Keep it Positive, Sweetie - Stay True with Dante Bowe

Episode Date: May 7, 2024

I had the pleasure of sitting down with singer Dante Bowe, whom I've been a fan of for a long time. He is one of my favorite voices on most of my Maverick City Music songs! We talk about his upbringing, being homeless, his love for fashion and transitioning from a gospel artist to an R&B singer.

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Hello, and welcome to this episode of Keep It Positive, sweetie. I'm Krista Renee Hazlett and today I have with me the incomparable, the talented Dante Bowe. Dante, you made it! I'm in your house. You're in my house. It's beautiful by the way. Thank you.

Thanks for having me. Absolutely. No, I've been wanting you to come on the show. There was a time I think we had asked and they were like, he's not available. So I was so happy when I got the email saying that you could come. Yeah, I had to. Yes, we've never met in person.

I know. And I'm a fan too. Same, same. I know what you do, I know who you are. So I'm really grateful to be here. Thank you so much. Thank you. Well, we'd like to start the show off

with a song or a topic. And I'm gonna try to sing this song. It's actually one of your songs that I love. It's called Hide Me. We're just gonna sing the hook. Yeah. Hide me, hide me, hide me, hide me under your shadow. Hide me, hide me, hide me, hide me under your wing.

Hide me, hide me, hide me, hide me. Hey, yes. Because when we think about everything we go through, sometimes we do just wanna be hidden under God's wings and behind him like, Lord protect us. I always wanna be protected. I don't care what season I'm in. Cause hidden doesn't always mean you're not outside

or like you're not working. You know what I mean? Hidden just means no matter where I am, I'm covered. Like, you know, you see me, but he really sees me. Like I'm covered, you know? I'm protected. I love that. I love that.

This is my first time meeting you in person, but I remember seeing you, I wanna say what's the gospel award show here in Atlanta? Stella Awards. The Stella Awards. There was a reception at the Thompson Hotel and you came in briefly and you just had this like, I don't know, it was something very stoic and regal,

the way you watched, he's like Gucci dad. I'm like, who is that? And they're like, oh, that's Dante Boyle. I was like, oh, I've never seen him, but I know his voice. I'm like, that's crazy. I wish we would have met. Yeah, I was out there acting a fool with Isaac. Yeah, and my brother.

A fool. Yeah, I'm usually to myself. You were, you were very quiet and kind of reserved. In those environments, you know what I mean? Still trying to find, I always felt like I didn't fit in all the way. Really? Even though I have some amazing friends in that space, I always feel like when it's a lot of us in one room, I'm like, oof, let me just, you know,

lie in the corner or like just, you know, I'm not shy, but I guess I'm just more observant. I sensed that. I did. You kind of like scoping the room out and then you're like, yeah, I'm about to get out of here. It was like, he just disappeared. But no, that was the first time I saw you. And then as I got to know your music more, I became a fan. The raspiness in your voice is something about, I don't know, it's something anointed when somebody has a raspy voice,

it just touches the soul different. Like as soon as you open your mouth, I'm like, oh Lord, that was good. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. I love it, I love it. I wasn't always comfortable with it. Really?

No, like, I wanted a clean voice and, you know, coming up in the industry, you hear people, they have like the smooth, you know, Brian McKnight and, you know, all the greats kind of have this smooth kind of tone. And then you have the few like, Kim Burel or a Jasmine Sullivan and they but that started coming around later as I got older.

You're right. That's okay. So RMB and gospel used to be so smooth, you know, you're right and stuff. Yeah. Oh my gosh, I never felt a hundred percent comfortable. It's funny. I love it now. It's like my superpower.

Yeah, no, it is. It really is. It sets you apart from everyone. Yeah, it does. So I want to know more about Dante. Let's go back to childhood Dante. What was it like? Where sets you apart from everyone. It does. So I wanna know more about Dante. Let's go back to childhood Dante. What was it like?

Where are you from? And also, how did you even get into music? Because I know for me, my mom put me in the choir at the age of five. And that's how I got into it. It's kind of like, go, you gonna do something in the church. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can hear you can sing. I can hear your voice.

When you said that you didn't know it was like your voice, I have a raspy voice too. Yeah, I can hear it. Yeah. A lot of singers can tell, like, you can sing. For sure. I gotta hear your voice. I can hear it. When you said that you didn't always like your voice, I have a raspy voice too. Yeah, I can hear it. Yeah. A lot of singers can tell, like, you can sing. For sure. Yeah. I got to hear you. When the cameras cut off, I need you to.

I got you. I got you. Nah, but yeah, I was raised in Rockingham, North Carolina, so super small town. Raised by both of my parents and my grandparents, you know. Ended up getting divorced, my parents did, but still raised by both of them. And I had a pretty normal childhood. The only thing that wasn't normal is like all of my cousins and aunts and uncles could sing.

And so we had a big family. So during Christmases, Thanksgiving, things of that sort, we would all gather around and sing and everyone was super spiritual. You know, I was raised in a spiritual home. And even my cousins that were saved, they'd like go outside and smoke they weed, come back in and be like, trying to spray,

like, cause you got your aunts and your uncles. Like, the whole family had to be saved. Even if you wasn't saved. Even if you wasn't saved, when you come around, like, act like it, you know what I mean? And so that's the kind of family I was raised in. I never had an altar call moment, you know what I mean? And so that's the kind of family I was raised in. I never had an altar call moment. You know, I just was raised in a church.

Like you said, your mom put you in the choir five. Same for me. I was like born in the choir. As soon as I could be on the children's choir, my mom put me in there. I guess it was like another way for her to like have a little freedom. Free time, I had to go to choir rehearsal and stuff. I used to hate it, but now I love it.

Yeah, I was just raised in a pretty normal family in a small town and all those things are probably things that we all kind of went through. Absolutely, yeah. So you played the piano as well. What age did you start playing the piano? My grandmother bought me a Yamaha piano. Shout out grandma. Like one of the like, you remember Radio Shack?

Yes, I do. We were just talking about that. Like there's no Radio Shack anymore. Yeah. So it was probably the biggest gift in my mind. You know, she bought me this, you know, Yamaha piano. It was cheap, but it was like the best thing she could have bought me because I spent so much time on it.

