Welcome back to another installment of the Rooted Minds Blog’s Spotlight Feature, where we shine a light on creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs that are making strides to take their careers to the next level. In addition to that it is a space where we can celebrate the success stories of members of our community, friends, and newly discovered creatives.
Up next, we have an artist currently in Phoenix, Arizona working to bring his vision to life while holding it down for his hometown and friends nearest to his heart. He is connecting artists here in the Valley who are looking to make their dreams a reality and spread their messages and art to those looking to grow and be involved.
We were blessed to be able to feature this artist previously and we are excited to help him roll out his latest project in collaboration with some other amazing artists. So stay tuned for more music, visuals, and events from the 4Ever450 Crew. Check out that previous article here https://www.iamrootco.com/post/dubeu-rm-spotlight-feature
BIO: Born in Southside Chicago Illinois, to a nomadic family, DUBEU was never one for being stagnant. Moving from one state to another he always carried a passion for writing. Influences like Dr. Seuss, William Shakespeare, and Alexandre Dumas; DUBEU wrote stories and poetry before he even knew what he wanted to do with his life (He was only 9 at the time) Fast forward 6 years he gets influenced again but through hip hop from people like Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Twista, and Common; DUBEU knew what his calling was and ever since then has put poetry, storytelling, and hip-hop together as one...From directing to writing to even co-producing!
MULTIDIMENSIONAL ARTIST
• #4Ever450 President
• Humanitarian
• Ultra Being
INTERVIEW:
DUBEU
x
Rooted Minds Blog
RM: What has been your journey to being in the field that you’re in today? (Artist, Musician, Athlete, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Creative, Etc.) What has been the most impactful lesson that you've learned?
DUB: I learned being an artist and a community leader that I can’t do it alone… it’s not impossible to do it alone but it’s a whole lot harder than it needs to be. ‘It takes a village
RM: For those that may not know, how did you come up with the name or concept for your business or project?
DUB: 4Ever450 was a part of a movement back home called DUBnation led by me. It was initially a backup movement called 450 made for frequency and like-minded ppl. 450 was originally founded by my best friend MarVo and when he died I converted my movement DUBnation into 4Ever450 not just remembrance of MarVo but what DUBnation stood for as well as 450. We amplified that into more than a movement but a society for artists to thrive and expand on their craft, brand, and art!
RM: 1) Tell us about your inspiration behind an upcoming project. 2) What do you hope to accomplish and what do you hope people take away from it?
DUB: I’ve been hosting workshops for artists to connect with other artists and find valuable resources for their art. We have an EP and visual dropping soon along with more series of workshops. It’s just a few songs but the collaborators we have for everything have been nothing short of amazing!! When people hear this project I just want to inspire and motivate anyone; from people who like music to people who make it themselves. It’s not just relatable but reflective…
RM: What have been some effective ways that you've marketed yourself in your space and industry?
DUB: The way I market myself is how I teach and give artists tips on how to market themselves :
1) I go to open mics to either perform or watch others perform and network with artists, hosts, and vendors.
2) I canvas areas that artists normally go to promote upcoming shows, events, artist pop-ups etc.
3) I use my social platform to see what/who is out there like IAmRootco, IG, Twitter, etc. for new artists to look out for and new forms of art happening locally in Phx!
There are so many ways to stay in the loop but these are some ways that I tell my collective how to approach expanding their network.
RM: How have you grown as an entrepreneur or creative in the last 5 years and who's been influential in that process?
DUB: I’ve grown in ways I didn’t know I would grow. It’s not that I expected to be where I am now but 2 years ago if you would’ve told me I would be running a nonprofit for artists rn I would think you were lying! I used to get approached all the time by friends that I should just start a record label, but I felt like it was a bit cliché for me to do that. It’s not that it’s too much work it’s just that the labor wouldn’t be worth it. The fact that you have to give artists deals aka loans in order to fund their dreams just isn’t enough inspiration for me to give them. A lot of labels put artists in debt and I’m not for that…honestly, I couldn’t do a deal myself personally but maybe I can help artists in a better way…offer a different kind of inspiration. All labels really do is give artists resources for their art and that’s what 4ever450 is; a resource pool.
RM: What short-term goals are you working towards that friends and supporters can help you with?
DUB: We do have an artist hub known as VIBEZ LOUNGE right off central and Roosevelt. We operate Thursday-Saturday 11-5 am and every 2nd to last Sunday I host what’s known as a Soirée 6-12 am where artists can perform in jam sessions, play games, get great food, and more! I host an open mic every Tuesday at the Giving Tree 9-11 pm! I see us having more venues and more spaces for artists to be themselves and perfect their craft! We offer a community connection and all you have to do is show up. If you don’t create you might start because the frequency is contagious and there are so many people out there who downplay themselves as an artist because they don’t have the support system or confidence or whatever the case may be. We have testimonials that prove what we can do for everyone who is willing to just show up for themselves; not even us; but themselves!
RM: What are one or two things that keep you grounded? How do you practice good self-care or how can you practice it better (if you've been lacking in that area)?
DUB: Two things that keep me humble are honesty from my team and courage from myself. Self-care for me is taking mental days for myself. Being still when there is so much happening and good breathwork in the morning goes a long way for me.
RM: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement for upcoming creative entrepreneurs that you'd like to share?
DUB: You’re doing a great job! Just remember everyone is winging it. There are so many times I just don’t know what to do or how to even be and I have to remind myself that everything I’m doing is for a greater purpose. I’m not the best at a lot of things but I see so much as practice because it will get better the longer I DO…instead of saying “I’ll try this” remember trying is already DOING so keep doing that! You got this
RM: What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received in reference to your career and industry?
DUB: A long time ago someone said that if ya gotta force anything then it will never work…you are already a force to be reckoned with! There is no need to collide with other forces when so much is aligned with the force you already are…
Thanks for checking out our 2nd feature on Dubeu, be sure to tap the links below in order to stay connected. We appreciate you for taking the time to learn about the artists that we feature. Keep being amazing, and we'll catch you next week for the Kidd Friendly Feature!
If you or someone that you know wants to be featured visit www.iamrootco.com/opportunities and leave us a message.
LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR FAVORITE Dubeu SONG!
Videos by DUBEU:
Dubeu Let It Go - 9,929 views
TO KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST CLICK THIS LINK: https://linktr.ee/Dubeu Be sure to follow us on IG, Twitter, etc Filmed by: @FilmsbyCeesz Written & Performed by: @_DUBEU Produced by: Donnie Katana
LINKS to DUBEU
I Am Root®
Check out more features at www.iamrootco.com/features
Subscribe to the I Am Root® Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/c/iamrootco1
Peep our last feature with K-U-T Productions
More about Dom Root
I am from Inglewood, California, currently working in Phoenix, Arizona as a Sound Engineer (Live, Recording, and Mixing). I am a Music Producer and Creative Artist looking to build portfolio and for live performance opportunities. I graduated from Arizona State University studying Creative Writing and Philosophy. I later studied audio production technologies at Mesa Community College, before taking on more freelance work.
Dom