We were lucky to catch up with THE BLACK BON JOVI recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi THE BLACK BON JOVI, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
First and foremost, I turnup any room that I walk in!!! It’s not just my appearance; it’s my swag, music, energy and style. Embracing my uniqueness is my secret weapon. When I perform, I bridge gaps and connect with people on a whole different level. My music breaks down barriers, showing that our differences are what makes us shine. When the spotlight is on, I let my music speak for itself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
First and foremost, I am “The Black Bon Jovi,” aka The Cancer Killa, Dominic J Smith, the Architect of Hip Roc LA and the Prince of Rock ‘n Roll, Pop, EDM and Rave Music. I am ready to take my music international! From the tough streets of Boston, Massachusetts and the south side of Atlanta, Georgia; I’ve lived in Miami, FL and now currently reside in Los Angeles, Ca. My unique blend of Rock, Pop and Edm vibes is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Stay tuned for mind-blowing and unforgettable performances across Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam! 🎸🌟 🌍
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As an artist i believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey have been passion, perseverance, and versatility. My advice for those starting their journey is to cultivate a deep passion for your craft, as it will fuel your drive to overcome challenges. Persevere through setbacks and keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles. Lastly, be versatile and open to exploring different genres and styles, as it can broaden your musical horizons and attract a diverse fan base. Keep rocking and never give up! 🎸🔥💪
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with talented individuals who share the same passion for music. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with producers that are genuine and just to name a few, “Mike WiLL Made-It,” Jeff Blue, Southside, Swizz Beatz and Dr. Dre, as well as, songwriters and fellow musicians such as Bon Jovi, Pink, Bryan Adams, Afida Turner, Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, Billy Idol and Madonna, along with others who bring a fresh and innovative perspective to the table. If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, feel free to connect with me through my social media channels or reach out to my management team. Let’s create something incredible together! 🎶🤝✨
Contact Info:
- Website: HipRocLa.com
- Instagram: @theblackbonjovi
- Facebook: The Black Bon Jovi
- Twitter: @HipRocLa
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dominicsmith25
Image Credits
Photos taken by the following: Jamie Henderson Ig@Dupree_photography Oscar Bracho Ig@Brachomedia Arnold Turner Ig@arnoldshoots