Raptology: How do you maintain productivity and reduce overwhelm?
B-Barber: I apply what some some call a mini daily schedule which allows me to manage my time most efficiently. It basically is a combination of being strict with myself and collaborating with others that value time. This method keeps me productive and in a mental and physical space that avoids an opportunity to be overwhelmed.
Raptology: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your music?
B-Barber: When listeners say I have inspired them to get back to doing what they love! To inspire holds a level a value that exceeds all compliments. To inspire someone, you have to earn their respect, give them something they’ve truly enjoyed, something that makes them want to support and stand behind whatever it is you offer indefinitely.
Raptology: How long have you been making music?
B-Barber: To me forever… but on record since 1989 when we dropped my first single on Zakia Records entitled “Massive Material” produced by EKS (Eugene Sackey).
Raptology: Why the gap in commercial releases and resurfacing now? B-Barber: Began with politics, Lack of knowledge and obligations. Over the years I’ve kept my ear to the street, made appearances on mixtapes, collaborations with other indie artists, educated myself, built a studio, raised a family, built a home and many more things. I’d say the answer to why the gap in commercial releases would be “Life & Opportunity”. Most recently I’ve been given some time to build in my studio and the results have led to songs like my new single “U KNOW” (The Flow Is Heat) and many more great songs like it.
Raptology: What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
B-Barber: I would’ve taken more time to educate myself on the Music Business and its many areas before diving in to contribute.
Raptology: What’s the best advice you ever received?
B-Barber: To keep my thoughts, behavior, habits & values positive. Regardless of the situation positive vibes will always promote growth.
Raptology: Tell me more about your latest release?
B-Barber: My latest release is a collaboration between myself and a producer Brevitt Saunders that goes by the name of Castle Money Beats entitled “U KNOW” (The Flow is Heat). The song incorporates all of the elements we’ve loved in the best hip-hop records over the years like a boom bap beat, chopped sample work, with dope lyrics and sharp turntable cuts provided by DJ Tone Spliff.
Raptology: What are you focusing your time on now?
B-Barber: Staying healthy, Marketing and promotion, recording new music and looking forward to a few more collaboration singles and forthcoming album release.
Raptology: What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
B-Barber: I would say, always remember everyone has a right to their own opinion and keep in mind they’re entitled to it. Someone else’s thoughts shouldn’t hold weight on your drive & purpose.
Hulda Hicks was born in Brooklyn, NY in the late ’70s, at the time when Hip-Hop music was just emerging as an art form. Her entire life was influenced by the culture, having grown up in the epicenter of the creative movement.
As a trained musician and vocalist, Hulda got exposed to the industry in her twenties and has worked on projects with iconic figures such as the Chiffons, the Last Poets, and Montell Jordan, to name a few. Her passion for music extended past the stage on to the page when she began to write ad copy and articles as a freelancer for several underground publications.
A written review from “Jubilee Huldafire” is as authentic as it gets, hailing from one creative mind that has a unique voice, on paper and in person.
