Stay True with Dante Bowe

Summary

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

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

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Final Words: “Keep it True, Sweetie”

[52:00–52:18]

• Crystal signs off with:

  “Keep it true, sweetie.”

• Dante adds:

  “Keep it real.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Hello, and welcome to this episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie. I'm Krista Renee Hayslett, and today I have with me the incomparable, the talented Dante.

[B]

Bo Dante.

[A]

You made it.

[B]

I'm in your house.

[A]

You're in my house.

[B]

It's beautiful, by the way.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Thanks for having me.

[A]

Absolutely. No, I've been wanting you to. 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.

[B]

Yeah, I had to.

[A]

We've never met in person.

[B]

I know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm a fan, too.

[A]

Same, same.

[B]

I know what you do. I know who you are. So I'm really grateful to be here.

[A]

Thank you so much. Thank you. Well, we 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.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

We're just gonna sing the hook.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

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, there's this. Because when we think about everything we go through, sometimes we do just want to be hidden under God's wings and behind him, like, lord, protect us.

[B]

I always want to 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.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Hidden just means no matter where I am, I'm covered.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, you see me, but he really sees me. Like, I'm covered, you know?

[A]

I love that. I love that this is my first time meeting you in person, but I remember seeing you. I want to say, what's the gospel awards show here in Atlanta? Stella.

[B]

Stella Awards.

[A]

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 walked. You like Gucci, Dad? I was like, who is that? And they're like, oh, that's Dante. I was like, oh, I've never seen him, but I know his voice. I'm like, that's crazy.

[B]

I wish you would have met.

[A]

Yeah. I was out there acting a fool with Isaac.

[B]

Yeah. And my brother. Yeah. I'm usually to myself.

[A]

You were. You were very quiet and kind of reserved. You know what I mean?

[B]

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 hide a corner or just. I'm not shy, but I guess I'm just more observant.

[A]

I sense that I did you kind of scoping the room out. And he was like, yeah, I'm about to get out of here. I 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.

[B]

Oh, dope.

[A]

Raspiness in your voice. It's something about, I don't know, it's something anointed. When somebody has a raspy voice, it just touches it so different. Like, as soon as you open your mouth, I'm like, oh, Lord, that was good.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I love it. I love it.

[B]

I wasn't always comfortable with it.

[A]

Really.

[B]

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 Burrell or Jasmine Sullivan. But that started coming around later as I got older.

[A]

You're right. That's okay.

[B]

So R and B and gospel used to be so smooth. You know, linens and stuff.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, my goodness.

[B]

I never felt 100% comfortable. Now I love it now. It's like my superpower.

[A]

Yeah. No, it is. It really is. It sets you apart from everyone. It does. So I want to know more about Dante. Let's go back to childhood Dante. What was it like? Where are you from? And. And also, how did you even get into music? Because I know for me, my mom put me in the car at age of five, for real. And that's how I got into it. It's kind of like, go, you're going to do something in the church.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can hear you can sing. I can hear it in your voice.

[A]

When you said that, you didn't always like your voice. I have a rassy voice, too.

[B]

I can hear it.

[A]

Yeah, a lot of singers can tell. Like, you can sing for sure.

[B]

I gotta hear you. The camera's cut off. I'm. Nah. But yeah. I was raised in Rockingham, North Carolina, so. So super small town. Raised by both 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 weren't saved, they might go outside and smoke they weed, come back in, be, like, trying to spray, like. Cause you got your aunts and your.

[A]

Uncles, like, what y' all been doing?

[B]

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, you don't act like it.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

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 the church like you said. Your mom put you in the choir at five. Same for me. I was, like, born in the choir. As soon as I could be on the children's choir, yep, 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 and stuff, but 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.

[A]

Absolutely, yeah. So you play the piano as well?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What age did you start playing the piano?

[B]

My grandmother bought me a Yamaha piano.

[A]

Shout out, Grandma.

[B]

Like, one of the. Like, you remember Radio Shack?

[A]

Yes, I do. We were just talking about that. Like, there's no Radio Shack anymore.

[B]

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.

[A]

Wow. How old were you then?

[B]

Maybe 10.

[A]

Wow, that's amazing.

[B]

9. 10 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.

[A]

Wow. So did you take piano lessons or you taught yourself?

[B]

I took piano lessons. I was trained classical.

