Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive with BookT

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, the artist BookT, found his passion for hip hop while studying for a degree in Broadcasting at UNC-Pembroke. Writing lyrics and producing beats gave BookT the chance to express his views of the world and the future he hopes to live in. He dove in with all his efforts and learned the skills to become not only an artist and producer but also a manager and publisher as well. Be on the lookout for him.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I grew up in Raleigh, NC. What made me want to be an artist was seeing how much change and enlightenment I could bring to my peers by having a platform to do so. It was in 11th grade where I rapped my student government speech and ultimately won the President seat of my class.That moment in history was responsible for a lot of decisions I made as an artist going forward.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

It was a name that was given to me by friends in middle school and high school. It started as BookerT then went to Booka T and morphed it’s way into BookT. The name stuck with me over the years, however, I see it as symbolic. The word Book represents the metaphor for knowledge, education, occult, etc. and the T has always represented myself, Thomas as well as all the things Thomas entails from that letter “T”, that exudes Higher Education or enlightenment. Like Thomas’s Truths, Thoughts, Talents, etc.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
In my opinion online music sharing has leveled the playing field for artists and producers. It is a new approach to managing your career without a record label. It’s unfortunate that music does not have the value it once had in our economy but on the other hand it is a breath of fresh air to be able to control and own everything you do with your music career. I have given music away for free before for sure. In fact if you go to iamhighlyeducated.com you can download my new mixtape “KickBack Tracks” free of charge today. I want to gain new fans everyday and continue to turn likes and favorites in to dollars and cents, independently.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Yes. Take it seriously. If anyone around does not take your career as serious as you do, please get away from around them whoever they are. Secondly, have a press kits, music, and anything else you need to buffer your presentation ready to be reviewed by venues and promoters. Lastly, if it does not work and it’s in your heart and soul to continue playing your music, keep playing and do not take NO for an answer.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Yes. Hell Yes. Not too often though. Generally I may forget a word or so when performing or I may go off script altogether. The way I handle it is to let the backdrop catch a word or two I may have missed or freestyle the mood with the crowd. Public speaking has always been a talent of mine so I have a kinda built in wit and understanding of MCing. Knowone likes to bomb and No I never have done that, but man I’ve seen it and sometimes it sure is pretty funny.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I have toured in the past. It’s been a couple years for me but there are some great stories on the road for sure. Most I gotta leave there though. I will say that there was a time a naked bum was chasing our van after performing. He was screaming we stole his house. It was Ridiculous!

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Most of my inspiration comes from experience. I have had a chip on my shoulder for some time now. Mostly because I don’t always feel respected and appreciated for my art. It’s the struggle of many artists and comedians but those lows sometimes create the inspiration I need to fight. My song’s come together so many different ways. I like to believe I’m the official Hookman of hiphop and R&B so I seem to always start there first and then proceed to paint my canvas with lyrics.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Yes I do. It’s www.iamhighlyeducated.com. You can also listen and share my music on soundcloud.com/iambookt, reverbnation.com/bookt and find all my mixtapes on datpiff by just searching the name BookT. I’m also on FB, Twiter, Youtube and IG as, iambookt.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Honky Tonk Badonka Donk, Hero (Spider Man Soundtrack), The Gap Band, Wrestling theme music like “The New Day”. I mean I’m not embarassed by the music I listen to but it is pretty damn diverse.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would create a foundation, workshop or program that specializes in strengthening the 5 pillars of hip hop in urban communities in an effort to bring about positive change, enlightenment and economic growth. I would specialize in teaching and empowering young adults in the areas of DJing, MCing, Bboy/breakdancing, Graffitis, and most importantly Entrepreneurship. I would love love love it. I would teach the youth how to run there own business, rap, make beats and more. It would be a Godsend. If only I was so blessed.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Yes I plan to upgrade my studio with more equipment as soon as possible. The more support I garnish for my career only further helps me create a mechanism to be better at my craft and to give my fans and supporters the best me I’m capable of.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
It’s been hell sometimes looking for ways to promote your music but ultimately online podcasts, websites, tweets and more help drive the eyes. However, shows, flyers, and videos create more of an organic and tangible experience for me and my audience. I usually have more success when people see this beautiful face the Lord made.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Pimp C, Prince, Tupac, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg. In that order. All those guys have inspired me so much. There’s bits of each of them in all of my music. I could perform anywhere any time with them.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

KickBack Tracks! KickBack Tracks! Kickback Tracks! out now on datpiff, soundcloud and my personal website iamhighlyeducated.com. In 2017 I have an E.P. coming out called “Poppin The Hood” Look out for that as well.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Let’s see I’m black, college educated, and work full time as a Musician. If I was not making music or around it in some way Hmm I’d probably be drug dealing, Pimpin women, in jail or dead. Sounds about right to me.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Oh yea! DMX, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot”! I’ll never forget that. I was about 13 and was like yo! This dude is the hardest rapper in the game! He sold his soul to the devil to do this rap thing it must be serious!

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I just do it. I have 2 kids and a wife that love me and depend on me to wake up every morning and go to sleep every night. Throughout the day things come up that alter and decipher each day from the next or the last, but as long as I’m consistent with my mission to lead my kids and others into a positive enlightenment each day, everything else seems to just take care of itself. I know myself and I just know my way.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Kickback Tracks! Highly Educated! BookT!