And that's when I started writing my own songs and stuff. Wow. How old were you then? Maybe 10. Wow. That's amazing. Nine, ten years old started writing my own songs. I started actually like spending my leisure time with music around that time. Before it was still like I'm going outside I'm playing, I'm doing the normal, whatever. And that the piano kind of made me spend more time with myself and perfect my craft. Wow. So did you take piano lessons or you taught yourself?

I took piano lessons. I was training classical. Wow. Okay. That's good. Yeah. So I didn't know at the time it would be like a career path. But I did enjoy it growing up. That's amazing. Yeah. So I didn't play the piano when I was young, but you look behind me in that corner back there. There's a little keyboard. I just bought a keyboard like two weeks ago and I'm teaching myself how to play the piano. You know what? You need to get you a little upright piano in here.

I do. I feel like in a four year. I feel like yeah, be sexy. Yeah, I need that. I got a little upright piano and it's more inspired, it'll inspire you to sit down and like play it, you know. I love when you do that by the way. I love when you do the video and you're playing and singing. Oh my gosh, it's so good. I think I might be releasing something that's like majority that. Oh my gosh.

Yeah, something intimate like that. That's gonna be fire, yes. And then when you do your shows, that's gonna be crazy. That will be. I'm going to let you hear something. Please. OK. It's listen. I love it. I love it. Oh, man. So you grew up in the church. Singing came and playing piano came around the age of 10.

That's when you really fell in love with music. At what point did you realize I want to do this professionally? And when did that even happen? I just think I was a pretty good student, you know, in school. I just think when I started realizing like, okay, you got these jobs, you know, you have these like, pretty much you got these occupations,

you know, as far as like when a lawyer, a doctor, like they make this amount. Right. And then you have like, you know, your blue collar and like all this stuff like went through my head and I'm having to make a career path for myself. And I think I just ended up being like, you know, I think I want to get a record deal.

I remember telling my mom, like, yeah, I just was like randomly, like 16, 17. I'm like, I think I want to have a record deal. And my mom was so supportive always. You know, she could have like shot that down. We were from a small town. Like you're going to college, you know what I'm like, I think I want to have a record deal. And my mom was so supportive always. You know, she could have like shot that down. We were from a small town. Like you're going to college, you know what I'm saying? I was like, I think I want to try to get a record deal

before I'm an adult. Like she was like, all right, you know, okay. Like how we gonna do that? How we gonna do that from here? And they would take me to the studio. Really? Started recording demos for real. Like my mom is a G.

Like she would take me to the studio. Really? Started recording demos for real. Like my mom is a G, like she would take me to the studio and started recording demos and spending that little money that we had. And I would sing in church, my own music. And as I kept doing that randomly, you know, I would get certain calls to come do bigger concerts. So I met up at, I went to this venue. I didn't know Eddie James was going to be there,

but he was open or he was performing and I was opening up. And so I started singing with him. And from there, after that was like Travis Green, KCJ. I don't know. It just died. I love Travis. Like God just did, it was random as heck. Like I wasn't super popular. He just, he just started opening doors.

And I think every time he gave me a platform, I just gave him my all. You know what I mean? And you never know who's watching you or who's out. He was just wanting to give a young person an opportunity. And so I was in the right places at the right time. Was there ever a time in your journey

where you like received no's or any type of like rejection? You're like dang like I really wanted that or because I know for me it was 10 years of nose. Man I got so many nose. Hey sweeties have you ever wondered what's in the products you use on a daily basis? Well let me tell you about Elle. Elle Like the Letter is a brand committed to providing you period care products inspired by nature, made without dyes, fragrances, and synthetic pesticides. Their pads have a breathable cotton top layer and a plant-based core, and their tampons contain an organic cotton core. Now not only can you feel good about Elle's ingredients, but also Elle's price. With tampons and pads that protect for under $5 a

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Choose love, choose L. Even the yeses were like not complete yeses. It was like, you can come do this. Like, oh, come see BJVs and like, you know, whatever. I've seen BGVs and like, you know, whatever. You know what I'm like? Yeah. So it, yeah, I went through a lot of rejection and I felt as though it's really hard to just come

into a industry that's so big, like so grand, and you know, you don't have the manager, you don't have the this and the that, you know what I mean? It's like, you don't have a record deal and stuff like that. So I was doing it independently. So of course people were more so giving opportunities

to the ones that had the deals and the connections, I guess you will. So I had a lot of maybe like five or six years. I mean, I was homeless. Really? Yeah, like I could have been a worship pastor at this mega church and I did it for like three weeks. Another week.

I'm dead serious and I'm sorry. I'm sorry Pastor J, you know I love you. We cool now, but I had to quit. But I did it for like three weeks and I was just at my desk. After I did all my planning center and all that stuff. I would just be watching Bethel videos, like constantly, you know what I mean? Just worship videos.

I'm like, I want to like serve the local church, but I want to serve it like to my fullest potential. Globally, everywhere. Globally, like, you know, the nations. Yes. And so I would just manifest that. And that was the first deal I was offered was from Bethel. Wow.

For real. That's huge. For real. And I got offered a deal from everyel. Wow, that's huge. For real, and I got offered a deal from every Christian gospel label, all of them. Wow. All of them. That's crazy. But I was homeless, man. So what was that like during that time?

What was your mental like when you were dealing with homelessness and rejection? My mental was crazy, man. It wasn't good. I actually wrote a song about it and I never put it out, but it was just- Why not? Do you feel like it could help somebody? It could, yeah. I don't know why.

Maybe I'll put it on this project that I'm doing. But it was just about how I would literally just stay out the window. I wouldn't even go outside, you know what I mean? There's times I didn't have money for food like Chick-fil-A, like just whatever down the street. And my best friend Michelle at the time, who's still one of my best friends, she took me in and I just slept on her couch. And I could have gone home, and a lot of people are like, why don't you just go back to your mama's house? I'm like, because I knew that wasn't the plan for, you know.

So I'm like, I'm gonna grind, I'm gonna figure it out. So I slept on her couch, and I would do little gigs here and there. And then one day, my pastor was just like, I'm gonna get you a single, a double wide trailer and you can live in it. And I was just paying the rent and you just paid me $300 like to live in it

because it was like half or something. So I was staying in that trailer and I wrote so many songs. Like I wrote, I wrote Tasha, Cubs and Sierras in spite of me. You were in that double wide. Yeah. I wrote- This is a myth, listen's in spite of me. You were in that double Y. Yeah. I wrote-

This is a myth. Listen, this is a story, y'all. I wrote like 70% of Maverick City stuff in that trailer. Bethany stuff. My goodness. Crowder, Chris Tomlin. What? But at the time I didn't know them.

