I am starting a series of short interviews with local artists to get their ideas about the economy and what artists can do to improve the economy locally and in the nation overall. My first interview is with Brandon White, aka Bushido Garvey. Below is the interview:

What do you think are the biggest factors contributing to our economic downfall in the United States?

Horrible decisions of self-interests made by those in power. I, by no means, am an economist, however its very safe to say that those in power (the extremely affluent) have made sure to pool the money, not let it flow through the veins of this country. There were many of these decisions, but one of them is exhorting the middle and lower classes. These people are the largest contributors to the economy, it is extremely unwise to not to cater to them, let alone extort them.

Is there anyone to blame for economic woes in general?

Well as I said, those who control it. An economy, just like a government, should be controlled for the people, and by the people. It is not controlled by the people, it is controlled by the hands of the few, the rich.

How can rappers and artists better their community with resources?

Awe man (laughs). Rappers. Well, ima try to keep this brief. Before we even get to what they should do with their money, we should get into what they should do with their minds. As rappers, they have made it out of this man-made trap we call the ghetto. They have gained some sort of understanding as to why its so hard to get out, and what they can do to get out. They need to be coming back to their communities to let them know about their sitaution: theyre trapped! Once that knowledge is spread, then their capital plays a role in investing in their communities. Set up stores of all types of addressing all needs. Or, school the community in investing in their stocks. This is what Marcus Garvey tried to do, but the people were not well educated about why they should do such a thing. With education, there is no stopping, unless the government tries to.

As an artist do you find it necessary to share? Or to profit?

It depends what kind of an artist you are. if you are an artist that is trying to live off of your art, than of course! You better profit! However, you better come up with a slick way to profit. Its hard enough to sell anything, but with the music biz being they way it is right now, with downloading and whatnot, you have to be really smart how you conduct business. It doesn’t matter if you are pushing yourself, or you have a label. It doesn’t matter anymore.

What does money mean to you as a person?

This is how I tend to view money. Money is just one of the three “blood flows” I have in my life. God is the provider of my spiritual bloodflow in this world. Education, books, and knowledge, are what allow my mental bloodflow to be healthy. And money is what allows my physical bloodflow to to maintain. Although I tend to downplay the importance of money to me, which supplies my physical (food, clothes, shelter, etc.), I know that without the physical, I cant immerse myself further in whats important: God and knowledge.

Do you feel that the government has a role in weakening the dollar? Yes? No? Or not at all?

Of course homie! Maybe not intentionally, although I wouldnt be suprised if it was. Like I said, irresponsible decisions generally cause economic decline. Who makes the decisions? The politicians? Of what socio-economic class are they generally in? The upper class.

Would you like to see the United states go back to a gold standard of money once again?

I would like The United States to live up to its Constitution. I’m sick of its hypocrisy, I really am. Make decisions that represent the other 98% of the nation. Gold standard, silver-standard. Whatever. honestly, with the US’ capability, it doesn’t matter, it can prosper under any standard, it just has to consider the masses.

How do you feel about Brandon’s answers? Would you like to suggest other questions to ask local artists, or perhaps suggest an artist for me to interview? Share your thoughts!

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