We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monroe Chatman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monroe , thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

At the time I was in the Navy stationed in Sasebo, Japan and there was a rap contest at this Hip Hop/Reggae club. Honestly, I don’t think it was legal for us to be in that part of town. There were parts of Sasebo that Americans were not allowed. I remember being nervous for this contest cause there was a cash prize for 1st and 2nd place and I wasn’t prepared at all! Finally, I get there and calling me up and the butterflies kicking in and a abundance of hand shakage. My girlfriend that I just started talking to was there and that was inspiration to go all out crash and burn or fly. Also, some of my homies was there from my ship for support as well. As usually, performing times are always inaccurate so I get there at 9 pm and on ice to perform at 11 pm. It was a blessing that I went up so late because it allowed me time to run through my lyrics. Eventually, I performed two songs and I did ok to my standard, but people were going crazy. That didn’t mean too much because most of them didn’t understand English, lol! So after all the performances they allowed the crowd noise for each artist to determine prize placement. Initially, they had me at 3rd place and my homie Pat Vassell was pissed off about that and he went to talk to the judges. Shout out to P.A.T. from NYC! Unexpectedly, before I left I was in 2nd place and I forgot if it was like 50 or 80 yen, which is a equivalent to 40 or 70 dollars at the time. I don’t remember but I think I split the money with Pat. It was a great night and a awesome outcome for my first time ever performing. I left with so many lessons from the experience.One, nerves are temporary and mostly everything is in this world. If you have a opportunity walk through door if you prepared or think you not. Also, if you in performing in Japan learn a few things about the area and a little Japanese to implement it in my performance. If you in a contest know what your audience is receptive to in regards to beat or music selection. If I would have done that I would have won first place, but on the flip side I wouldn’t have discovered these gems I’m sharing with you. 1st place or second place I’ll let you be the judge which one was best!

Monroe , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started with freestyling with my Uncle Larry Cousin Charles and Leon over other artist beats, having cyphers. My uncle promised to take me to a studio at somebody’s crib but never took me to one, but he told me to write a song called ball and chain but because I was a 14-years old I thought he said balling in change, lol.

I wrote that song to memory in my head washing dishes, that song was featured on my first and only album “Something to Talk About” that was recorded in a small town outside of Fukuoka, Japan during my first tour in the Navy. After that song, I wrote a poem for my 8th grade graduation and people thought it was hilarious. At that moment I knew I had a way with words to paint pictures with words.

First rapper that I was enamored by was Mac of No Limit Records who was a rap prodigy in New Orleans. Then I heard Nasir Jones’s “I AM” album. A friend of mine Bruce let me borrow his discman in school, and Nas was in the disc player. This was before anti-skip so had to be real careful with handling it, while listening to a hood art gallery. I began to write like crazy. Most of it was trash. Over time I became a lot better. Now, I produce write and arrange. I released about 5 songs on Youtube, Bandcamp, Spotify, etc. I enjoy to work with young artists who are not clones, open-minded, focused, and just saucy!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After 9 Traumatic Brain Injuries 5 concussions I can still speak remember somethings. I am still able to be creative and Im grateful for it. Its not my resilience but Gods strength in my weakness. My last accident I was riding a bicycle and was hit by a car in a hit a run. There was no evidence on cameras of what happened, there were no witnesses, there was no way to be compensated, and I forgave that person and released them in to Gods hands and blessed them to heal from there trauma and to have a tender heart towards the Most High. It didn’t stop me from doing music, performing, touching lives, and inspiring those who have had TBI’s like me.

If you wanna hear what happened click this link :

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my opinion, that’s not a society problem. That’s a artist problem. When a person knows what they have is amazing no matter what anyone says and has faith God will help them to put it in front of those who need something amazing, it’s a wrap. If a artist doesn’t support their own vision for their art, why should anyone else support someone who doesn’t believe in themselves and their vision. When it comes to fostering a great environment for children to hone their craft that’s when its a society issue. Currently there are plenty programs that support them within the school system and non profits in San Antonio.. I think it starts with me taking someone under my wing teaching them what I know and answer their questions. Those that are more seasoned in whatever genre of artistry realizing when it’s time to give back and putting their hands to the plow. This generation will not listen if they thank you don’t care for them and their thoughts. Care for one or two artist and they do the same for others when they are my age. Lastly, defining what support is now days. Support has been narrowed down to a like, buy, show up and a share. Educating people with a wise perspective on their decision making is support. Helping them with their relationship with God is support. Giving them a hug when they need it most is support. Encouraging them not to give up in a moment of disparity is support. When these beautiful young and hungry artist can detect every aspect of support this might not be a question. One person can’t be the sole provider of support. God is the first supporter and if we not in our lane ,niche, or design then how can he support us be something you not designed to be. On friend come to every show, like every post, and answer every phone call. One friend can come to your shows because the financially stable and your other friend or family member can like your post cause they actually have the app you want. Unfortunately, looking for support of friends and family will cripple you from finding your audience, because you expending too much negative energy upset about the people close to you that don’t support. Why do I say this? It was me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/monroethemsg
• Instagram: @monroethemsg
• Twitter: @monroethemsg
• Youtube: Monroe the Msg!

Image Credits
Najee Rashad Monroe Chatman