I was just writing everyday. Yeah, they had nothing else to do. My goodness. And I remember, I will never forget. I'm sitting on that couch in the trailer and it was Tashkab's first time technically texting me and she know that. And she was like, Dante, I need a bop.

I need a bop. I need a bop. And I just had so many songs because while I was in that wilderness, I was just writing a bunch of stuff. So I didn't have to write new songs when these people were calling me. You already had them. God was already using you to kill your storms. Yeah, for sure.

Oh my goodness. Crazy. That is crazy. That's how it works though. It is real. I tell people all the time a lot of things that I learned in the wilderness, as you put it, or times I feel like, dang, this is really a hard time. What's preparing me for where I was going. And once I got there I got there I'm like oh I'm ready. That's so amazing. And a lot of people think that it's like a lot of just prayer supplication and just suffering and this and that and it's like look man while you're in a bad place don't make it worse.

Like I think like you can stay and I think you can stay and complain, or you can stay and dream and write and create a vision. I used to make vision boards and stuff like that while I was broke. Like, you know what I'm saying? You had the vision. Yeah, it's only when you get comfortable in just waddling in your sorrow,

instead of looking at the bright side, like, okay, I can use what's in my hand. Like Moses, you know, before he, you know, he split the seed, like God's like, use what's in your hand. I gave, yes. Like you might not have, yes, I know you're like, you feel powerless looking at this body of water, but just look at what you got, you know what I mean?

So I had to look at what I could, you know, what I had and that was writing, writing songs, you know, before I could I mean? So I had to look at what I had and it was writing songs, before I could be this artist that I dreamt of being. It was like, start from ground zero, just write. You don't gotta know the people yet. I love that, my therapist always says, you lack nothing and you have everything you need. And a lot of times in moments where we feel like

we're in despair, we really have to look within because God's already given us everything we need to get where we're trying to go. That's exactly what you were just saying. And she always says that every time I feel anxious, she says, Crystal, what you say? I'm like, I lack nothing, I have everything I need, but I don't feel like it right now.

There's moments where you don't feel like, but you really do, you have everything you need. Yeah, you do. I love that. You really do. I love that. So you went from singing with Bethel and then you sang with other music collectives. What was it like going solo? Because now you have embarked, in the last,

I guess, year or so, you've embarked on just Dante Bo. Like this is you by yourself. Because, what was it? Michelle, no, Kelly Rowland said that when she's on stage without Beyonce and Kelly, without Beyonce and Michelle, it feels weird. So how was that for you stepping out and you're like, it's me and my background dancers and my vocalist. Yeah, I mean, I would say I went solo again because before Maverick City, the Bethel deal was solo. So I signed the solo deal

and I did a song called Joyful, which was number one. And I did all the war shows, I got most Grammy nominated in one term. She? Come on, talk. As a solo artist. Talk y'all, talk. You got what? I'm most Grammy, gospel in gospel. I'm the most Grammy nominated artist in one term.

Wow. Historic. That's amazing. In the first two charts, CCM and gospel simultaneously. And I say that with all humility. Yeah. Because obviously God, you know, is leading me. I was able to first to chart CCM and gospel simultaneously. And I say that with all humility, because obviously God is leading me, but I definitely feel like after singing with a collective,

after singing with Mav, I think I went and had to reimagine myself as an artist. And so it does feel like the first time I'm solo. Yeah, for the first time. Yeah, it does feel like that. So when you were in that re-imagining period of your life, what was that like? I really just asking myself, like, who are you really?

You know, like, I was trained to hide and give false image, not even like in a bad way, like not in a bad way, but you know, when you are, you know, the face of something that's, you know, sacred, or you know, probably Disney kids have the same problem too. Like, you know, the problem is not everything is sacred. Then they go out and start living their life,

and they're like, you have a- Yeah, but like, but when you're just so positive all the time and nothing is wrong ever. Ever. It's like, they taught us that and not just they. When I say they, I mean just the church. The church, yeah, let's talk about it. And so it keeps you bound in a way.

So I had to ask myself, this know, this go around, okay, I'm doing another album, second album. And then the first one had so much success. I'm like, who am I? Like what, like that's why I named it Dante Bo. You know, I'm like, who am I? What sounds do I like? What things do I actually go through?

And I was asking God just to help me articulate it, you know, through song and stuff like that. And so I feel like a lot of people were like shocked. I don't know why they were so shocked. I don't know why. And I was like, I love it. Easy music. But yeah, really easy music. But I think it was such a new sound and and a lot of honesty on the record. Yeah. And talking about love and stuff like that.

But I just had to search within and figure out like, what do I want to release it to the earth? And that's what it was. Yeah, yeah. And it does feel like a new it does feel like a new experience, like I'm a new artist. Yeah, no, because it's a completely different lane. Yeah. What was it like going from gospel to what they call secular? Like, what was that like for you?

Because I know, like, your fans are like, gospel, gospel, gospel. Like yeah. And sometimes I go to your page and I really want to like tap in and be like, shut up. Right. Like because they be going, I'm like y'all chill out. They just love me. Even hate is love.

No, for real. Like if you go out your way to just be like, I thought that you was a man. I'm like, you really love me so I disappointed you so bad. You really love me. And you just don't know how to articulate it. I love that I love that perspective. Even like hate is love and then your views go up when they hate and they keep wanting to watch it over and over and all this stuff, you know, but I love them. I feel like going from gospel to R&B

wasn't a hard decision to make because I've always loved R&B. I think it was one of those other things where it's like, you know, you have to hide that you like something. And it's like, I like R&B and we all really do, but that's for them to tell, you know. But speaking for me, I love R&B and I always felt good listening to it, especially when it was like

positive and love. Even the breakup songs were like, can get you through. Relatable, yeah. Can get you through something that's going on that's bad that maybe praise in advance can't. Yeah. You know, maybe we need to hear something. You'll know real when you get it. It'll say eBay Authenticity Guarantee and you'll feel it.

