We recently connected with Pook Hustle and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pook, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I show up for myself consistently. Everyday that looks different. Sometimes it’s stretching/working out, other times it’s taking time to invest in myself by buying something nice. This allows me to honest about my pace and make better decisions. Early in my career I would spend my last bit of money and energy to release work or support others instead of pouring myself. That no longer feels good for me so I’m learning to respect my flow and set boundaries so I can reach my true potential.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a Hip-Hop artist and my aim is to raise the bar. People need to see an updated version of masculinity highlighted in contemporary Hip-Hop culture. The caricature a lot of popular rappers display highlights the ills of our communities, combining it with dark aesthetics. I know that Hip-Hop is MUCH more than that. That’s why I want to showcase my perspective to add balance by producing records, products and images that display light, depth and duality.
What I’m most excited about right now is expansion. I have upcoming collaborations with Jamaican born producer and singer KHAJE along with visual artist and painter Cheyenne Tobias. These collaborations are more focused on the visual side of things. Conversations surrounding them has me seeing myself as a “creator” and I love it. Last but not least my debut mixtape “Hustle Mode” dropped in June. I’m really proud of it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Professionalism, honesty and resilience. When I look at the most successful of my peers, they possess these qualities. Luck favors the ready so respect your craft. Show up on time. Communicate if you can’t because bad news travels quick. The quicker you get up or learn after a loss the closer you are to finding success. The best way to develop these qualities is to develop empathy. I know people have their own lives but they continue to extend themselves because they believe in me. I will always honor them because they don’t have to.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
All About Love by Bell Hooks. One quote that stands out is “To practice the art of loving we have first to choose love – admit to ourselves that we want to know love and be loving even if we do not know what that means.” Being that my aim is to share light, depth and duality, at some point I’d love to approach the topic of love yet I’m fearful. So that’s something for me to explore further.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/pookhustle
- Facebook: Facebook.com/pookhustle
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/pookhustle
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/pookhustle
Image Credits
2 Photos in the Hawaiian shirt by @abayomitheshotta Photo by graffiti by @fadedvision_ Photo in the Vintage Store @zatobravo
