We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Law Bullock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Law below.
Hi Law, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I love this question because truthfully, despite the near twelve years of being a spoken word artist; I’m still witnessing the full picture of my purpose manifesting. I do know for a fact that art is a giant part of it because it has given me so much focus. Ever since I first shared my first poem back in 2012 all the way to now; I’ve found so much of myself through this platform.
We can go so long searching for our purpose; our drive that keeps us going that we will let the moments pass us by that actually show us what our purpose is. For me it was performing on the road as part of a collective that I was just doing it to keep my mind occupied. I began to take my own art for granted, until a poet who I see as my big brother stopped me during an event and told me these words that have stuck with me ever since:
“Bro, I don’t know if you know how good you’re getting on that stage, but I do and sometimes I rather go before you.”
These are the words of an artist who I considered a mentor; that I rather go on before instead of following behind him because that’s how good he is and was. If I am rambling, do forgive me but this is when I found my purpose. To share my story and the stories of others whenever I have the honor of stepping on these stages as an artist.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an artist, as a speaker; my focus is to elevate as far as I can. I have been a traveling poet for going on twelve years this January and my passion to grow has only amplified with each day that goes by. Just how much can I get better; how many stages can I touch, how many doors can I enter so others can walk through them as well.
So far, I have published four poetry collections with my fifth book on the way this fall entitled “Abstract Intoxication.” I have released one spoken word album with a second in the works. I’ve been part of two artistic collectives; recently I had the honor of being inducted into the biggest poetry collective in the world, “Black on Black Rhyme” as part of the Carolina chapter. I’ve competed against hundreds of the best poets in various slam competitions. Been featured in magazines, anthologies, literary exhibits, hosted events, performed in showcases, stage plays and conferences. I also added photography to resume by documenting the Fayetteville poetry scene when others barely acknowledged us.
In 2021, I founded my own LLC, “M.U.G.” aka MUGwithUs as a home to house all of my endeavors as not just an artist but also as an entrepreneur.
Despite all of this, I still look to climb further. I recently put in for a fellowship and in December I will present for the first time “NC Spoken Poetry Showcase” that will feature three poets from around North Carolina.
My story has always been one of trying to prove not only to others but to myself that I am more than average. I’ve always had a dream and what I’ve done and what I am doing constantly pushes me towards it.
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?
I’ll start off with advice to those early in their journey; never allow anyone to define who you are. Whether directly or indirectly; we easily box ourselves and others into certain categories which does limit in our eyes what we are capable of. This road is big in part a mental game. In it being a mental game, a strong support system plays a great deal in your journey. A group of likeminded people who share your drive to elevate themselves. I would not have made it this far without an eventual group of loved ones I now call my fam.
The fact that I dare to dream and in turn chase after that dream is another quality that has helped me on this road. I can thank my mom for that; even though it wasn’t her that planted the seeds of my artistic career. She did help to implement my stubbornness and my faith to not let anyone, or anything block me from reaching the heights I see myself reaching.
Last, but of course not least is networking. This area of knowledge I had to learn from talking to my support system as well as watching others in my field connect with others. I’ve been the social butterfly while also being the loner who rather not socialize as much. To go where I want to go; using more of that extrovert personality has helped me to gain more opportunities that I never thought I would have. Once again forgive me for rambling.
All in all, a solid support system of likeminded individuals, dreaming without being detoured and networking have all helped me thus far on my journey.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My number one challenge that I often struggle with is mentally letting myself get down when things aren’t going where I would like them to, or moving as fast as I would like. Every time I hit a new milestone; I begin to wonder have I actually done that much?
One major way I help myself to overcome this is praying. I was raised by women and a Grandad who taught me to keep faith first; this also leads me to practicing breathing when I’m feeling overwhelmed by disappointment, or anticipation. Then I focus my energy to work on the next project while seeds of the last one grow leading to the current to have a better foundation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lawbullock?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/law.bullock?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-bullock-ii-b90a3174?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawbullockii?_t=8g7x6QxvaCE&_r=1
Image Credits
MUGwithUs -pictures 2, 5-7 and personal picture Monica Haynes -picture 3 Big Bailey -picture 8 Timothy White -picture 4 Yolanda Barnes -picture 1