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So anyway, I said I wanted to say this. I feel like it was an easy decision to make. The hard part about it, if there was any at all, was me just making sure I kept it where it felt authentic and not like trying something or stretching it out. A lot of people's perception is like, oh okay he's not in the Christian group anymore he must be doing this R&B thing because you know he can't be over here. Right. And I can you know me it really is a conscious decision to try something new and fresh.

And yeah, get my mom or something she wanna listen to too. You gotta say, how does your family, the same family feel about it? They love it. They really do love it. And my mom, she's an R&B head. So I feel like I'm actually writing music

that would be in her repertoire for real. I love it. Not just when she's like, you know, on a Sunday experience, when she wants to listen to it in the car. So, you know. Yeah, that's so true. We were doing a, what was it? Something Pete pastor,

it was one of his series that he was doing. And he would use an R&B song to introduce every sermon. And he was like, before y'all start judging, he was like, there's a difference between secular and profanity. He's like, cause you have music that is like explicit and like super vulgar. He said, then you have secular music

that may just be talking about love, like, and just happy. You know what I'm saying? It's feel good music, you know? And that's what you're giving us. Absolutely. Yeah, so shout out PD for just clarifying that because What church you go to? Change Church, Pastor Daniels.

Oh, okay, okay, okay. Yeah. Y'all be packed out there on it. That's what they say. Everybody, we had to do a whole, I can't talk about it. Did they harass you at church? Do you have fans at church? Dante, no, literally I had to do a, we had an episode where I had to actually address

that because I've had people come to church just to try to get pictures with me. I've had a girl literally run out the back door to my car, tapping on the window, can I please get a picture? It's so invasive. I'm like, I'm here. And that's why a lot of celebrities don't go to church

because they can't praise in peace. I've been literally crying. I didn't go. And so I was like, yeah. I'm like, what? Are you serious right now? I'm like, and It's like, yeah. I'm like, what? Are you serious right now? I'm like in the middle of, like literally. And you're tapping me on my shoulder. For what?

I can't believe that happened. Yes. She was there. She witnessed that one. That's craziness. Yeah. The crime. Yeah.

You were on, like we were at the altar literally bawling and I'm like covering her and we turn around and the first person's like We're like she had tapped you first and then like she then when she didn't get my attention She tapped me and I was like And it was a girl that I know just like that's so scary. It's crazy. What you doing? So yeah People are crazy. Is it better now that you addressed it? Oh yeah, yeah. Cause I said, come for God. I'm here to build my relationship with God,

to fellowship because I don't want to forsake the assembly. Trying to, you know what I'm trying to do everything right and really grow my relationship, but it's just messing with the vibe. And then people want to hug you. And sometimes that energy is weird. You know, like people want, you know what I'm talking about?

People come to you and they're like, oh, and you're like, this don't feel right. It's like, it is too fan-ish. It's like, it's just too fan-ish. It's like, just be cool. Like I love everybody and I appreciate the support. If you see me in the streets, holler at me. But this is God's house. Let's just honor that.

Yeah, so yeah, it does. It gets weird. Common sense just, it's not. It's not common. It's not fast. It's simple. It is so simple. Yeah, anyway.

Yeah, anyway though. Anyway. It's not that. It's simple. It is so simple. Anyway. Anyway though. Okay, so we've talked about your upbringing. We've talked about your hard times. I did not know that you were

homeless. That is crazy. Was there any time in your life where you felt like God, like sometimes you feel like God brings you down to lift you up so that you can only look up to him. What was a moment in your life where God literally set you down, where you had to look up and be like, God, what is happening?

That's a good question. Cause I have a few in my life. You do? Yeah. You know, I never gave that credit to God. Like whenever I was brought down, kinda just felt like I was doing something that just brought me down.

Wow. And I could have avoided it. Some things I couldn't, you know, like life happens, you know, losing loved ones and different things like that. I don't know, I just never thought about him in that In that way, but I mean I've had a lot of moments where I felt super low Losing my grandfather was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life like to this day Y'all really close. We were really close. He's my best friend

And it was right right around the time. I was working super hard So you know when it always happens? Yeah, yeah, and I wasn't home as much He was my best friend. And it was right around the time I was working super hard. And so. And that one that always happens. Yeah. And I wasn't home as much. And he passed away. He had COVID in the very beginning or whatever. Oh no.

But anyway, he passed away because, you know, just getting older, had just a bunch of problems. Like, and I was on the road. I was in the airport. And even now, it's crazy to me. And I was in the airport. Just did the biggest concert of my career. Still to this day, the biggest concert. It was Brazil.

And I was super happy and stuff. And then it was like, whoa, like I felt brought down for real. Like, I'm like, this is supposed to be the best time of my life. You know, I'm singing worship in Brazil, working on an album. Like, I feel so good. And it's like, oh, grandfather passed away. And so I threw my entire album away. Are you serious?

Paid for it and everything, threw it away and wrote an entirely new album. That's the Circles album. Wow. Like dedicated to him. I just wrote. Oh my goodness. Have you ever heard the song Voice of God?

Yeah. I didn't know that was, I didn't know that you had dedicated that album to your grandfather. Yeah, like I dedicated it to my grandfather. So Voice of God was something. And threw away the commercial album. Like threw away the commercial album. Whoa.

What are their, your? They were so, you know what's crazy? and threw away the commercial album. Like threw away the commercial album. Whoa. What are their, your... They were so, you know what's crazy? You know what, like, cause I know Jen, they probably don't see this. You know what's crazy? They were super, super gentle with me and cared so much about, you know, me as a creative

that they trusted that I would, you know, maybe do a better thing, you know, like maybe it's gonna be better, you know. In the beginning, yeah, it was like, all this money. Damn, it's crazy, you know, like throw away an entire album of new artists, like, you don't have the budget that everybody else got.

You know what I'm saying? What are we doing, Dante? And so I, you know what's crazy? This is how I did it too. I went to the studio, recorded it all myself with my producer, Leo. And then I turned it into the label. I didn't tell them that I was throwing it away

until I was finished with the second one. Were you already with Trute? Was this the same label that you went down? I was with Beth of Music. Okay, okay. And so I turned it in. And that's the one that made history at the Grammys. Wow.

And I felt like it was because of my grandfather. Because your granddad, yes. I really did feel like it, I didn't do the commercial thing. I did something that I really wanted to do. Yeah. And that's what normally hits home. Yeah. That people connect to.