[A]

Wow. Okay. That's good.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. So I didn't know at the time it would be, like, a career path, but I did Enjoy it growing up.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I didn't play the piano when I was younger, but you look behind me in that corner back there, there's a little keyboard.

[B]

Oh, yeah, Yeah.

[A]

I just brought a keyboard, like, two weeks ago, and I'm teaching myself how to play the piano.

[B]

You know what? You need to get you a little upright piano in here.

[A]

I do. I feel like an A4 year. I feel like that'd be sexy. Yeah, I need that.

[B]

I got a little upright piano, and it's more inspired. It'll inspire you to sit down and, like, you know.

[A]

I love when you do that, by the way. I love. We do the videos playing and singing. Oh, my gosh. It's so good.

[B]

I think I might be releasing something that's like, majority that.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Something that's gonna be fire. Yes. And then when you do your shows, that's gonna be crazy. That would be.

[B]

I'm gonna let you hear something after that, please.

[A]

Okay. Awesome. Exclusive. I love it. I love it. Oh, man. So you grew up in the church singing. Came and playing the piano came around the age of 10. That's when you really fell in love with music.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

At what point did you realize, I want to do this professionally? And when did that even happen?

[B]

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, doctor, like, they make this amount of money, and then you have, 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.

[A]

We're from a small town, and most.

[B]

Parents like, you going to college. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Period.

[B]

I was like, I think I want to try to get a record deal before I'm an adult. She was like, all right, you know, okay, how we gonna do that?

[A]

Yeah, how we gonna do that from here?

[B]

And they would take me to the studio.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Started recording demos. For real. Like, my mom is a G. Like, she would take me to the studio, started recording demos, and spending our 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, you know, bigger concerts. So I met up at. I went to this venue. I didn't know Eddie James was gonna 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, it was like, Travis Green, Casey J. I don't know.

[A]

I love Travis.

[B]

Like, God, just. 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 it my all.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

You do.

[B]

And you never know who's watching you or who's, you know, out. You just wanted to give, you know, a young person an opportunity, you know? And so I was in the right places at the right time.

[A]

Was there ever a time in your journey where you, like, received no's or any type of, like, rejection where you're like, dang, like, I really wanted that, or, hell yeah. Cause I know for me, it was 10 years of no's, man, I got.

[B]

So, so many nos. Even the yeses were, like, not complete yeses. Like, it was like, that sound like me. You can come do this. Like, oh, come see BGBs and, like, you know, whatever, you know. So, 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.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. Like, I could have been a worship pastor at this mega church. And I did it for, like, three weeks.

[A]

Another three weeks.

[B]

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. I did it for, like, three weeks, and I was just at my desk after I did all my Planet center and all that stuff, I would just be watching bethel videos, like, constantly. You know what I mean? Just worship videos. And I'm like, I want to, like, serve local church, but I want to serve it. Like, to my fullest.

[A]

Globally, everywhere.

[B]

Globally. Like, you know, the nations.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And so I would just manifest that. And that was the first deal I was offered, was from Bethel.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

For real?

[A]

That's huge.

[B]

For real. And I got offered a deal from every Christian gospel label. All of them.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

All of them.

[A]

That's crazy.

[B]

But I was homeless, man.

[A]

So what was that like during that time? What was your mental like when you were dealing with homelessness?

[B]

My mental was crazy, really. I actually wrote a song about it, and I never put it out, but it was just.

[A]

Do you feel like it could help somebody?

[B]

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 literally would just stare 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, you know, and I just slept on her couch. And. 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, like, I knew that wasn't the plan for, you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I'm like, I'm gonna grind. Like, I'm gonna figure it out. So I slept on a couch, and I would do, like, little gigs here and there. And then, you know, one day, my pastor was just like, I'm gonna get you a single wide. A double wide trailer, and you can live in it, and I'll just pay the rent, and you. And you just pay me $300, like, to live. Cause it was like, half or something. So I stayed in that trailer, and I wrote so many songs. Like, I wrote Tasha Cobbs and Sierra's In Spite of Me.

[A]

Number one. You were in that double wide.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

This is a mess.

[B]

Listen, this is real, like, 70% of Maverick City stuff in that trailer. Beth Crowder, Chris Tomlinson. But at the time, I didn't know them. I was just writing every day. Yeah. I have nothing else to do.

[A]

My goodness.

[B]

And I will never forget. I'm sitting on that couch in the trailer. And it was Tasha Cop's first time technically texting me. She know that. And she was like, dante, I need a bop.

