Keep it Positive, Sweetie – “Stay True with Dante Bowe”

Date: May 7, 2024
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Dante Bowe

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, host Crystal Renee Hayslett is joined by GRAMMY-nominated artist Dante Bowe for an inspiring and candid conversation. They explore Dante's journey from his small-town, church-rooted upbringing to gospel stardom, weathering seasons of hardship and reinvention, and embracing authenticity in music, faith, and personal expression. Together, they address faith in adversity, the weight of expectations, creativity beyond boundaries, and the importance of honoring one’s true self—always with grace, warmth, and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening: Instant Connection, Mutual Admiration

[00:09–01:35]

• Crystal and Dante meet for the first time in person, exchanging gratitude and excitement.
• Crystal leads with a spontaneous rendition of Dante’s song “Hide Me,” connecting the song’s meaning to seeking God’s protection in life’s challenges.
• Dante reframes the concept of being “hidden,” stating:

  “Hidden doesn’t always mean you’re not outside or you’re not working…Hidden just means, no matter where I am, I’m covered.” (Dante, 01:27)

Childhood Roots & Musical Influences

[03:10–06:49]

• Dante shares his upbringing in Rockingham, North Carolina, where music and faith were family staples; everyone in his family could sing, and church was central.
• Musical talent discovered early through church choir; highlights the “normalcy” of his roots despite the family's embedded spiritual discipline.
• Recalls receiving a Yamaha piano from his grandmother at age 10, sparking his deeper love for songwriting:

  “That piano made me spend more time with myself and perfect my craft.” (Dante, 06:15)

• Dante was trained in classical piano but was originally indifferent to the instrument.

Embracing Uniqueness & The Raspy Voice

[02:55–03:40]

• Crystal praises the rawness of Dante’s voice, calling it “anointed.”
• Dante admits he once disliked his raspy tone, desiring a smoother voice typical in R&B and gospel. Now, he calls it his “superpower.”

From Small Town to the Spotlight: Chasing The Dream

[07:44–10:45]

• Dante describes the pivotal moment telling his mom he wanted a record deal at 16 or 17; his mother's unwavering support was vital:

  “My mom is a G. She would take me to the studio, started recording demos, and spending our little money that we had.” (Dante, 08:48)

• Breakthroughs came after years of struggle, opening for gospel artists like Eddie James and later connecting with Travis Greene and Casey J.

Seasons of "No": Rejection, Homelessness, and Faith

[09:47–14:39]

• Both Dante and Crystal share experiences of prolonged rejection.
• Dante speaks candidly about his years of hardship, including a period when he was homeless, dependent on a friend’s couch. He reveals that he could have returned home but felt called to press on.
• During this period, he wrote hundreds of songs—including music later recorded by Tasha Cobbs and for Maverick City.

• “While you’re in a bad place, don’t make it worse. You can stay and complain, or you can dream and write and create a vision.” (Dante, 13:54)

Creativity & Provision in the Wilderness

[12:48–14:24]

• Dante’s “wilderness” became a creative incubator, leading to major songwriting credits for other artists straight from his double-wide trailer.
• He stresses the importance of using whatever gift is “in your hand” in seasons of lack.

Transition to Solo Artist & Reinvention

[15:26–18:35]

• Discusses his switch between collective work (Bethel, Maverick City) and solo artistry.
• Going solo after Maverick City felt “new” and required deep self-inquiry:

  “I really was just asking myself, like, who are you really? I was trained to hide and give false image…” (Dante, 16:58)

• Decision not to conform to expectations, and instead to release honest, personal music.

Crossing Genres: From Gospel to R&B

[18:43–21:10]

• Dante addresses fan reactions to his move into R&B:

  “Even hate is love…You really love me and you just don’t know how to articulate it.” (Dante, 18:57)

• He frames the transition as reclaiming the part of himself that loves R&B, committing to authentic storytelling.

Family, Support Systems, & Church Culture

[21:18–23:50]

• Crystal and Dante reflect on church as a space for both spiritual growth and sometimes awkward fame.
• Both share awkward run-ins with fans wanting pictures at church, noting it can interfere with spiritual focus.

• “This is God’s house. Let’s just honor that.” (Crystal, 23:41)

Transparency: Loss, Depression, Authenticity

[24:21–27:37]

• Dante recounts the devastating loss of his grandfather during what should have been a triumphant season, prompting him to scrap a commercial album and create “Circles,” a deeply personal record dedicated to his grandfather.
• He highlights the importance of making art that personally resonates, rather than chasing commercial approval.

On Profanity and Authenticity in Public Image

[27:38–31:29]

• Both Crystal and Dante candidly discuss their use of profanity, navigating authenticity with public branding, and how industry environments affect personal expression.

