Bide Divine

How did you get your start in music? Were you inspired by being in a musical family? 

I always loved music growing up but I had old school parents and thedidn’t let me listen to rap. I grew up on Earth Wind and Fire, Al Green, and Stephanie Mills. But I would sneak and listen to my cousins’ music like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ruff Ryders, and Lil’ Kim. I started writing poems in high school and never looked back. My Uncle plays the guitar and my cousins have a rap group. I didn’t find that out until later on after I was already making moves.

 

Who are your influences and how do they have an effect on your music? 

Lauren Hill, Missy Elliot, OutKast, Ludacris; they are all super unique and very dynamic creatives. I am in my own lane. I’m different. I take their example of just being themselves and that has set me apart.

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What was a turning point in your life where you’ve decided to pursue music? 

When I moved to Orlando I was writing and starting to really structure songs. I met James Goodley, my mentor, and that was my first time in a real studio. Watching the other artists vibe and work on their craft pushed me to take my passion more seriously. James and his whole team took me under their wings and helped me to understand the business side of music. It changed my life. 

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What was one of the biggest obstacles in your music career and how did you overcome it?

 I would say in the beginning not being connected to a studio made it hard. I had to record myself. One thing about me is I know all things are possible to them that believe and I knew it had to get done. I watched videos and went through trial and error.  GarageBand and my iPhone headphones were my besties for a minute, lol. It made me appreciate the art more–seeing every part of the process come to life.

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If there is one thing you wish you knew before you decided to pursue a music career, what would it be? 

Don’t listen to people that oppose the vision and watch your circle. Money will come, but you have to stay focused. Wasting time with people that mean you no good can hurt you in the long run. I love hard and if you are not careful it can break your heart. 

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As a growing artist in the entertainment business, it is sometimes difficult to stay motivated to continue forward. How do you stay motivated? 

I believe!! No matter what happens, I know that this was meant for me. But it’s not all about me. People  have told me how my music has impacted their lives, so I always consider that when I feel like stopping. I also just listen to my songs to stay motivated. Listening to what I create gives me that boost of confidence when I feel low.

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What is your writing process? 

It just depends honestly. Sometimes I will hear a beat and already know what the song will be called or the hook will jump out at me after listening. Sometimes I will have a melody in my head and begin to write off what I am feeling. Then there are times I see something going on that touches me and I want to bring light to it and I am intentional about rapping for change.

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What is the backstory behind “Black Divine”? ​

Shout out to K-iactic Beats, Kev made the beat and when I heard it I know I had the “screwed face.” It’s that face you get when a beat goes dumb hard and you can’t stop vibing to it. The first line came across: Came to bring change free slave no trade break chains shake lames close cut no fade. Yes, it was over after that. That is why I didn’t even write a hook, I just rode the whole beat. It was dope.

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As a female rapper in a male dominated genre, how do you think the music/entertainment industry can improve with representation and creating an environment for women talent to flourish? 

I think it’s up to the women to change the narrative. The industry can make way and set up opportunities, but they about that bag. They will push what sells and we can see what they are pushing. The biggest female artists are pushing sex. Being “ratchet” is another industry agenda. That is how they want the world to see us, especially those of us of certain ethnicity. We are chosen people. Royalty. Black is a color. We are more than what they tell us or show us. It’s up to us to captivate with art, love, and truth and bring life to the world instead of death and destruction. We have a voice and it matters how we use it. I feel with or without the approval of the industry, the MOST HIGH is going to open doors for change agents. For the ones that want to make a difference.

 

I see that you like to give back to the community using your music. How important is it for an artist to give back and make an impact in their community? ​

That’s a major key! Life and death is in the power of the tongue and what we bring to the ears of the people will determine the type of impact we have. That is why I promote peace and love but also show it through outreach and really being out here where there is a need. It takes us all to do our part to make a difference but that one seed you sow can change lives forever.

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If you could give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would it be?

 Be yourself, keep learning, and NEVER GIVE UP. Difficult times will come but it’s not what happens to you but how you react to what happens to you. This is an opportunity to reach the masses, make a positive impact. Yah is the one that gives gifts and talent to us, bring him glory through your art. 

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What project or music can we look forward to in the future? 

I am looking forward to dropping my single and the visual (Music Video) to “Charm School and Help”. The next project will be dropping before the end of 2024. The next visual, more than likely, will be “Making Moves” or my single with the talent FatBoy Jack “Look at me Now.” Either way, it will be a very interesting year. I am grateful for you taking time to get to know me and giving me the opportunity to be on this dope platform. Peace, love, and blessings!