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

Occxi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m very happy as a creative. I’ve honestly never saw me working a regular job as a career. I only do it to fund my music career and keep myself fed and disciplined. I respect people that work “regular” jobs but I just don’t see that in my future.

Occxi, 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?

Well, when it comes to how I got into the craft I love today, I’d have to thank my Nana; she’s the one that taught me poetry. The way I write is all her doing and influence. Around that time I was already listening to hip hop heavily through any avenue I can find so having the knowledge she gave me along with the music filling my head, things just grew from there. But honestly, when it comes to what set me apart from others, that’s hard to say. I try to let the words come to me for the most part. I go through a lot in life, as we all do, so I allow those experiences to flow through and within me. And when I feel like the words aren’t coming to me I either pray on it or stay patient. So, I can’t say it sets me apart from others but I can say it’s a routine and a trust that I rely on to stay consistent. What I’m most proud of is my authenticity. I’ve seen a number of times where a certain sound isn’t working for an artist so they switch it up without letting things build. I feel that I’ve always been confident in the sounds that come naturally to me. I don’t care to chase hits or be trendy, I just want to be as great as I can be, and there’s no ceiling on improvement. Lastly, what I want future fans/supporters to know about my brand, music, etc. is that I’m vulnerable. In my music I’m as vulnerable as I’ll ever be because I put everything into it; whole heart and entire soul. It’s my therapy, my bestfriend, my first love, my life. So I’d like people to know that when they listen. I’m human like everyone else and I talk about regular things that happen in my life, and I hope that my staying true to myself and the real things that go on in the world can give a voice to people that think they don’t have one. God continues to bless me with this gift and I just wanna do my part.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think the best thing society can do to support is listen, view, and experience art with no expectations. Going into something with this approach gives you the opportunity to digest the art naturally. Go in blind and let the artist open your eyes.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Books that significantly impacted me:

The Bible
Rick Ross – Perfect Day to Boss Up
Mark Manson – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k

These books have shaped a lot of how I go about life. I’ve been able to retrieve wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in all three.

Image Credits
Priscilla Dee