• “I’m one of the most honest gospel singers to ever exist.” (Dante, 30:29)

Fashion as Self-Expression

[31:29–36:05]

• Dante details his love of fashion, rooted in family heritage, and his recent influence in high fashion—including working with stylists at Vogue and designers like Dolce & Gabbana.
• He aspires to collaborations with major brands, aiming to influence from a place of authenticity.

The Gospel Community and Industry Recognition

[36:44–39:47]

• Dante and Crystal reflect on gospel music’s profound influence on popular music and the tendency for gospel artists to be overlooked in mainstream spaces.
• Both share the emotional toll of awards seasons and learning to measure success by God’s standards, not just public accolades.

Balancing Ambition, Anxiety, and Delegation

[41:02–44:24]

• They discuss the struggle of balancing multiple projects, creative vision, and the importance of building a support team and delegating tasks.

• “I have no issue…what we gotta do, who we gotta pay. That’s helped me keep the peace where there used to be chaos.” (Dante, 42:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Staying Covered:
  “Hidden just means no matter where I am, I’m covered…You see me, but He really sees me. Like, I’m covered, you know?”
  — Dante Bowe (01:28)

• On Rejection and the Grind:
  “So many nos. Even the yeses were not complete yeses…Of course, people were more so giving opportunities to the ones that had the deals and the connections.”
  — Dante Bowe (10:00)

• On Using What You Have:
  “While you’re in a bad place, don’t make it worse…Use what’s in your hand.”
  — Dante Bowe (13:54)

• On Hate as Love:
  “Even hate is love. If you go out your way to just be like, I thought that you was a man…Oof, you really love me.”
  — Dante Bowe (18:57)

• On Navigating a New Path:
  “I had to reimagine myself as an artist…it does feel like the first time I’m solo.”
  — Dante Bowe (16:53)

• On Awards Season & Comparison:
  “This Grammy season was so hard for me, really. I went through a mild depression and I didn’t even know…I want to be there with them…me being at home sitting on this bed is like, crazy to me…”
  — Dante Bowe (38:17–38:52)

• On Delegation:
  “I’m so good, really, at delegating. Nothing I don’t want to do…I want it done, but I don’t want to do it. What we gotta do, who we gotta pay?”
  — Dante Bowe (42:28)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Singing “Hide Me” / Discussion on Divine Protection: 00:40–01:35
• Childhood & Early Music Roots: 03:10–06:49
• Pivots to Professional Music: 07:44–10:45
• Homelessness, Writing in the Wilderness: 10:45–14:39
• Transition to Solo / Authenticity in Art: 15:26–18:35
• Crossing from Gospel to R&B: 18:43–21:10
• Church, Fame, and Boundaries: 21:18–23:50
• Loss and Creative Purpose (“Circles” album): 24:21–27:37
• Fashion as Statement: 31:29–36:05
• Insecurity, Receiving Recognition: 36:44–39:47
• Advice to Listeners—Positive Outcomes Section: 44:24–47:41
• What I’m Going & Growing Through (Personal Reflections): 47:49–51:13
• Episode Wrap: “Keep it True, Sweetie”: 51:43–52:18

Listener Letters & Advice: “Positive Outcomes”

[44:24–47:41]

• Listener Natalia, 18, seeks guidance on finding her path amid family expectations and fear of failure.
• Crystal: Encourages following personal passions, being unafraid to pivot, and seeking God for clarity.
• Dante: Advises prayer, discernment, and not letting others’ voices dictate choices:

  “Every time I’ve gone with my heart and my gut and actually worked hard at it, I had good outcomes.” (Dante, 47:10)

Personal Reflections: “What I’m Going Through / Growing Through”

[47:49–51:13]

• Crystal voices her struggle to align her faith, career, and the characters she portrays.
• Dante describes battling insecurity and trusting that his career is in God’s hands:

  “I’m growing through insecurities and really trusting that God has me in the right place at the right time…” (Dante, 50:25)

Final Words: “Keep it True, Sweetie”

[52:00–52:18]

• Crystal signs off with:

  “Keep it true, sweetie.”

• Dante adds:

  “Keep it real.”

Tone & Language:

• The episode is candid, faith-forward, and supportive, blending humor with vulnerability and practical wisdom.
• Both Crystal and Dante are open, relatable, and deeply honest about their journeys.

For Listeners:

This episode is a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, faith, and creative courage. Dante’s story demonstrates the power of perseverance through loss and uncertainty; his and Crystal’s chemistry makes the conversation inviting and deeply encouraging for anyone navigating their purpose, passions, and pressures—within or beyond the church.

For more:

• Follow Crystal (@lovechrystalrenae)
• Find Dante everywhere @dantebowe
• Write to the show: keepitpositsweetiemail.com (Sweetie with an IE)

Remember:
Keep it true. Keep it real. And always, keep it positive, sweetie.