[A]

I need a bop.

[B]

I need a bop. And I just had so many songs. Cause 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.

[A]

You already had them. The guy was already using you in the middle of your storm.

[B]

Yeah, sure.

[A]

Oof. My goodness.

[B]

Crazy.

[A]

That is crazy. That's how it works, though. It is real. It is. 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'm like, oh, I'm ready. That's so amazing.

[B]

And a lot of people think that it's like a lot of just prayer, supplication and just suffering 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 complain, or you can stay and, like, you know, dream and write and, you know, create a vision. You know what I mean? I used to make, like, vision boards and stuff like that while I was broke.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

You know what I'm saying?

[A]

You had the vision.

[B]

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 on. Going 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.

[A]

I gave. Yes.

[B]

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 it was writing. Writing songs, you know, before I could be this artist that I dreamt of being, it was like, you know, start from ground zero. Just write. You don't gotta know the people yet.

[A]

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, 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.

[B]

Yeah, you do.

[A]

I love that. 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. Okay, so how is that for you? Stepping out and you're like, it's me and my background dances and my vocals.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I would say I went solo again because before Maverick City, the Bethel deal was solo.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

So I signed a solo deal and I did a song called Joyful, which was number one. And I did all the award shows. I like got most Grammy nominated in one term as a solo artist.

[A]

Talk your talk. You got what?

[B]

I'm the most Grammy gospel in gospel. I'm the most Grammy nominated artists in one term. Historic.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

And the first two chart, CCM and gospel simultaneously. And I say that with all humility because obviously God, you know, 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.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. For the first time.

[B]

Yeah, it does feel.

[A]

So when you were in that reimagining period of your life, what was that like?

[B]

I really was 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.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

The problem's not everything.

[A]

Then they go ahead and start living their life and they're like, yeah, but.

[B]

When you're just so positive all the time and nothing is wrong ever, ever, it's like they taught us that. And not. And not just they. When I say they, I mean just the church.

[A]

The church. Yeah, let's talk about it.

[B]

And so it keeps you bound in a way. So I had to ask myself, you 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?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I was asking God just to help me articulate it, you know, through song and stuff like that. And. And so I feel like a lot of people were, like, shocked.

[A]

I don't know why they were so shocked. I don't know why. And I was like, I love it.

[B]

It's easy music, but.

[A]

Yeah, really easy music.

[B]

But I think it was such a new sound and a lot of honesty on the record 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.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

And it does feel like a new. It does feel like a new experience. Like I'm a new artist.

[A]

Yeah. No, because it's a completely different lane.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

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.

[B]

Like.

[A]

Yeah. And sometimes I, like, I go to your page, and I really want to, like, tap and be like, shut up.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Like. Because they be going. I'm like, y' all chill out.

[B]

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, oof, you really love me. So I disappointed you so bad. You really love me, and you just don't know how to articulate it.

[A]

Articulate it. Yeah. I love that perspective.

[B]

For real, even, like, hate is love, and 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 and B wasn't a thing hard decision to make because I've always loved R and 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 and B, and we all really do, but that's for them to tell, you know? But speaking for me, I love R and B, and I always felt good listening to it, especially when it was, like, positive and love. Even the breakup songs were like, can.

[A]

Get you through relatable. Yeah.

[B]

Can get you through something that's good going on that's bad, that maybe praise in advance. Can't. You know, Maybe we need to hear something.

[A]

Need some Mary J. Blige.

[B]

Yeah. No more drama in my life.

[A]

She is the go to.

[B]

I'm not gonna cry no more. Like, you need to hear that.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

So anyway, I said I didn't have to say this. Like, 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. Cause a lot of people's perception is like, oh, okay, he's not in a Christian group anymore. He must be doing this R and B thing. Cause, 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, I love it. Get my mama something she want to listen to, too.

[A]

Right? You gotta say, how does your family, the saved family, feel about it?

[B]

They love it.

[A]

Good.

[B]

They really do love it. And my mom, she's an R and B head, like, so I feel like I'm actually writing music that would be in her repertoire for real.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Not just when she's on a Sunday experience when she wants to listen to it in the car or something. Great.

[A]

Yeah, that's so true. We were doing a. What was it? Something Pete passed. It was one of his series that he was doing, and he would use an R and B song to introduce every sermon.

