We recently connected with Colangelo ‘Tip’ Tolbert II and have shared our conversation below.
Colangelo ‘Tip’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
The first time I realized I wanted to be a professional musician full-time was at an early age. I started playing in the band in middle school. I would play the beginner songs and learn how to apply those techniques to the songs I’d hear on the radio. Soon I would play popular hip-hop songs at school. After years of building dexterity and ear training, I excelled through high school and earned a music scholarship to Prairie View A&M University. In the fall of 2021, I graduated with a B.A. in music. I knew getting a degree in music would be a great foundation for me. The music curriculum at Prairie View is very rigorous, and they make sure their students leave as both versatile and well-equipped musicians. After graduating, I started teaching elementary music during the day while performing in different nightclubs and lounges at night. Through performing several nights a week, I learned to love performing again. The energy I would feel from the crowds at my shows was irreplaceable. I wanted to seek further knowledge in my craft, so I decided to go back to school to earn a Master’s degree in Music Technology from Southern Utah University. I’m currently enrolled in their program, and I get to learn the tools for success while directly applying them to what I do as an entertainer. I started DJing to bring another dynamic to my performances. Once I got the hang of it, I started to become addicted to this new way of performing. I often switch between the flute, piano, the talkbox synthesizer, and different saxophones while I DJ to add different layers to songs. Combining DJing with my instrument playing has given me the ultimate approach to entertaining the masses.
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?
I am Colangelo “Tip” Tolbert II. I’m a DJ, musician, business owner, performer, teacher, and genuine friend. I spend the day educating young minds about the marvels of music and working its magic at night. I’m a talented musician that will give you a show to remember. I simultaneously DJ and perform a variety of instruments to create a memorable ambience. My versatile stage presence and capacity for change during my performances are what distinguish me from other musicians. People never go for both a DJ and a live musician while looking for entertainment. I’ve discovered how to combine the greatest aspects of both and have learned the best components of each. With a kid, a saxophone, and a dream, everything began. I never would have thought it would develop to this extent. I will always be indebted to God for his blessings, and I eagerly anticipate more of them in the future.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The power to change the mood in a room while you’re present is the most satisfying quality of being an artist. I abhorred being in the spotlight as a child. I would frequently avoid being the center of attention since I never desired it. No matter how hard I tried to escape it, faith was impossible for me to outrun. When I enter my zone, there have been occasions when I can sense the atmosphere alter in the room. The value of having someone admire your work is immeasurable.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My objective is to motivate and inspire the future generation with my work. Every time I perform, I pray to the Lord that I can encourage someone in the audience to perform to the best of their abilities. I’ll consider my task completed if I can reach just one person and demonstrate to them how God works via my gifts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiptolbertmusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiptolbertmusic?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TipTolbertMusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiptolbertmusic?s=21&t=RRrBzNcH7oS-KiYMWSk_pw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiptolbertmusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Coltolthe2
Image Credits
Desmun Dangerfield M . CD (Dangerfield Media)