Meet Tony Pilgrim

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tony Pilgrim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tony, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Good question. My self-care routine is a daily visitation to “The 5 Doctors”. These 5 doctors have kept me healthy and in control of my own wellbeing for years.

1. Doctor Sun: The light of the world. The sun provides Vital minerals and energy that charges my body and refreshes my mind. I Like to train outside in the sun, or simply just sit and absorb.

2. Doctor Green: The herbs are for the healing of the nations. Raw fruits and vegetables brings your molecular structure back into homeostasis. Balance in the gut and biochemistry brings balance into your neurological processes. When you eat better, you feel and think better.

3. Doctor Sleep: I feel this is the most slept on doctor.(No Pun intended) Sleep deprivation raises stress levels and lowers life expectancy. We are all so busy and focused on “productivity” that we forget the importance of recharge. I’ve had many sleepless nights that were justified by calling it “Creative hours”, but I’d wake up the next day sluggish and foggy. A good night’s rest that aligns with my circadian rhythm will always yield positive results for the next day.

4. Doctor Exercise: Training daily keeps me from being lazy in every aspect of my life. The mental exercise that comes from physical training feels more beneficial than the muscular gains I receive. Staying active also keeps this body youthful. I remember a few days after my 30th birthday, I got bursitis in both knees. I literally couldn’t walk. lol I realized my knees were weakening and that aging only reveals what shape your in. Exercising keeps my body strong and healthy – no matter how old I get.

5. Doctor Spirit: I practice The presence of God by consistent vocal gratitude. Being thankful keeps me in a state of Peace and Joy. I believe Heaven is inside of me, so I meditate to remain in that place. I believe a connection to the Most High Creator is the only possible way I can Live with right direction and purpose.

Since the world is full of attachments and vices, it’s important that I visit these doctors daily. I’ve had plenty of the days where I “didn’t have time” to visit them, and I’d eventually end up needing a human doctor. lol

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?
Well, I’ve been making music since I was 9 years old. I used to make albums on a fat, old Macintosh computer with my homeboy Chris. I’d burn 50 physical copies of the album and sell it at school for 2 bucks. Always sold out. haha. My stepdad has a studio at the house I grew up in, and eventually I got under his record label with my brother and cousins. We were “The Fetti Boyz” under Fetti Records Inc. We used to do shows all over the city. I remember meeting Zeus Rebel Waters, but he was Big Ruka Puff back then. It’s crazy seeing how his consistency is paying off today. Respect. Over time, I started to fall in Love with dance. There was a noticeable transition from me being a rapper to a Krump dancer. lol I was still writing, but I stopped pursuing a career through it. I spent the last decade and a half expressing myself through movement art. It has taken me to fun places and I’ve met some amazing people. Now, I’m putting all of my experience and passion into my own business.
I am able to serve my community in a way that does not exploit. I can give back while also being a provider to my family. I am in the works of building a website that offers training in dance, fitness, writing and rap theory, open forums for community events and fast, merchandise and music. PLGRM ENTERTAINMENT & APPAREL LLC will be a fully functional business before January 2024. Until then, I’ve extended the opportunity to subscribe to my mailing list for updates.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
PEOPLE SKILLS! Man, that’s vital. Being personable is a skill that can take you further than talent. Prejudices and preconceived ideas of other people never serves us. Knowing how to listen to understand rather than respond and knowing how to speak rather than project brings peace for all. Another great quality that I believe is important is Professionalism; This could mean many things, but I’m mainly referring to having pride in your work/brand. Being integral in what you represent shows consistency and leads to making a timeless impression. Travel. Like, a lot. The more you travel, the more you expand your perspective and step outside of your little comfy, hometown mindset. It’s funny though, I get homesick every single time I travel. I Love it here. lol It’s nice to leave and bring something back to the city.

My advice to those early on their journey is to do the thing. Don’t let fear cripple you. Go! Don’t wait on people who are waiting on people. Open up more. If you have social anxiety, learn how to own it. Gradually build yourself up into the conqueror you are. Stretch yourself. You are truly limitless.

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?
I am always looking for people to collaborate with! I Like to create choreography and shoot concept videos. I’m currently working on a structured improv dance series and would need a videographer and as many dancers as possible of all styles. So far, I only have Krump dancers on the roster.
I am also working on a “Zumba Style” work out routine, and would need a few dancers to join the production of it.
As far as music, I am always down to work with other songwriters no matter the genre.
I’m in need of a quality videographer/ graphic designer/ photographer for promotion and visuals.
in the Apparel department, I’m down to collaborate with other designers, but my primary focus is distribution connections. My research has lead me to some quality partners, but if I can find local artist to work with, that’ll be better for all of us. So far, I’m wearing all of the hats to accomplish the vision. There’s no “I” in team, but the mission will be accomplished regardless. lol

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Alexandria Photography

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