[B]

And.

[A]

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? Feel good music, you know? And that's what you're giving us.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

Yeah. So shout out PD for just clarifying that, because what church you go to? Change church. Pastor Derek Daniels.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Y' all be packed out there on it.

[A]

We working it up. Everybody. We had to do a whole.

[B]

Did they harass the church? Do you have fans at church, Dante?

[A]

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.

[B]

I've been one of the reasons I didn't go.

[A]

And somebody's like, yeah. I'm like, what? Are you serious right now? I'm, like, in the middle, like, literally. And you're tapping Me on my shoulder for what?

[B]

I can't believe that happened.

[A]

Yes, she was there. She witnessed that one.

[B]

That's crazy.

[A]

Yeah. No, I was there. The crime. Yeah, yeah. You were on, like, we were at the altar, literally bawling, and I'm, like.

[B]

Covering her in prayer.

[A]

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 knew. I was just like, that's so scary. It's crazy what you doing. So, yeah, people are crazy.

[B]

Is it better now that you addressed it?

[A]

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, I'm trying to do everything right and really grow my relationship, but it's just messing up the vibe. And then people want to hug you, and sometimes the energy is weird, you know, like, people. 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's just too fannish. And it's like, just be cool. Like, I love everybody and I appreciate the support. If you see me in the streets, holla at me. But this is God's house. Let's just honor that. Yeah. So, yeah, it does. It gets weird.

[B]

Common sense just.

[A]

It is not common. It's not.

[B]

It is simple.

[A]

It is so simple.

[B]

Yeah, anyway.

[A]

Yeah, anyway, though. Anyway. Okay, so we talked about your upbringing. We've talked about your hard times. 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?

[B]

That's a good question.

[A]

Cause I have a few in my life.

[B]

You do?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, I never gave that credit to God. Like, whenever I was brought down, kind of just felt like I was doing something that just brought me down.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I could have avoided it. Some things I couldn't. You know, some, 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 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 was my best friend, and it was right around the time I was working super hard.

[A]

And so isn't that when it always happens?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I wasn't home as much, and he passed away. He had Covid in the very beginning or whatever. 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, like, now is, like, crazy to me, you know? And I was in the airport, just did the biggest concert of my career still to this day, the biggest concert was Brazil.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

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. It's like, grandfather passed away, and so I threw my entire album away.

[A]

Are you serious?

[B]

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.

[A]

Oh, my goodness.

[B]

Have you ever heard the song Voice of God?

[A]

Yeah. I didn't know that was. I didn't know that you had dedicated that album to your grandfather.

[B]

Yeah, like, I dedicated it to my grandfather. So voice of guy threw away the commercial album. Like, threw away the commercial album. Whoa.

[A]

What are your.

[B]

They were so. You know what's crazy? You know what? Like. Cause I know, Jen, they probably 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. Dang. That's crazy. You know, like, throwing away an entire album. You're a new artist, like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But, you know, the budget that everybody.

[A]

Else got, you know, what are we doing, Dante?

[B]

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.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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. Wow.

[A]

Were you already with True? Was this the same label that you were on?

[B]

I was with Bethel Music.

[A]

Okay. Okay.

[B]

And so, yeah, turn it in. And that's the one that made history at the Grammys.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I felt like it was because of my grandfather.

[A]

Yes. Ooh.

[B]

I really did feel like I didn't do the commercial thing. I did something I really wanted to do.

[A]

Ah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's what normally hits home, that people connect to for real.

[B]

But I felt like. Yeah, like the cuss word.

[A]

Yeah. You don't cuss at all, Dante.

[B]

I do curse.

[A]

Yeah. I say bad words. Like what?

[B]

I curse.

[A]

But, like, you see that video, you.

[B]

Know what's crazy is, 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 energy on the other side of the screen. Like, please say one. No, I'm not giving y' all no clip.

[A]

No. Right? Don't do that.

[B]

But I do.

[A]

Yeah, the same. I was just telling, do you curse? Yeah. And I was just telling none. I said, I'm trying to stop cursing.

[B]

That's your favorite customer.

[A]

You see the video? Like, I curse a little. Really? What's your favorite curse word?

[B]

Yeah, I do.

[A]

Yeah, I curse a little. She's proud, right? Yes, I curse. But no. Yeah. Like, it was a moment in my life where I was a sailor. Cause 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 peep? Why the peep is this not ready? What are we doing? What are you doing? Like, everything is that. And 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 going to pick that up. So I'm working on it.