For real. Yeah. I felt like, yeah. Like the cuss word. Yeah. You don't cuss at all, don't you? I do curse. Okay. Ha ha ha!

Yeah, I say bad words. I curse, but like- You see that video? You know what's crazy is like, like I tell all my friends, look, I curse when it's necessary. Sometimes when it's not, but mostly when it's like necessary,

I'm like, I don't know how else to say this. But. Yes, and then I say it. I can feel somebody's energy on the other side of the screen like, please say one. No, I'm not giving y'all no clip. No, right, don't do that. But I do, yeah.

The same, I was just telling them. Do you curse? Yeah, and I was just telling them and I said, I'm trying to stop cursing. What's your favorite curse word? Yeah, you see in the video, I'm like, I curse a little. Really, what's your favorite curse word? Beep.

Yeah, I do. Yeah, I curse a little. She's proud. Right, yes, I curse. But no, yeah, it was a moment in my life where I was a sailor, because in the industry, everybody's cursing. I worked in costumes behind the scenes before I was in sailor, because in the industry, everybody's cursing. You know, I worked in costumes behind the scenes

before I was in front of the camera. And it's such a high intensity job. And everything is so fast paced. And everything is, what the beep? Why the beep? Is this not ready? What are we doing? What the beep are you doing? Like everything is that, it's like endearing.

It's not like people don't take it personal. It's like, oh yeah, I'm on it. I got it. You get so used to hearing that you start picking it up. Which is why it's important to watch like the environment that you're in because you soak a lot of that up or just to have some type of guard up

where you're like, I'm not gonna pick that up. So I'm working on it. I don't think it's, anyway. And I'm being real. Like someone on my team who I really love, like he's the head dog, like that's my boy. I can say his name, Dr. Phil, that's my boy. When we're being passionate about the next moves,

like we could be talking about God, like it's like, we're super passionate, we're like. Hey kids family, it's time to celebrate Black History Month at the Walmart Black and Unlimited Clock. One at Flatiron Plaza in New York City, one at Ovation Plaza in New York City, one at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, from 8am to 8pm, with giveaways dropping every hour on the hour.

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It's like, we're gonna go hard. Like, there's no devil in hell. It's like super passionate. It's not even negative, but it's like, that's probably the most, like, yeah, I'll probably curse a lot when I'm in those moments. Right, yep. When I'm super happy and passionate, hanging around my friends and stuff. Yeah, same, yeah.

I was just telling them, I did a live with one of my friends and I kept saying, broke niggas. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. And I was like, cause I was on the take off, broke niggas. She was like, you didn't collaborate. I said, yeah, I ain't gonna collaborate on that. I said, that wasn't on brand, delete that.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Delete it. But when you're around your friends, you get comfortable. That's the other thing, the branding. Like the reason why I don't, it's not, I'm brand deleted. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But when you're around your friends, you get comfortable. That's the other thing, the branding. Like the reason why I don't, it's not, I've never, I'm the most, one of the most honest gospel artists ever. Yeah. Even over your favorite.

I mean, even over the top, they know who they are. Like my boys. You are the top. Yeah, but like they're like even like iconic, like you know what I mean? Like I'm one of the most honest Well, yeah gospel singers to ever exist for so far Mm-hmm, but like I would I would normally I would say the n-word But the thing is it ain't about like it being bad or good. It's just not my brand all the time

You know what I mean? Right like I'm doing a bunch of stuff, so it's not just all gonna be, you know. Exactly. So you have to be careful. So I'm just, you know, making sure that when I'm older, that I like everything that I put out. Exactly. So you're not looking back and little clips of you, like a big little click, something so quick,

and narrow it down like, dang, see I just gonna keep replaying that over and over and over. Ugh, but yeah, I'm working on it. Lord is, he's doing the work in me. Like I met Anna Wintour, right? Oh my gosh. I don't wanna be saying the N-word around Anna Wintour.

Absolutely not. She looks too crazy. She might not. She be with Rihanna and all them. She probably be hearing all the time. But y'all don't wanna hear from me. No, when I saw you, I was like, he is with the Anna Wintour.

That was incredible. You're like into fashion too. Let's talk, cause that's something else we have in common. I was a costume designer for years. I styled Tyler Perry and I love fashion. And I love how you have been so expressed. I feel like fashion is a way to express ourselves. And I feel like I love how you freely express yourself

in fashion. What got you into that? And when I saw you, cause I just started following you in the last I think so. And I feel like I love how you freely express yourself in fashion. What got you into that? And when I saw you, cause I just started following you in the last year or so. I was happy when you followed me. Really? Yeah, I was. Yes, I was happy when you followed me. I was like, oh, we're friends, okay.

Cause I just loved your music. Yeah. But then I saw you were into fashion too and I was like, yo, I was like, that's so dope. When did you start going to fashion weeks and like connect to all these designers? I took a break this year. I'll probably go later in the year, but I was always into fashion. My dad was super stylish.

Like he would wear, you know, he would put the creases in his jeans. Oh yeah. He put his Timbs on. His t-shirt was always white. Like super fresh. My dad was the freshest dude ever. Like skin was glistening, like, you know what I mean?

Gangsta, he was just always fly, you know what I mean? Had his chain on, whatever, his jewelry. And he really took pride in how he looked. And my mom was the same way. She looked like a female version of that, you know? Shut up, Mary J. Blige's boobs. My mom used to really dress. So I was just raised around it. And then even when I started going to church,

my grandmother being a missionary and the church got in Christ, you know, church got in Christ, you know, she had her hats. Listen, I was coaching for a little while. We dressed up like all the time, every Sunday, we dressed up like they would put us in suits and stuff as we three years old. Literally.

So I was always into fashion. I think when I started making bigger checks, I was wanting to, I did this the first year, which was a mistake, but you know, nonetheless, I did it. I wanted to really start having more influence in fashion. So I was just buying a bunch of shit. I mean, stuff. That's one of those times. That's right. All right. But I was just buying a bunch of shit. I mean stuff

But I was just a bunch of stuff and I'm just like All right. Nah Like you know, I mean, I just signed this deal. I don't know if I'm even gonna pop And so I started really making connections in the fashion industry And I won't go into detail about how I did it, but like I was more so just on Instagram and I would hire a stylist instead of like going to buy a bunch of stuff. I would hide in the pool and the more I would pull,

you know, the designers would notice me and different things like that. And then I signed my new deal and my manager is a fashion girl. Like, you got me? First of all, she is so fly. She's so fabulous, right? Oh my goodness. And. Like, you got me? First of all, she is so fly. She's so fabulous, right?

