BIZZY BONE

The last few weeks have found me extremely busy working to secure this interview with Artist Bizzy Bone. It has truly been an interesting journey for me and in some ways offered a real life glimpse into the world of celebrity, music, the ups and downs of one man's struggle, and his ultimate realization that "Noboby Can Stop Me."

Bizzy is a former member of the Columbus Ohio based group Bone Thugs & Harmony. They garnered critical acclaim including a feature on the Batman movie soundtrack with the memorable tune "Look into My Eyes." Bizzy's unique high speed rhyme style and vocal quality have earned a GRAMMY, Michael Jackson Soul Train Award, An American Music Award and The NAACP - Back To School/Stay In School Youth Rally Award. His golden tresses, have been symbolic of his bi-racial heritage as well as his torrid childhood. His bout with drugs and alcohol, well that was also played out publicly according to some industry insiders. In speaking with Bizzy, one can surmise that, he spent most of his past life fighting demons.

As in the movie "Pursuit of Happyness," Bizzy went through a bout of homelessness and with that experience, says he has come away spiritually stronger. He began the "Walk in My Shoes Campaign" which allows him to "help those that want to be helped." He was very clear to me that he "did not choose homelessness." He said that, "circumstances caused him to be "down for a few days." Those days, according to Bizzy, are gone now.

My conversation with Bizzy was shared with Manager Kanardo Davis and his Publicist. As we began chatting, his Fiancee came into the room, ushering him to quickly excuse himself as he welcomed her in with a kiss. The entire interaction with Bizzy and his inner circle made it very clear that he has insulated himself with a close knit group of professionals and confidants that want to make sure his "return" is nothing less than stellar.

Bizzy is extremely focused on finding solid ground with his music and his life. He speaks of Allah and God in his conversations and is confident in his choice to stick with spirituality because in his words, "any other way would be uncivilized."

His golden tresses are now gone and he is practically bald except for some artistically designed lines in his hair. In biblical terms, this could be reminiscent of Samson & Delilah or symbolic in a sense of his re-birth. Bizzy is fighting his way back and has left one way of life behind choosing to enter into another. One of his remixes "Listen" featuring Beyonce speaks about being at a Cross Roads. In listening to the conviction and decisiveness in his tone and posture, it is clear that even though he might have chosen the "road less traveled," his life and music might be the better for it.

Saba, Ink: There has been lots of dicussion about your transformation. Can you talk to me a little bit about your spiritual journey?
Bizzy Bone: Before I came to earth, I was in a place where I chose my own body. I picked myself. Then, I found myself in a milky way tornado in which I found myself screaming "No." Then thru the foster homes, abuse and the group I was with for 5-7 years, I was introduced to the garden.
Saba,Ink: Wow! That is an interesting way to look at things.
Bizzy Bone: With this, I began counseling spiritual entities, helping others and to this day I still do it.
Saba,Ink: Tell me about your choice of homelessness in your "Pursuit of Happyness"
Bizzy Bone: It was no choice! I was down for a few days and with the grace of Allah, the centralization of Allah and the realization that you are loved the torment is going. If you are not a King, You cannot sit with Kings.
Saba, Ink: An elevator pitch is your 60 second chance to promo yourself. Here's your opportunity. What do you want the world to know about Bizzy Bone? What should we be looking for musically from you in the future.
Bizzy Bone: Listen to the music! The rebirth is real and look out for the books.
Saba,Ink: You have some books out?
Bizzy Bone: I have a book out. It is called Glory Phing and talks about my spiritual journey.
Saba,Ink: So, talk to me about your upcoming album.
Bizzy Bone: The new album is titled, "Psalm For You" not a Song For You. It features artists like Twista, Jim Jones, Trina, DMX, Good Charlotte, Chris Notz and I hope I'm not forgetting anyone.... and of course After Platinum and Virgin Records.

Saba, Ink: Is there a release date?
Bizzy Bone: I'm not too privy with that. I will leave it to my management.
Publicist: Kanardo, I think we're looking for the late Summer?
Kanardo: That is the target.
Saba,Ink: For those that don't know Bizzy or those that want to hear some of his new material, where can they check it out?
Publicist: Well, since the song selections are in progress, they can listen to some of his great new re-mixes on his myspace page.
Saba,Ink: Yeah, I looked at that. Great new look and nice sounds...
Publicist: Thank you. ..., yes Bizzy is back and not on any small label. He's got a great, street team, radio team, management and professionals behind him.
Saba,Ink: It sure sounds like it! I'm looking forward to seeing the final product. Thanks for your time everyone....peace and blessings to you all.
Bizzy Bone: And to you all the same!

Bizzy is in the Studio constantly nowadays. He is excited about his deal with Virgin Records, is looking forward to releasing his new album and continues to celebrate his RE-BIRTH. Here's to the Survivor in us all!!