Sammie Covers The Quintessential Gentleman's QG Capture

What would you say was the single most influential factor in the
decision to be a business owner?
Ownership is and was the most influential factor. Being in the entertainment
business and traveling the world has allowed me to meet
entrepreneurs from all over the globe whose stories are different but
their passion for doing what they love is the same. So I would ask
myself, "what am I passionate about?" and how can I turn that passion
into purpose and profit? That drove me to become a business
owner.
As you prepare to run for Councilman at Large in 2018 for
Newark, New Jersey, what do you feel your voice best represent?
My voice echoes the vibrations of my community and communities
like mine. My voice will do what early hip-hop did and was intended
to do and that is to be a voice for the voiceless, a voice for the unheard.
Me becoming Councilman will mean we will finally have a seat
at the table.
Why do you think we see a rise in public figures in hip-hop
taking on advocacy work and politics within the recent years?
I believe we see a rise because social media allows us to see things
quicker or as soon as something happens. It also allows artists or
someone who represents the hip-hop culture to express themselves
to the masses instantly The hip-hop culture is a billion dollar industry
as well as the new Pop Culture. People of the hip-hop culture have
always been advocates of what's happening in our communities and
about social injustices. In other words, hip-hop has always been political.
The question should be is politics ready for hip-hop?
I've heard a quote from you stating "When people love their city they
can change it?" Tell us about the love that you have for your city?
The love that I have for my city is what I believe that all Newarkers
have or can have. It starts individually When you care about something
or someone you treat it or them differently If we as Newarkers
did the things that we should do positively and progressively as individuals,
we all would become part of the whole, doing what we can
for the big picture. We can't solely blame elected officials or the
powers that be if we aren't doing our part as residents.
Why is there a need for change?
What can people do to fall back in love with their cities?
The people have to feel included. The people have to feel like they
matter. The trust between elected officials and the people did not get
broken overnight so it's not going to be fixed overnight but once they
see that their voice is being heard, the people have to begin to do
their part as citizens. To be loved, you must also give love.
How do you deal with naysayers?
I don't deal with Naysayers. If I focus on negativity or on the things
they have to say, then I am giving them the energy to continue and
by doing that I will be taking time away from accomplishing what I
need to be doing which is moving forward toward my goals. This
campaign is not about me, it's bigger than Dupre Kelly It's about the
people of Newark, New Jersey who are tired of Politics As Usual. It's
about giving a voice to the culture.
Your name says it all, Dupre "Do It All" Kelly, and we know
you're a man of many hats. What do you do to recharge when
you're feeling depleted?
I travel or I go into the studio. Take all of my experiences that have
become heavy and all of those things that have to lead to my depletion
and I release them creatively thru song.
The need for change comes from when you continue to do the same
things over an over again and keep getting the same results. We all
know that is the definition of insanity or at least it means something is
not working like it used to or as you thought it would. If the people
you are serving do not have a voice and cannot speak through those
that represent them, then it's time for a change.
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