Oh my goodness. And so she got me, oh my God, this is crazy. First meeting we ever had, like, we was sitting, eating, and I never go eat with people after I do a gig, really like that. So I was like eating with her and her husband, and she was like, yeah, I'm going to fashion week. I'm like, yeah, like, I've been into this fashion thing

for like two years, whatever. And she was like, oh yeah, yeah, like, I'm going to fashion. I'm like, yeah, like I've been into this fashion thing for like two years, whatever. And she was like, oh yeah, yeah. Like I'm doing a bunch of Vogue stuff. It's like, she's like, I'm Vogue 100. I was like, what the heck? And so as she became a part of my team, obviously I've started, you know, doing more with Vogue, who I love.

My stylist is the men's editor of Vogue. Wow. Yeah, Michael, shout out to Michael. Shout out Michael, that's amazing. I work with him and this guy named Charles Rose and they do all of my styling and you meet Valentino and all kinds of stuff I've done. You know what I mean?

But it's only been three, four years so I'm looking forward to the future. Do you feel like you would have your own line at some point? You know, it's like, that's it, what? You're like, I'm cool. No, I would do collab. You know, I wanna be so, Oh, yeah.

Well, I wanna have, you know, a lot of influence, period, but I do wanna be so respected and fashion to where I can do a collab with Louis Vuitton, do a collab, specifically, I'm sorry, Dolce. Actually, I wanna do a collab with Dolce & Gabbana because they always look out for me. They gave me my first customs. They gave me my customs suits and stuff like that.

And so I'm really close to Dolce. And I really, that's probably a five-year goal of mine to kind of work with Dolce for real. Yeah, Dolce by Dolce, I love that. We gonna speak that. Even just something Yeah, doje by dante vo. I love that. We're gonna speak that. Even just something small, like, I don't know. I think I have to grow my influence more though. You know what I'm saying?

You'll do it. I will. And don't even think that, because sometimes you look at certain people, if they believe in you. That's true. Yeah. And you got, they're like, let's do it. I thought the same thing when I went to the Grammys.

I was like, okay, I'm the first, like when we asked to do it. I'm like, they're not going to do this. I will be the first gospel artist to wear a custom doje suit. Like literally would be the first gospel artist. I'm like, they're not going to do this. They answered back and did it. Wow. Like they took it serious that I was nominated

and not just like, oh, you don't have pop song of the year or R&B song of the year. You know how it is. Yeah, I do. And so I feel like they respected me. That's amazing. I know that felt good too. It felt so good.

Cause sometimes you feel overlooked when you do, you know, and I know I'm doing R&B now, but I still feel like I'm a part of the community of gospel. And sometimes you do feel overlooked when you're in that genre by the world, when your music is really, people take from what we do yeah they create their own you know what I mean we look at Kanye and Chance the Rapper and Wale

and Pharrell like the choirs and stuff like it's just yeah yeah they do take that's real in a good way take like they're inspired yeah but I feel like when we in that, we're not always respected like that, you know? I feel like as an actor, I feel the same way. Yeah. As a black actor trying to make my way and find my way, there are a lot of times I feel overlooked. There's roles that I've auditioned for and felt like I killed it, I know I got that.

And they're like, oh, we decided we're gonna go in a different direction there. Oh, we're actually not gonna do that role anymore. It feels like it's always something. Yeah. And they're like, oh, we've decided we're gonna go in a different direction. Or, oh, we're actually not gonna do that role anymore. It's all, it's all, it feels like it's always something. And I have to remind myself, God has you exactly where you're supposed to be. And look at you, you're doing amazing.

Don't get too far ahead of yourself. Because there's so many times where I get, I've been guilty of wanting the accolades and the recognition of other people that I forget I've already got it from the one who I need it from. Period. Period. You know what I'm saying?

So I had to stop doing that because there's times where especially in the awards season, you'd be looking like, how, how they? That's a stressful season. Oh my gosh. If you're not like, oh, I could be so vulnerable right now. You're on the sofa.

Like this Grammy season was so hard for me. Really? Like I went through a mild depression and I didn't even know. I was like, oh my God, I need healing in this area. Like I didn't even know. Yeah. Cause I had, you know, since I've been in the industry,

I've been nominated for one, you know. And so it's my first year and I was just watching my friends go and like just thrive and I'm so happy for them And it was more than it was I wanted more than it was in the it wasn't it was I want to be there with them Yeah, I don't mind you being there But like I'll be there too, but me being at home sitting on this bed is like crazy to me right now watching all this stuff Yeah, and um My friends are so great. They're like, bruh, you need a break, bruh.

Yeah, yeah, you've been dominating. They're like, they had the most simple answers. They're like, it's fine. They're like, it's gonna be your season and it's not gonna be your season. You know what I mean? You go through those challenges. And I think it's important that we really do what you said.

Like look to the one that actually does care and pay attention all the time and that actually, you know, gave you the gift in the love of itself. And I feel like sometimes it's a smack in the face when we're like, oh, you're not doing this and you're not doing that or I don't got the award and you just complaining to God about everything, you know, and I feel like I need to, I'm gonna take that note.

Like just look at the one who was always, you know, and I feel like I need to, I'm gonna take that note, like just look at the one who was always, you know, there, you know, instead of the people that aren't paying attention. Hello, yeah, they will soon. Do you feel like a part of it's because you're like, basically starting all over the whole time? It's fair, yeah, it's fair. You gotta work your way up in this new level now.