[B]

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, we could be talking about. God, it's like we're super passionate. We're like, man like brother, like we're gonna kill this hard. Like devil in hell. It's like super passionate.

[A]

Passionate. Yeah.

[B]

It's not even negative, but it's like that's probably the most. Like that. Yeah. I'll probably cuss a lot when I'm in those moments, right?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

When I'm super happy and passionate. Hanging around my friends and stuff.

[A]

Yeah, same. Yeah. I was just telling them I did a live with one of my friends and I kept saying, broke niggas.

[B]

Oh yeah?

[A]

Yeah. And I was like. Cause I was on TikTok broke. And 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. Delete it. But when you're around your friends, you get comfortable.

[B]

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.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Even over your favorite. I mean, even over the top. They know who they are. Like my voice.

[A]

You are the top.

[B]

Yeah, but like they're like even like iconic. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I'm one of the most honest gospel singers to ever exist. I love that for so far. But like 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?

[A]

Right.

[B]

Like I'll be doing a bunch of stuff. So it's not just all gonna be, you know.

[A]

Exactly. So you have to be careful.

[B]

I'm just, you know, making sure that when I'm, you know, older that I like everything that I put out.

[A]

Exactly. So you're not looking back in little clips. So you. Cause they will click something so quick and narrow it down. Like, dang. See, I just want to keep replaying that over and over and. But yeah, I'm working on it. Lord is he's doing the work in me.

[B]

Like, I meant Anna Wintour, right?

[A]

Uh huh. Oh my God.

[B]

You wanna be saying the N word around Anna Wintour.

[A]

Absolutely not. She would look at you crazy.

[B]

Like she might not. She be with Rihanna and all them. She probably weird all the time, but y' all don't wanna hear from me.

[A]

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.

[B]

I think so.

[A]

And I feel like I love how you freely express yourself through fashion. What got you into that? And when I saw you, because I just started following you in the last.

[B]

Year or so, I was happy when you followed me.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. I was.

[A]

Yes. I was happy when you followed me. I was like, okay. I just loved your music. 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, you connect with all these designers.

[B]

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'd put his timbs on. His T shirt was always white, like, super fresh. My dad was the freshest dude, like, ever. Like, skin was glistening, like, you know what I mean? Gangster.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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 liked the female version of that. You know, shout out Mary J. Blige. Boobs. My mom used to really dress, so I was just raised around it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then even when I started, you know, going to church, my grandmother, you know, being a missionary in the Church of God in Christ, you know, Church, God of Christ. You know, she had her hats.

[A]

Listen, I was koja for a little while.

[B]

It's like, 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 topics.

[A]

That's right. All right.

[B]

But I was just buying a bunch of stuff, and I'm just like, all right. Nah. Like, you know what I mean? I just signed this deal. I don't know if I'm even gonna pop.

[A]

Right.

[B]

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 hire 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 know what I mean?

[A]

First of all, she is so fly.

[B]

She's so fabulous, right?

[A]

Oh, my goodness.

[B]

And so we. She got me. Oh, my God, this is crazy. First meeting we ever had. Like, we were sitting eating, and I never go eat with people after I do a gig.

[A]

Really like that.

[B]

So I was, like, eating with her and her husband, and she was like, yeah, I want a 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 doing a bunch of Vogue stuff. Like, she's like, I'm Vogue 100. I'm 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.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Michael. Shout out to Michael.

[A]

Shout out Michael. That's amazing.

[B]

So I worked with him and this guy named Charles Rose, and they do all of my styling and, you know, got to meet Valentino and all kinds of stuff I've done.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean? I love that it's only been, you know, three, four years, so I'm looking forward to the future.

[A]

Do you feel like you would have your own line at some point? You know? You know, he's like, let's do it. You're like, I'm cool.

[B]

No, I would do collab. You know, I want to be so.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Well, I want to have, you know, a lot of influence, period. But I do want to be so respected in fashion to where I could do a collab with Louis Vuitton. Do a collab. Specifically. I'm sorry, Dolce. Actually, I want to do a collab with Dolce Gabbana because they always look out for me. They gave me my first customs, really. They give me my custom suits and stuff. And so I'm really close to Dolce, and I really. That's probably like a five year goal of mine to kind of amazing work with Dolce for a while.

