I was recently given the opportunity to interview aspiring host/journalist, jabari johnson. jabari is a well known figure in the online hip hop community and has continued to show love for Nooka. be sure to check out his interviews and posts on his site http://www.iamjabari.com/
could you give us a short bio on yourself?
In a nutshell I am a music journalist/host but I do a lot of other things as well. I have interviewed artists like 50 Cent, Lupe Fiasco, Keri Hilson, Ryan Leslie, Soulja Boy, Wale and many more. That led to my online videos becoming very popular and developing a following that has turned into over 1.5 million views.
i always try to discern the differences between motivation and inspiration. what motivates you to do what you do?
Honestly what motivates me is having the ability to influence culture. Everything that I have done in the past and the things I will be doing in the near future are all links to the big picture which is being able to have a voice that can spread positivity to the masses. I know it sounds cheesy but I would like to be able to send messages to the world that help people on a grand scale.
With the direction social media is heading the lines of entertainment, news, fashion, philanthropy, technology etc. are all blurring. Each category can easily be incorporated into the next so while I'm entertaining somebody I can take five minutes to slip in something inspirational or educational, its almost like an obligation.
what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who make something out of nothing. Short web films inspire me especially from students because I know most of them are working with limited resources. When I see a great story in a 5-10 minute YouTube or Vimeo clip I get blown away because the filmmaker only had such a short amount of time to make such a compelling story. I am always online watching short films and mini documentaries and this is where you really see the budding talent of tomorrow. I love seeing who else is out there telling great stories through their camera.
your coverage is very hip-hop-heavy. what else do you listen to?
Yea it seems like I have interviewed every hip-hop artist under the sun! What most people don't realize is that I love all types of music (even though hip-hop is my favorite genre). Right now I am in love with Meiko she is a great singer/songwriter with songs that everybody can relate to. I also like MGMT, Lenka, Flobots, Mike Posner and Cage.
what does "nooka" mean to you?
Nooka is the future. I think the brand is currently where a lot of "lifestyle" brands are headed. Most watch companies could not come out with a fragrance but it doesn't seem weird with Nooka because it just fits. I think Nooka is about innovation and creativity and I can't wait to see what the next surprise is.
what's next for jabari?
Hopefully hosting a television show in the near future is next. I am always trying to become a better journalist and sharpen up my interviewing skills so I hope to be doing that on a larger platform soon. I am producing a documentary entitled Rest In Beats that pays homage to legendary musicians that have passed away. It is directed by Opiyo Okeyo and should be out in the Spring of 2010. I also want to do some more acting and modeling here and there. The future looks good and I will have my Nooka on the whole way!
nooka is available at fine stores and here! follow nooka on twitter: nooka
look for posts from matthew waldman on spacecollective.com/NOOKANYC
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