It's fair, it hurts, but it's fair, you know what I mean? It hurts, but it's fair. Yeah, he's like, it hurts, but it's fair. You know what I mean? It hurts, but it's fair. Yeah. He's like, it hurts, but it's fair. Well, I would like to know, and I'm sure the audience would like to know, what is next for you? Now, I know financial stuff can sometimes feel confusing or even overwhelming. But listen, you got this. And guess what? Our good neighbors at State Farm are here to support black women on this journey. They understand the importance

of financial empowerment in our community. I mean, here's the thing, it all starts with knowledge. We gotta figure out where our money's going, right? So for the next week, let's challenge ourselves to track our income and expenses. There are tons of budgeting apps and resources available, but even a simple notebook can do the trick. Knowing where your money goes is the first step to taking control. Next, let's build a budget. Remember, financial security isn't about

deprivation. It's about making your money work for you. Allocate your funds towards your goals like that trip you've been dreaming of or starting your own business. Don't forget to set aside some money for emergencies too because life throws curveballs and you have to be prepared. Now debt happens. I know we hate that word but it happens. But don't beat yourself up about if you have some. The key is to manage it effectively. There are resources available to help you with debt consolidation and repayment plans. Talk to your bank or financial advisor and they can guide you in the right direction. And finally, let's invest in our future. Even small contributions towards a retirement savings plan

can make a big difference down the line. I mean, think about it, a secure future where you can travel the world, spoil your grandkids or finally write that book. Finally write that book. I think I'm trying to think of what I can tell. That right, I know. People ask me, so what can you tell us about season 7?

Yeah, I'm like, I can't think of what I can say without getting in trouble. I mean, new music, obviously. I can't, I'm not going to be incognito about that. New music. I'm gonna... Can I say this? I'm gonna be acting. I'm gonna, be incognito about that. New music. Can I say this? I'm gonna be acting. I'm gonna be acting.

I'm gonna be acting. Come on! Yes! And I'm excited about that. That's awesome. And yeah, just doing my one-off tours. So just a lot of music and touring. I love that.

But the acting as well. Acting as well, okay. I love that. And all the time that you're working, you're touring, you're working on new music, taking acting classes, I guess now. Are you like doing studying and doing scene study and trying to figure out?

I need to do more. Yes, I did it for a little while, but I need to actually do it because it just came to me. You know, like I got, like this is the second like offer you know one was for BET plus and then there's another one like I can't talk about but it was like just random so I'm like maybe God wants me to like really see what it's about so I'm gonna start I need to ask you what I should do. Yeah let's talk yeah we can talk I'll find it for sure yeah

I would love to help you. Yeah for real real. Yeah, no, that's for sure. So how are you balancing out? Because it seems like you got a lot going on. Is it tough balancing? For me, I get a lot of anxiety when I have a lot going on. Really? I feel overwhelmed sometimes. Even this month, I was like,

I don't have an assistant right now. And I was like, I need an assistant. Like, nothing for just March. So I've got a live show coming at the end. I'm putting a lot on my plate with that. Because you know, as creatives, we think- You're doing a live show? Mm-hmm, for my podcast. Oh, got a live show coming at the end. I'm putting a lot on my plate with that. Because you know, it's great. We think- You're doing a live show? Mm-hmm. For my podcast.

Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. On March 30th. Yeah. I understand. Okay. Yeah. So like even that I want it to be big and I'm like, I want to do this and this and this and this and this. And Dinoir has to pull them back down. She's like, hey, hey, hey. Because that's crazy. We think like, this is a- like I think like Beyonce, like I'm like, I want the LED screen. I want the lights moving. I want the floating.

I like everything for sure and that and then sometimes we put too. We put more on ourselves and we have to absolutely. So I'm balancing that right now. Do you have any issues with that? I'm so good really delegating is delegating. I don't know. That's the word. Nothing.

I don't want to do. Okay. I want it done. I don't want to do it. What it done but I don't want to do it what we got to do? I mean I'm not even fine with laughing but I have a great assistant the thing is when you don't have one it's the hard I've went through that you know but it's hard to find one too that's that's my stuff like that all the time yeah right but I found one of my childhood friends ran the best assistant I've ever had.

Really? And so I just, I'm like, I call for anything, anything. You know what I mean? And so I like delegating and I feel like that's helped me keep the peace where there used to be chaos. Cause it was, it was kind of chaotic, but it's been great. I love that. Yeah. It's okay. I'm gonna take that delegation. Delegate. I'm gonna, cause Tyler used to be chaos, because it was kind of chaotic, but it's been great. I love that. It's okay, I'm gonna take that delegation.

Delegate. Because Tyler used to always tell me that when I was designing all his shows and I would still have to travel with him, I'm like, T, this is a lot. And he was like, build your team and delegate. Why are you trying to do everything? And I'm like, you're right.

Because I was thinking that was part of my job is to do everything. Like it's my department, I have to do this. He's like, no, hire somebody to do it. It's like, I always know what's going on, but I definitely, I have no issue, like Debra, can you? You know what I mean?

My manager, can you? Like, you know, I tell her, can you do this? And the things that I can do, I carry my weight, I'm not lazy, you know what I mean? Like, you know what I'm saying? I'm not saying be lazy, I definitely do what I can do, I carry my weight. I'm not lazy. You know what I mean? Like, you know what I'm saying? I'm not saying be lazy. I definitely do what I can do, but the things that kind of take up

just time that I don't have. Yeah. That's usually when I delegate. Yeah, I gotta work on that. It's so funny we have a saying. But women are like that though. Women are naturally. Y'all just want to do it.

Like, and then you a black woman. Right, right. You want to get it done. Period. So you're going to like, you know, I mean, you busy. Yeah. You're busy. Very busy. Yes. Yes. I see that. All right, guys. So we are going to get into my favorite part of the show, which is positive outcomes. And Dante, this is where our listeners write in and we give them advice. So we're gonna see what Natalia has to say. Hi, Crystal, my name is Natalia

and I wanna thank you both for being the light that you are. You've impacted my life so much in such a short time and I'm really grateful for the way you encourage people to build a relationship with God. It has helped me so much. I'm an 18 year old girl juggling my relationship with Christ, my flesh, and the pressure to be the best version of myself. I'm really struggling with the pressure of everyone's expectations of what I would become.

I graduated high school right after I turned 16 years old and everybody was expecting me to become a lawyer because it was what I had said I wanted to do since I could remember being asked the question. I am now starting to feel like it's not what I wanna do. But again, the pressure and the expectations come into play. I know I have to live for myself and not everybody else, but it's easier said than done when I don't know if I'm going to be making the right decision to change my path.

I've always been known to be a great student and everybody expected me to be successful in the courtroom. Part of me still wants to be successful, but and everybody expected me to be successful in the courtroom. Part of me still wants to be successful, but the other part of me is scared of the possibility that I will fail. Do you have any advice for young adults trying to find their way while being faithful to God?