[A]

Yeah. Dolce by Dante Vo. I love that we gonna speak that.

[B]

Even just something small, like, I don't know. I have to be. I think I have to grow my influence More, though. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

You'll do it.

[B]

I will.

[A]

And don't think that. Cause sometimes you look at certain people, if they believe in you, that's true. Yeah. And you got. They like, let's do it.

[B]

I thought the same thing when I went to the Grammys. I'm like, okay, I'm the first. Like, when we asked them to do it, I'm like, they not gonna do this. I will be the first gospel artist to wear a custom dojae suit. Like, literally would be the first gospel artist. And I'm like, they're not gonna do this. They answered back and did it.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

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 and B song of the year. You know how it is.

[A]

Yeah, I do.

[B]

And so I feel like they respected me.

[A]

That's amazing. Yeah, I know. That felt good, too.

[B]

It felt so good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Cause sometimes you feel overlooked when you do, you know? And I know I'm doing army 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 music is really. People take from what we do and create their own.

[A]

Talk about it. You know what I mean?

[B]

When you look at Kanye and Chance the rapper and Wale and Pharrell, like, the choirs and stuff, it's just.

[A]

They do take.

[B]

That's real in a good way. Take like, they're inspired.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I feel like when we. In that environment, we're not always respected like that.

[A]

You know, I feel it. I feel like as an actor, I feel the same way.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, 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, or, oh, we're actually not gonna do that role anymore, or. It feels like it's always something. And I had to remind myself, God had 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 during the war season, you'd be looking like that. How. How they.

[B]

That's a stressful season.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

If you're not like, oh, I could be so vulnerable right now.

[A]

You're on the sofa.

[B]

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 because I had, you know, since I've been in the industry, I've been nominated for one, you know, 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. Envy. It wasn't. It was. I want to be there with them. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I don't mind you being there.

[A]

But, like, I want to be there.

[B]

Too, but me being at home sitting on this bed is like, crazy to me right now, watching all this stuff. And my friends are so great. They're like, bruh, you need a break, bruh.

[A]

Yeah, you've been dominating.

[B]

They, like, had the most simple answers. 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 of itself. And I feel like sometimes it's smack in the face when we're like, ah, you not doing this and you're not doing that, or I don't got the award. And he 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, there, you know, always, instead of the people that aren't paying attention.

[A]

Hello? Yeah, they will soon. Do you feel like a part is because you're, like, basically starting all over the whole thing?

[B]

Yeah, it's there. Yeah, it's there.

[A]

You gotta work your way up in this new level now.

[B]

It hurts, but it's fair. You know what I mean? It hurts, but it's fair.

[A]

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?

[B]

I think I'm trying to think of what I could tell.

[A]

Right. I know that's like people ask me, so what can you tell us about season seven?

[B]

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

[A]

Come on. Yes.

[B]

And I'm excited about that.

[A]

That's awesome.

[B]

And yeah, just doing my one off tours. So just a lot of music and touring.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

But the acting as well.

[A]

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.

[B]

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, 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.

[A]

Yeah, let's talk. Yeah, we can talk offline, for sure. Yeah, I would love to help you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

For real. That's for sure. So how are you balancing out? Cause it seems like you got a lot going on. Is it tough balance for me? I get a lot of anxiety when I have a lot going on. Really feel overwhelmed sometimes. Even this month, I was like, I need. I don't have an assistant right now. And I was like, I need an assistant. Like, if nothing for just March. Cause 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 doing a live show for my podcast. Yeah, yeah. On March 30th. Yeah. 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 Dinor has to pull them back down. She's like, hey, hey, hey. Because it's crazy. We think like, this is a. Like, I think like it's Beyonce. Like, I'm like, I want the LED screen, I want the lights moving. I want the floating. I like everything and that. And then sometimes we put more on ourselves. Than we have to.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

So I'm balancing that right now. Do you have any issues with that?

[B]

I'm so good, really, at delegating.

[A]

Delegating. That's the word.

[B]

Nothing I don't want to do. Okay, I want it done, but I don't want to do it. What we gotta do, who we gotta pay. I mean, my team probably would laugh at this, but I have a great assistant. The thing is, is when you don't have one, it's the hard. I've went through that.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

But it's hard to find one, too.

[A]

That's.

[B]

That's my issue and stuff like that. Because I've been married all the time.

[A]

Yeah. Right.

