Jamaican dancehall sensation I-Octane sat down with AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur at WonWorld Studios for a dialog that went far past music. Identified for his acutely aware vibes, I-Octane opened up about his journey from excessive poverty to international recognition. And a few how he manages to remain grounded in spirituality and function. He explains the inspiration behind his new album God and I, how he protects his power and why true wealth begins within the thoughts—not the financial institution.
Extra like a TedTalk than interview, Octane delves into private philosophies on evolution, detachment from stress and realigning life like a well-organized room. He additionally displays on the significance of staying rooted in Jamaica, even whereas touring the world. Octane delivers a masterclass in function, religion and resilience. On prime of all of it, he confesses he’s by no means owned a pair of Timberlands. However, I-Octane proves he’s as actual as they arrive. That is greater than an interview, it’s an elevation.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: What’s up, my brother?
I-Octane: Sure, King! Give thanks. It’s a pleasure to be right here. Positively a distinct power, a distinct vibe and I’m feeling it already.
AllHipHop: You walked in with positivity radiating from you. How do you preserve that, particularly with all of the negativity on the planet?
I-Octane: Life is power, and I’m very guarded with the optimistic power I give out. I don’t let adverse reactions sway me. I imagine negativity is definitely important. It balances positivity. However I don’t reside on the planet the best way others do. I reside in my thoughts. That’s how I maintain my power robust.
AllHipHop: That’s highly effective. Let’s speak about your new venture, God and I. What impressed the title?
I-Octane: The title comes from recognizing that we’re greater than flesh and bone, we’re spirit and power. Many individuals neglect that. They exist disconnected from the supply. However identical to your telephone wants charging, we want that supply power—God. I don’t hope, I don’t simply imagine. I know. This album is my reminder of that connection.
AllHipHop: Do you ever lose that connection? And the way do you get it again?
I-Octane: Sure, generally I fall into the human facet of myself and disconnect. When that occurs, I do a non secular cleanse. I verify who’s round me—who’s utilizing my 24 hours however not returning any of theirs. I take away these individuals and concentrate on my priorities. You gotta rearrange your life like a home. Put issues the place they belong so that you’re not sleeping on the balcony whereas your kitchen’s in the lounge, so to talk.
AllHipHop: That ties into your new single, “Opportunist.” What’s the message behind that?
I-Octane: When you can’t be used, you’re ineffective—however lots of people are utilized by the fallacious individuals. Everybody has worth, however they have to be positioned in the precise a part of your life. When your life is organized correctly, you expertise much less stress. And stress is a killer. I reside stress-free by design.
AllHipHop: Are you continue to residing in Jamaica?
I-Octane: Yeah, I nonetheless reside and do most of my enterprise in Jamaica. It’s a third-world nation with a first-world expertise, and it’s essential to put money into the place you come from. I can’t reside wherever else.
AllHipHop: How was rising up for you? And the way did you discover your function?
I-Octane: It was tough. Not poor—beneath poor. Crime, violence, most of my pals are both in jail or lifeless. Music was my escape and my calling. I used music to cover my flaws earlier than I even knew it will be my profession. Public college created insecurities, particularly whenever you don’t have what your friends have. However music gave me energy. It pulled me out of that life and helped me respect life extra, each after I had nothing and now, having abundance.
AllHipHop: What shifted your mindset from chasing materials success to specializing in interior wealth?
I-Octane: Expertise. I believed I wanted 5 vehicles and ten homes. However after I received them, I noticed I may solely drive one, sleep in a single mattress. I grew to become a slave to success. However these issues are liabilities in the event that they’re not making you cash. I discovered the arduous approach. Now I concentrate on well being and a sound thoughts—that’s actual wealth.
AllHipHop: Who impressed you rising up?
I-Octane: Not one individual. I at all times beloved literature and philosophy. I learn a quote that stated, “The best factor on Earth isn’t life—it’s realizing.” That caught with me. I admired artists not only for their fame however for his or her talent. I research performers. How they venture their voice, how they transfer, how they join with individuals. I even be taught from youthful artists.
AllHipHop: With international music always evolving—Afrobeats, world music, dancehall, and many others.—has that modified your strategy?
I-Octane: In fact. When you don’t evolve, you stagnate. Similar to iPhones go from model 1 to 16, you’ve received to develop too. I nonetheless maintain the core of dancehall and reggae, however I incorporate different sounds, concepts, and power into my music. It’s about increasing whereas staying rooted.
AllHipHop: What would you like individuals to get from God and I?
I-Octane: This album is sort of a Bible. It reminds individuals of their function, of their worth. It embeds God into your life, reminds you that standing doesn’t outline identification. Everybody wants a reminder to reconnect to actuality and their very own divinity.
AllHipHop: Will you be touring with this album?
I-Octane: Yeah man. I tour globally already, however this album is particular. Individuals are already saying they adore it. It’s a divine blessing, and I really feel like I must unfold the gospel by means of this music.
AllHipHop: Do you have got a favourite place exterior of Jamaica?
I-Octane: Earlier than reaching this stage of consciousness, it was Jamaica. However now, I take away all expectations and simply get pleasure from every place for what it’s. Each tradition has one thing vibrant to show you.
AllHipHop: You’ve by no means owned Timberlands?
I-Octane: By no means worn a pair in my life! I’ve purchased them for pals however by no means for myself.
AllHipHop: We’ll repair that. Ultimate phrases for the individuals?
I-Octane: Know that you’re nice. You’re right here for a cause. Your function doesn’t require you to be wealthy or well-known. Individuals who decide you’re responsible of the identical issues. No one’s excellent. There’s no ceiling to life. Simply progress. Preserve evolving.
Associated
