Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xposyur. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Xposyur, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Understanding you cannot teach passion, I did not necessarily learn how to be an artist. I simply became who I am. I embodied my thoughts and feelings and took a risk to put it out to the world. I will most definitely say I watched Youtube University…alot! I observed different people in different settings and spaces and crafted my own style from there. I listened to Iyanla, TD Jakes, Jay Shetty, Janette..ikz, Rapsody,Queen Latifah etc. The most important person I listened to was God. It has always been us 3- me Him and a fresh sheet of paper.
Also I sense people’s pain. Most times what I faced someone else is facing currently. It’s really true that what you go through isn’t just for you.
Knowing what I know now, I would have stayed on the label that I was signed to originally and renegotiated a few things. By doing this and hiring an artist development coach I would have sped up the process. I would have learned the business side of the music industry in my 20s. So many including myself have missed out on paid opportunities simply because of a language barrier. And by that I mean, not fully understanding the terminology, clauses and fine print. The music industry is shady but I love music!
The most essential skills that I still live by are connecting with your audience and diversifying your repertoire. What I love most about me is my ability to adapt and command any room I walk in. There have been plenty of times where I get all types of nasty stares, skepticism etc all for them to be fans once I come off stage! Keep people on their toes about you! Diversifying my “bag” causes me to be able to connect with corporate America, the church and the streets. I have poetry for all sects. Knowing how to work a room is top tier energy.
If you memorize your work that takes the performance up 10 notches. There is grace for new pieces where the ink just dried though. However for the most part people aren’t paying for you to look at your phone. Make the audience feel like you are worth their dollars.
The biggest obstacle that stood and with America’s climate that are standing in my way is financial. In this business it takes money to make money. You normally pay up front for venues, merchandise, musicians, etc in hopes that you make it back and profit a bit. This is a risky thing to do but the reward if done right is worth it! Tack on life doing its best to bring you down and thats enough to quit. As bad as I want to sometimes, I know I can’t. Another obstacle is being a woman that does not talk about typical things 34 year old women speak about. Understanding sex sells, that is not how I choose to portray myself. No shade to people who do- its just not my prerogative. There are a billion other things in the world to discuss outside of my body.
I’ll only touch another one- the ego. Multiple times I’ve had my verse taken off tracks that had the ability to be a “step up” for me all because I rapped better than the males on it. I’ll leave this here.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Xposyur (pronounced exposure). I am proud to be from the 330- Akron, Ohio. I am a business owner (Xposyur, LLC) and a founder and co-host of a podcast ” Becoming Well With The Sibsons”.I am also a workshop facilitator and musician.
It sounds mundane but I did not choose to be a writer- it kind’ve chose me. I needed something, a reason to go on and live, and boom I picked up some oil pastels and started writing on my walls in my room around age 13. Being raised in a single parent home was tough. Im thankful for my mom and for my big sister. When my mom couldn’t, my sister did. Being an artist allowed me to showcase the pain I had been ashamed of my entire life. Being an artist gave me space to be weird and finally not care! Weird makes me money now! Its no longer an insult. Performing opened up a world I had only dreamed about.At the time I was only focused on becoming the best drummer I could be but God had other plans.
My life story is one of boldness and progression inspire of setbacks. The merch that I sell has purpose- every line, every design holds special meaning. It was never and has never been about the money but about the freedom to express and inspire. I call my followers “XPERTS” because we are all X something! We have overcome things which make us experts in that area to lead someone else out. Its all about strengthening people, inspiring people, loving on people. The world is cruel enough.
This is why I offer hope not only through merch but through 1-1 Creative Development Sessions as well. In these 60 minutes together we explore your 5ws and create a plan for you to step into your new light with ease. We work backwards from the plan until you get to your goal. I provide bi-weekly check ins for accountability purposes and make myself as available as needed within time frames.
On a larger scale I work with both public and private schools, juvenile detention centers, reformatories, and alternative schools to facilitate workshops on specific topics. This helps the young person communicate their feelings in a positive manner and increases their social and emotional learning abilities.
I believe I solve a problem of hopelessness. Its so crazy out here right now. You should probably believe in something. I myself am a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. If my words talks anybody off of any ledge or back down from making a hasty harmful decision- then I have done my due diligence. What sets me apart is the realness and grit of my work. My storytelling is unique because its all real. I dont talk about things I don’t know. We don’t have time to sugar coat anything, so I don’t. It may sound crazy but people are dying from heartbreak manifested in sickness, grief and everything else. I want people to know they can make it – it might take some time but Jesus loves you and He’s pulling for you.
I am most proud of the people who leave my sets feeling inspired and refreshed. Those are the best compliments to hear. The ones that say thank you and even the ones that say Im triggered. Because either way you were listening and your heart was open to heal.
Also, I’m very much proud of me for not giving up on myself.
I want people to know you’ll have a full experience should you decide to be an XPERT!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my view, I believe society can just show up. It means a lot to see familiar and new faces in an audience. Nowadays to me, it seems there are more performers showing up than people who aren’t performers. If an artist is selling merchandise, buy something. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive piece, buy a sticker or a wristband if you don’t have a bunch of money to spend.
Word of mouth is also very much still alive. Tell your family, close circle, or friends about the new artist you’ve come across. Stream or buy the music or run the views up on your favorite song of theirs on YouTube!
I also believe local news outlets and major ones in the area should most certainly do a better job at promoting the talent in their backyards. Major news outlets look elsewhere and that hurts and discourages the artists in that city. There’s been multiple times where I’ve been called local artist by maybe someone in media who has just caught on to me and I am a national recording artist. Its sad that you have to wait years to be recognized by your hometown but thats how the game goes they say.
Lastly, I think we must include more creatives in corporates spaces. I Thank God I have had the opportunity to do so. I do my best every trip for the next artist they decide to book after me. In all honesty, it has been difficult to kick in those doors to corporate America and organizations. However, it is a weight I am happy to carry for the creative community. I will continue to put my best foot forward.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
To be truthful, I am pivoting right now. America’s state is uncertain right now. The goal has not changed but the steps to the goal must change. I know multiple creatives who’ve lost funding due to governmental changes. I myself have lost massive deals due to DEI lost amongst other things. However, I still do my best to maintain relationship with the people who offered those deals. These shows and events pay our expenses. And without your bills paid…well you know.
I pivoted to learn the business side of the entertainment industry. I started watching videos and asking more in-depth questions to people I look up to in this industry. I still don’t know everything but I know more than I did.
I stopped taking out of town shows because planes were crashing into each other. My safety and life is more important than a paycheck. Moreover, I am stepping back from social media to reevaluate how I am running the business and the areas I can and should improve on. Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m missing something or been moving wrong and I vow to figure it out before I hop fully back on the scene.
Pivoting often feels like failing if you fight it but ultimately its just a change in your direction for the better. It may not seem or feel like it at first but I’m telling you it is!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/xposyur_thahoodapostle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xposyur_thahoodapostle/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xposyur/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xposyurteamx8891
- Other: Podcast YouTube Channel-https://www.youtube.com/@sibsonspodcast19
Image Credits
Wilson’s Frame
Kreed Designs