We recently connected with Definition Of Artistry (D.O.A.) and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Definition Of Artistry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a music career but never knew how I would make it happen. If I’m being candid, it has taken me a long time to gain some traction, (a lot of it of my own doing). I’m still nowhere close to where I want to be but 2023 was a BLESSING in MANY WAYS for me and it’s only getting better with time.
As far as clothing, it all started as a way to differentiate myself from others while at the same time branding not only myself but my mission and it evolved from there.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is James Pinkney III aka D.O.A. (Definition Of Artistry) and I’m the Founder of Legacy Over Money LLC which is more than just a brand, it’s a lifestyle. The goal of it is to inspire anyone with the ear to listen to be the best version of themselves while giving my blueprint to success. The goal of business is to make money so I’m not saying MONEY IS NOT IMPORTANT, but I believe the true measure of success is the amount of people you’re able to touch and bless with your work, as that’s how you’ll be judged by The Most High.
I’ve been making music and had a fascination with clothing since I was a child. I’ve always been told I had an old soul by my elders as I’ve been told I’m wise beyond my years from as early as 5 years old. In my music, you’ll hear about my entrepreneurial triumphs as well as my failures, parts of my vision, the blueprint to success in any walk of life you may be taking, and life lessons that’ll take you toward the blessings that are meant for you to obtain as our story was written before we were born but nobody said it would be easy or there weren’t things you’d have to do on your end to reach your full potential.
I believe what sets me apart as an artist are the things I listed above but to put it into one word it would be my authenticity which I believe to be lacking tremendously in today’s times, at least with the music that’s pushed in my genre of Hip-Hop. Eventually, I want to provide a platform through my label to let other artists shine after I put myself in a position to do so as I believe The Culture I reference is one where we want to see the people to our left and right shine even brighter than we do. I eventually want to get into other art forms as well as acting, movie directing, etc but as we all know, it’s a process.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In today’s day in age, there’s a lot of talk about the “Independent Artist” as it has become somewhat of a buzzword over the past few years but THIS LIFE IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. We are taking on all the risks for the opportunity to share our thoughts, emotions, triumphs, failures, highs, & lows, and in that, if you as a fan are impacted positively in any way, shape, or form, you must let it be known to that artist! From buying a piece of merchandise, to buying a physical copy of their work, to becoming an unofficial brand ambassador of some kind, etc. We know what it is that we sign up for to some degree as an independent artist but knowing that we’re making an impact with our vision makes all of the hard work we put into our craft worth it as 9x out of 10, we’re going to give you all of the love and support you give right back to you plus some!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Two words: Generational Wealth & financial independence. Most would see those two words and assume they mean the same thing but when I speak of Generational Wealth I’m referencing the lessons from the hardships to took you to acquire the “Wealth” in a traditional sense and being able to relay that to the generations coming after me to cut down on the time. That’s real generational wealth to me and that is what drives me to do what I do.
I made a decision and told myself I HAVE TO make it as an Entrepreneur or essentially die trying. My soul won’t allow me to continue working for someone else knowing that I have a vision of my own that must be pursued and much respect to any other entrepreneur that has faced that same crossroad and chose to do right by themselves.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/DefinitionOfArtistry