Ooh, well, Natalia, thank you so much for writing in. I would say we all, I know when I was young, I wanted to be a nurse, a doctor. I probably wanted to be a lawyer and I wanted to be an entertainer. I ended up being what I wanted to do, but it took me down different paths to get to this point. So I would say never let other people's expectations of you

or what you may have said in a different season of your life hold you to one thing. If you have passions for something else, explore that and see what you really want to do and never be afraid to fail. Some of my greatest lessons that come from failure, I'm sure you can test into that as well. I just feel like whatever it is that you want to do, focus on God. I was just talking about something that our pastor said on Sunday. A lot of times we're like running after progression,

but we're not seeking the presence of God. So I would tell you while you're running after trying to figure out is what you wanna do to get ahead, I also just sit still sometimes and really talk to God and say, hey God, what is it that you have for me? And I feel like you'll have some clarity in that. Yeah, I mean, what I was gonna say is pray.

Yeah. You know, I used to get so mad when my manager would just tell me just pray, just pray. I'm like, you're not giving me advice. Right. I need another. She's like, no, for real, like if you pray about it, like seek God's answers, then you'll probably come to some conclusions here and there. You know what I mean? So I would tell you to just just pray and believe it when you pray and wait for your answers. And I wouldn't move in any direction just because someone is asking me to or pressuring me to.

Usually those are the wrong decisions in my book. I feel like every time I've gone with my heart and my gut and actually worked hard at it, you know, I had good outcomes. So I think God will give it, you know, I had good outcomes. So I think God will give you, you know, what to do, but just to stay focused on him and work hard. And I had all the voices, they don't know. They don't know.

They really don't. When you get rid of all the voices in your head and just get centered, that's when you figure it out. That is so true. Thank you, that was good, Datay. Oh, okay. That was good. That was good. I tried.

Just pray. So the next thing we're gonna do is what I'm going through and what I'm growing through. And I'll go first just so you can kind of see how we do it. But this particular season of my life, I am still going through, I just talked about this, I'm going through a season where I am trying to make sure that my walk is in line with my career.

You know, because sometimes I tell people the character I play, I wonder if God like judges me for that, like if he's like frowning on me for the character I'm playing versus who I am in real life. And should I play certain characters or should I, you know, I'm like, I'm just portraying that. This is something that really happens and I'm a creative and I want to be free in my art. But at the same time, struggling and trying to find that balance of what it is God really

wants me to do in my career and in my life. So they both align. So I both align. So I feel like acting, though, it's like. I mean, weren't some like there are some Christians that were crackheads before they became Christians, there's some Christians that were prostitutes before there's some Christians that were evil or promiscuous or whatever people consider bad. Like there's a list of that. Yeah.

And so I think telling those stories are kind of important. And I think a lot of times it does make people feel uncomfortable, but it's like that stuff being your family and it be around you. And it's like, I feel like as an actor, it's important to really be bold in telling stories. That's hard. Yeah, it is hard. Anyway, it's not like a song. to be bold in telling stories. That's hard.

Yeah, it is hard. Anyway, it's not like a song. I can choose whether to be promiscuous. I think it's different. Like, I'm gonna write about it. Yeah, it's like I'm writing about it. It's important, you know? But like, I think when you're like on screen

and really giving us, you know, bringing us something that's horrible to light, you know what I mean? I don't know. I feel like that could be a help to some people. Anyway. What about you? What am I going through, right? And growing through.

Going through right now. And it could be the same thing, like, if there's something that you're going through right now. I'm going through, I would say, I would say insecurity as far as like my career is concerned. I'm just sometimes I'm just really insecure and just thinking like okay when does it stop? When does what stop? The career. Oh. Or will it ever? Oh my goodness I deal with the same thing. I'm like okay are people still interested or not you know I go back and forth lately with that and I used to not be so

insecure about it but it's because I'm doing new things and trying new things so what I'm what I'm growing through would probably be that you know I'm growing through insecurities and really trusting that God has me in the right place at the right time. And as long as I'm faithful to him and I'm treating everybody right, I just trust that, you know, whenever it ends, I'll be all right. You know what I'm saying?

At least, you know what I'm saying? Or if it ever ends, you know. Yeah, I love that. I love that, cause I definitely struggle with the same thing. It's hard. It's hard as a creator, cause your life is in God's hands, you know what I'm saying, ultimately,

but there are so many people that, you know what I'm saying, your like, likelihood depends on if they like you or not or. Being likable is such a stressful thing sometimes, cause it's just like, I'm not that person at the party. I don't care usually, but it's like, you have to care for people like you. And you know, anyway.

Yeah, I love you like anyway. Now I'm just chatting. No, you're good. So to close out, we fill in the blank, keep it blank sweetie and for this episode I am going to say I got one for you keep it true sweetie and that is homage to your label. I like that. Do I have to give one? Yes. I would say, I feel like this pocket, I would say, Keep It Real.

I love it. Yeah. I like that. Keep It Real. I love it. It has been real. Thank you so much, Dante. Thanks for having me.

Absolutely. I appreciate it. I hope you guys enjoyed this episode. Thank you so much for tuning in to keep it positive Sweetie if you want to write into our open listener letter write into keep it positive Sweetie at gmail.com and that's sweetie with an ie you can follow me on instagram at love crystal Renee that's L UV crystal Renee and on all platforms Dante tell the people where they can find you Dante bow everywhere D A N T E B O W EBo.com, all of my social media handles.

Yeah. Yes, and check out his music. Oh yeah. All the albums, check out everything on all platforms. He's everywhere y'all. YouTube and all the other platforms, Apple, Spotify, Amazon, everything. Find him, check him out.

Thank you guys so much. In the meantime, in between time, you know what to do. Keep it positive, sweeties. Bye. Jesus, thank you so much for a new day. A new day to say thank you. And just express gratitude for all that we're able to do. Thank you for allowing us to come together and create content that will inspire,

hopefully change someone's life in general and can actually breathe on it, put it on the ears that need to hear it. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen, amen. There you have it. These are just a few steps to build financial security. And remember, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there, not just with insurance, but also by supporting resources that empower Black women financially.

Head over to statefarm.com to learn more and find a local agent who can guide you on your financial journey. head over to statefarm.com to learn more and find a local agent who can guide you on your financial journey. Keep it positive, sweeties, and remember, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.