We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan “Eratik” White and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan “Eratik”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue an artistic career because art is one of the only things on this planet that truly makes me happy. Monetary gain is cool and all, but it isn’t everything. Remember that money, cars, and fame don’t go in the coffin with you. You’re going to be down there by yourself, so you need to be sure that you are happy with yourself. Art is a form of therapy for me, so that’s how I’m working on myself for right now. In this world, we must remind each other that no one is perfect. We shouldn’t hold ourselves or anybody else to those standards, because they’re unfair. I always say, “I’m only brand-friendly to the brands that support humanity”. So when it’s all said and done, my goal is to be remembered as someone who stands for transparency and vulnerability.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to my art, what sets me apart from others is the fact that I’m me. I’m an African-American male, raised in a Belizean & Jamaican household, while simultaneously experiencing life as a non-affiliate in Los Angeles. I’m 6’5″ but I never wanted to go to the NBA. My heart lies in the realm of creation, influenced by multi-hyphenate artists like Donald Glover, 50 Cent, Rihanna, and many others.
I got to where I am today by studying psychology. In real life though, not in school. I sat at home in my room, thought about why I liked staying in my room, and then went outside and wondered why other people enjoyed being outside. I made theories about why I acted the way I did. I then thought about what most people saw me as in my everyday life. To most, I was academically gifted, charming, & REALLY tall. I said to myself, “All of those things are positives. People like that type of stuff.” So, I decided to reinvent myself as an artist. Why try to fit in when I can just be me?
This train of thought led me to create the type of art that people call “conscious.” It wasn’t easy, and to this day, it still isn’t, but it’s worth it. My biggest challenge is frequent creative blocks. I need to experience life to create. I overcome this challenge by doing just that. I don’t panic or beat myself up; I get up, go, and live my life man.
I want the world to know that I see from multiple perspectives. My work will be erratic, but beneath the apparent chaos, everything I do is meticulously planned. You don’t have to dissect everything I do, but if you choose to, you’ll get just a little bit closer to understanding the both of us.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, depending on the schedule, I’d take them to The Miracle Theater in downtown Inglewood. Culture and entertainment, what more could you ask for? But, options are important, so as an alternative, I’d take them to Cinépolis in Inglewood to watch a movie (get their nacho supreme, lol… trust me). After that, I’d drive down to Torrance to Los Arboles Park to show them the view. Maybe even stop by Del Amo mall to do some shopping. Los Angeles is a big place, though, with a bunch of stuff you can do, and a bunch of ways you can find yourself in the wrong place at the worst time.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a couple of people and organizations that I want to shout out. First off, shoutout to all of my supporters. I appreciate every single one of you. You are responsible for allowing me to create a career out of my passions. Second, I want to shout out Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles. I am the artist I am today because of the mentorship, information, and resources they have provided me. I also want to shout out Over The Influence Entertainment, an entertainment company created by Alexander Leonard and I. Shout out to JeyFwg, the first artist to sign with Over The Influence, and shout out to Eric Burks, our in-house photographer and videographer.
Website: https://linktr.ee/eratik
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iameratik
Twitter: https://x.com/iameratik
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iameratik/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iameratik
Image Credits
Amaud Finley