the world is .
GMI : If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life , what would it be ?
JB : I am a foodie , so this is difficult ! I guess I will go for an East African dish called ugali with spinach and fish .
GMI : What would be the title of the book about you , if your worst enemy wrote it ?
JB : The unforgettable Ex
GMI : What would you say to your younger self , to someone special in your life reading this , if you had a chance at a do over , and lastly , to our audience in parting ?
JB : To my younger self , I would say every action has a consequence – stick to the plan . To someone special reading this : keep going and make sure you continue to be the best you . To the listeners : I appreciate you taking the time to read this . Continue being great .
26