Urban Grandstand Digital Volume 2, Issue 2 [JR Edition] | Page 39

Mend those wounds and push forward. In this day, we’re dealing with violence, and it’s too much going on. We have a terrible president; well, they have a terrible president (laughing)…

UG. Digital Mag: Right, because he ain’t mine (laughing)

Bishop Don: Right (laughing). Nobody is pushing that love factor. The world is cluttered with fast money, moving quick, messing with anybody as quick as you can. It’s no old school love in the building. Nobody is creating the foundation.

U.G. Digital Mag: Black Ink Chicago! The new season is coming this week. Talk from the standpoint of somebody who is behind in the times, or fell off from watching. Like myself, I watched all of season one, and then I work so much that I missed all of season two.

Bishop Don: OK, well what you’re looking at is you basically missed out on some phenomenal TV (laughing).

U.G. Digital Mag: Man, I know. The last episode I saw, everybody was out of town, and some things went down that I can’t even speak on (laughing).

Bishop Don: Right! That was season two. But you got to realize too that it’s a lot of smoke and cameras. They’ll make something out of nothing; I’ll tell you that much (laughing). But season three, it’s some phenomenal TV. For myself, we are still one of the realest reality shows you can watch. You’e really watching our lives. We’re not trying to be rich and famous. We’re not trying to flex on you wth the cars and what we got. On a lot of shows, they want to show off what they got, and not really living their lives. We’re the reflection of a lot of people's lives, relationships, children, losses in the family and all of that. We speak on all of that and show our true colors. It gives people the opportunity to watch us and find peace in their own situations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still entertainment, but we try to make sure people are motivated, and come out with a sense and ability to get through their own struggles.

U.G. Digital Mag: I think that’s dope. You guys are showing that authenticity, and it’s why so many are tuned in. I’m probably like doing a lot of what you’re doing, so when I watch most of the shows, it’s through DVR, or on my phone. I miss a lot of TV due to work.

Bishop Don: Man. My family and my wife is my witness. I never watched a lot of TV until we were on TV. I was too busy and staying in motion. I understand it.

U.G. Digital Mag: I get it, but what you guys are doing is what brings me back. People do get something from it. Kudos to everything. I also want you to talk about your cigar line.

Bishop Don: For me, cigars became a hobby at first. I loved the vibe and energy at a cigar lounge. It gives you a sense of prestige. The first time I had a cigar, I probably had some of the most intelligent conversations in my life, I swear to God (laughing). Cigars just give any person the feeling of being a boss. I live by that motto of no more ordinary lifestyle. I feel like everybody has an opportunity to pursue their dream and vision. The cigar was another extension of no more ordinary lifestyle; move like a boss, feel like a boss. It all goes together. I got the beard. Six-two with muscles. It was a part of the feeling, image, and look. It was a way for people to feel my vibe and energy. They are called The Don. Smoke this and I want everybody to feel like a don, male or female.

U.G. Digital Mag: The biggest thing I see is that you’re pursuing a dream. It’s no different than me and this mag, or anybody else. I think it’s cool. You’re inspiring a lot of people, and it’s why people connect so well with you. You’re pushing self respect, and really promoting yourself.

Bishop Don: I appreciate that. Those are good, empowering words. You’d be surprised how much adversity we deal with. It feels good to walk in public and people want the pictures, or they speak on how inspired they are. Our headaches and trials keep people going. It’s our duty and responsibility to keep going, giving them a story, and keep people moving forward.