Rapper Tabi Bonney: I Want to Make D.C. a Haven for Entertainment

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When did you first fall in love with music? I’ve been around music since I was born. My father is a musician so it came naturally. When I first moved to the United States in middle school, I heard hip-hop on the radio and loved it. I started writing my own songs and got serious in college at Florida A&M University.

What was it like the first time you heard your song play on the radio? It was amazing. I was in college and it was an alma mater song that we turned into a rap.

You’re known for directing great videos for DMV artist like Wale and Raheem DeVaughn. How difficult is it to create the concept for each video? It’s not that difficult, once I hear the song I know what I want to do. Most artist also have an idea of how they’d like their video to look.

Why did you start your production company Cool Kids Forever Films? I got really tired of paying other directors for my video and them not turning out how I wanted them to. I picked up a camera and started shooting my own videos and it’s continued from there.

When can fans expect your next album? My new album will be out either the end of this year or early next year. It’s called "Fresh," and I’m excited for everyone to hear it.

Who are what inspires you to keep on pushing every day in such a tough industry? A while ago I read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. It inspired me to start investing in myself and once I did that everything else fell into place.

What do you love most about being an artist from D.C.? There’s nothing like us. I think D.C. has an originality all it’s own. I want to help make D.C. an entertainment haven. It definitely has the potential. It’s the most powerful city in the country.

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