[B]

But I found one of my childhood friends, Random. The best assistant I've ever had, really. So I just. I'm like. I call for anything.

[A]

Yeah, anything.

[B]

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, because it was. It was kind of chaotic, but it's been great.

[A]

I love that. Yeah, it's okay. I'm gonna take that delegation.

[B]

Delegate.

[A]

I'm gonna. Cause 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. Cause I was thinking that was part of my job to do everything. Like, it's my department. I have to do this. He's like, no, hire somebody to do it.

[B]

It's like, I always know what's going on, but I definitely. I have no issue. Like, Devra, can you. You know what I mean? My manager, can you, like, you know, I tell her, can you do this? You know, and the things that I can do, I would carry my weight. I'm not lazy. You know, 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.

[A]

Yeah, I gotta work on that. It's so funny.

[B]

We have a saying, but women are like that, though.

[A]

Women are naturally.

[B]

Y' all just want to do it like a black woman.

[A]

Right? Right.

[B]

You want to get it done, period. So you gonna, like, you know. I mean, you busy?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You're busy.

[A]

Very busy.

[B]

Yeah. Yes, Yes, I see that.

[A]

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.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So we're gonna see what Natalia has to say.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Hi, Crystal. My name is Natalia and I want to 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 and 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 want to 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 expects 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? 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 attest to 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 want to 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.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, what I was gonna say is pray.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, I used to get so mad when my manager would just tell, just pray. Just pray. Cause I'm like, you're not giving me advice, right?

[A]

I need another.

[B]

You know? And 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. To just pray and believe it. When you pray and wait for your answers, 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, I had good outcomes. So I think God will give you, you know, what to do, but just stay focused on him and work hard. Not all the voices, they don't know.

[A]

They don't know.

[B]

They really don't.

[A]

When you get rid of all the voices in your head and just get centered, that's when you figure it out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That is so true.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

That was good, Dante.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

That was good.

[B]

I tried.

[A]

Just pray. So the next thing we're going to 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 aligned with my career, you know, because sometimes I would 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'm. 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'm struggling.

[B]

I feel like acting, though, is like. I mean, weren't some, like, there's 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 would consider bad. Like, there's a list of that stuff. 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.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And they be around you, and it's like. I feel like as an actor, it's important to really be bold in telling stories.

[A]

Stories.

[B]

And this word is hard.

[A]

Yeah, it is hard.

[B]

Anyway, it's not like a song. I can choose whether to be promiscuous. Like, I think it's different.

[A]

Like, I'm gonna write about.

[B]

Yeah, it's like I'm writing about. Is it important? You know, but, like, I think when you're, like, on screen and really giving us, you know, bringing something that's horrible to light, you know, I mean, I don't know. I feel like that could be a help to some people. Anyway.

[A]

What about you?

[B]

What am I going through? Right.

[A]

And growing through.

[B]

Going through. Right.

[A]

And it can be the same thing. Like, if there's something that you're going.

[B]

Through right now, I'm going through, 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?

[A]

When does what stop?

[B]

The career.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Or will it ever.

[A]

Oh, my goodness. I deal with the same thing.

[B]

I'm like, okay, are people still interested? Are they 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 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, at least. Or if it ever ends, you know.

[A]

Yeah, I love that. I love that. Cause I definitely struggle with the same thing.

[B]

It's hard.

[A]

It's hard as a creator, because 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 livelihood depends on if they like you or not.

[B]

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. To care if people like you. And, you know, I. Anyway.

[A]

Yeah, I love you.

[B]

Like, anyway, I'm just chat, chatting.

[A]

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.

[B]

I like that. I like that. Do I have to give one?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I would say I feel like this pocket. I would say keep it real.

[A]

I love it. Yeah, I like that. Keep it real. I love it. It has been real. Thank you so much, Dante.

[B]

Thanks for having me.

[A]

Absolutely. I appreciate it. Yeah. 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 keepitpositsweetiemail.com and that's Sweetie with an IE. You can follow me on Instagram at lovechrystalrenae. That's L u V, Crystal, Renee, and on all platforms. Dante, tell the people where they can find you.

[B]

Dante. Bo everywhere. D a n t e B o w e dantebowe.com all of my social media handles.

[A]

Yes. And check out his music, 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.

[B]

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 God, I ask you to breathe on it. Put it on the ears that need to hear it. In Jesus name, amen.

[A]

Amen. Amen.