Rising Music Star Bashir Hogue On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Bashir Hogue.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in North Philadelphia. 29th and Oxford. I started singing at the age of 9 years old. When it was noticed that I was able to sing, my mom put me in the youth choir. The choir director gave a solo. After singing the solo, he was astonished by the gift and talent. It was a wrap for there.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?

Michael Jackson. When he did the moonwalk, I was hooked.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I was able to have the opportunity to sing behind, legendary Tramaine Hawkins. One day we were at rehearsal and I kept singing the wrong note. She said, “who is singing this note?” Someone pointed at me and said, “Bashir”. She replied and said “just be yourself”. From there, I was able to sing the right note, and not Sing like anyone else.”

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

My presumptuous actions within this career, let me harness on bringing people into what I was doing that we’re not ready for. I eventually saw that they were lazy, they complained a lot. But I kept them around. By keeping them around it hindered my growth to move forward. I had to eventually let them go. When I let them go, the lesson that I learned was. Everyone is not meant to be on your balance beam. The higher it goes, they’re not meant to balance.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I would say there was an ex executive producer who owned a record company called, LGR records. I sang at a tent service one time and I can remember him coming up to me telling me that I have a gift and I should record. From there, I got permission from my mom to record with him and then further into the journey I recorded my first album called, EVERYDAY. It’s sold out the first week on Amazon.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Right now, I am to receive a prestigious award from BSF. This award is for the Best business Award. I am being celebrated for 36 years in the industry. Also, The Culture Talk Show is being renewed for its 17th season on iHeartRadio and P3 Christian radio.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Well when you look at the world today, the industry is universal. That means it’s white, black, and any other color of race that’s protruding success through the industry. That’s the first reason. The second reason would be, it shows unity. And the third and last reason would be, The African-American culture is not the only people who can really sing.

As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?

I remember I was sick in 2005, I can’t go into full detail, but I know that I flatline for 2 to 3 minutes. This was due to kidney failure in an abscess on my gums that travel into my bloodstreams . I had seizures, comas, and liver failure. Back-and-forth in the hospital for almost 6 months. After being healed by God, I have learned to stay level headed and to stay motivated, especially when it comes from the people that I’m around. They don’t give me a YES to everything that I present. Sometimes they give me a NO, and they give me a reason for the NO. I’ve learned to be OK with that. Prior to me getting sick I was very conceited. Always arguing with my ex-wife. I had a temper, and didn’t want to listen to no one. But now I know that you need people around you that’s not going to always agree with your behavior and certain things that you present. It allows for growth and allows you to be able to stay with honest people. My pastor is very honest with me. Pastor Stanton Drinks Senior. I am grateful for him today. in addition, my mother, Karen Hogue, My brothers and sisters. My God, Brother Dr Tommy Suggs, Stanton and Crystal Drinks along with other hosts of people.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1 . Learn the music industry before you start singing in it. This is what I know now.

2 . People are people. It is up to you to decide if you want them in your life or not.

3 . I’ve been in the industry for 36 years. Give advice that’s authentic and not smoke screens.

4 . Most artists aren’t rich, don’t be fooled by what you see.

5 . Remember when you are walking up to the stage, it’s not about you anymore. It’s about what you give to the people as a servant.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?

My creative process is usually by me walking by the water. I love nature. so I get my creative juices by walking through nature. Also, if I’m doing the dishes, the process of writing a song comes to me. The collaborations, after the song is done.

Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?

I love authenticity. You have to give a story in order for people to relate to you. Nowadays, people are rapping and singing about things that they don’t live. For instance, you have rappers who are rapping about the hood who have never lived in the hood. I could name some, but I have them on my talkshow.

How do you connect with your audience?

I’ve matured in the way of making eye contact with my audience. Bringing them into this song to sing along with me. Smiling and being polite, even before I go on to perform. When I was in my 20s, I wasn’t able to do that because I did not know who I was. I was getting married, I was serving at my church, and doing multiple other things. So I was really still trying to find out who I was. But now, loading to 46 on July 31, you believe I know who I am and I am comfortable and who I am. When you know who you are, intimidate people when you walk through the room. People mistake arrogance for confidence.

With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?

Plain and simple, I shut off my phone at a certain time. And the people that I work with know it. That’s called boundaries. The reason why so many people who are coming up in this industry look so old is because they have already been spent, toiled, and proved into the industry. Don’t get too excited about something that you know nothing of. Learn to take advice when someone tells you to rest and departmentalize your career.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I won’t say movement, but I’ll say this, I want to influence people to normalize being themselves. So many people that I cross past with in this industry aren’t themselves. Either they’re imitating somebody to the point where they embodied them. Is nothing wrong with imitating someone for career teaching bases. But there comes a time when you have to branch off what you imitated into your own self.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

This is a fun question. Most of the celebrities that I have on my show, I’ve already done some things with. So I would say that I would love to have a private dinner with Viola Davis.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.

Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.