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

Hi Norris, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I’ve always had a passion for music, but I was working a nine-to-five job that paid well and offered stability. I was thankful for it, but it often left me drained, with little energy or time to focus on my music. I spent years playing gigs on the weekends, writing songs in my spare time, and hustling to get my music noticed. Over time, I realized that I was sacrificing my passion for security, and that didn’t sit well with me anymore.
I started to gain some traction with my music—getting noticed by local radio stations and even booking some bigger shows. I felt this incredible sense of fulfillment when performing and creating. One day, I attended a live music event and saw a fellow artist who had made a similar leap. Their energy and passion sparked something in me. I thought, “If they can do it, why can’t I?” That night, I went home and made a plan.
The fear of financial instability was definitely there. I had to weigh my love for music against the comfort of a stable paycheck. It’s hard to let go of something that provides security. But I also realized that life is too short to not pursue what you truly love. After a lot of reflection and discussions with family and friends, I decided that, for me, happiness and fulfillment in my work were worth taking that risk.
I’m able to dedicate my time to writing, recording, and performing without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. This transition has pushed me to be more disciplined and creative. I’ve been embracing new learning opportunities, collaborating with other artists, and, most importantly, connecting with my audience on a deeper level. I’m still navigating the financial uncertainties, but the joy I feel in pursuing my passion makes it all worth it.
It’s essential to have a plan in place—set goals, save some money, and assess your support system. But when you truly believe in your dreams, don’t be afraid to take that leap. It’s all about finding what brings you joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, life is about the experiences we create, and pursuing what you love can lead to incredible opportunities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, I’ve always embraced the idea of being a “jack of all trades.” My journey as a rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and shoe designer has been a deeply personal and immersive exploration of creativity.

My art is a reflection of my life experiences, and I draw inspiration from a variety of sources—be it the hustle and triumph of everyday people, the energy of urban culture, or the intricate stories we all carry. Each of my songs, for instance, acts as a storytelling medium where I channel my own experiences and those of my community. My single “Drinks on Me,” which earned a gold record, captures the celebratory spirit of togetherness, illustrating the moments that bring us joy.

Acting has also allowed me to dive into narratives and emotions that resonate with me. The diverse roles I’ve taken on in TV and film not only expand my artistic range but also deepen my understanding of storytelling in all its forms.

Through my work as a shoe designer and clothing line owner, I focus on merging style with comfort, aiming to create pieces that resonate with individuality and confidence. Fashion is an extension of artistry, and I strive to empower those who wear my designs.

My mission is to inspire creativity and perseverance. My marketing and promotions company, N.B. Promotionss, is a platform that helps emerging artists and brands find their voice. I believe in lifting others as I climb, ensuring that my success paves the way for others in the industry.

I view my investments and business ventures as part of my creative journey. Building websites and developing my brands allows me to merge technology with art, showcasing the versatility of creative expression.

In essence, my focus is on exploration—whether that’s through music, fashion, or business. I aim to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be an artist. I want to leave a legacy that shows passion, hard work, and the continual pursuit of greatness, inspiring others to explore their own creative paths!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Absolutely, I’d be happy to share a story that highlights my resilience.

A few years ago, I faced a life-altering challenge when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis was shocking, and I quickly found myself in a precarious situation—my condition escalated to the point where my life was in jeopardy. I remember feeling overwhelmed and scared, but I decided that I wouldn’t let fear define my journey. I turned to my faith, which became a source of strength during this tumultuous time. Remarkably, just four months later, I experienced a significant turn of events that I can only describe as miraculous; I was told that I showed no traces of diabetes.

However, that wasn’t the end of my health challenges. Two years ago, I faced yet another critical situation when I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. At one point, my heart was functioning at a mere 10%. The fear and uncertainty returned, but I once again leaned on my faith and support from my loved ones. I committed myself to a rigorous health protocol—diet changes, exercise, and a strong focus on mental well-being.

Today, my heart is functioning at 41%, a significant improvement that I’m incredibly grateful for. Each day is still a battle, but I approach it with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. These experiences have taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about looking for hope, finding the strength to fight, and embracing life despite the struggles.

My journey has shaped not only my health but also my character. I’ve learned the importance of advocacy—both for myself and for others facing similar health challenges. It drives me to encourage resilience in those around me, reminding them that even in the darkest moments, hope and healing are possible. I’m blessed to be here and to share my story, and I carry that sense of gratitude into everything I do.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To effectively support artists and creatives, society needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses various barriers and enhances opportunities for creative expression. Here are several key strategies:

1. **Funding and Grants**: Establishing more accessible funding opportunities, grants, and fellowships can alleviate financial stress for artists. Government and private organizations should invest in grant programs specifically designed for emerging and established artists alike, enabling them to focus on their work rather than financial survival.

2. **Affordable Workspaces**: Providing affordable and versatile studio spaces can help reduce the economic burden on artists. Community-based art spaces, cooperative studios, and incubators can facilitate collaboration and help creatives network while keeping costs down.

3. **Education and Training**: Investing in arts education at all levels—from primary schools to higher education—can foster the next generation of creatives. Additionally, offering workshops and professional development programs for both aspiring and established artists will improve their skill sets and adaptability in various markets.

4. **Public Awareness and Appreciation**: Society needs to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts. This can be achieved through public campaigns, community events, and partnerships with cultural organizations that highlight the importance and impact of the arts on our daily lives. Encouraging dialogue around the value of creativity can enhance public support.

5. **Diverse Platforms for Exposure**: Providing artists with diverse platforms—both physical and digital—to showcase their work is crucial. Local galleries, community centers, online exhibition spaces, and social media platforms can all serve as venues for artists to reach wider audiences and engage with their communities.

6. **Supportive Legislation**: Advocating for policies that protect intellectual property rights and support fair compensation in the creative industries is essential. Concepts such as artist resale rights can ensure that artists benefit from their work over time, creating a sustainable model for their careers.

7. **Fostering Collaboration**: Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration—between artists, technologists, businesses, and community organizations—can lead to innovative projects and solutions that benefit everyone. Community art initiatives that bring people together help build connections and foster a sense of belonging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://itsyaboinb.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsyaboinb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsyaboiNB/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nbmusic/
• Twitter: https://x.com/itsyaboi_NB
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsyaboiNBTV
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rappersanger-1
• Other: https://nbpromotionss.com/
  [email protected]

Image Credits

Norris Bennett