We had the good fortune of connecting with Poetiik Soulja and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Poetiik, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When thinking about risks it’s always important to weigh out the possible pros and cons of the outcome at hand. For me personally, when it came down to taking those risks I needed to make sure I was evolving into a direction that not only I was proud of, but something I could look back upon on and say my village/tribe would be pleased with as well.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I can say that I’ve been blessed enough to consistently work in the industry for the past decade. It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade this ride ion for anything else. After serving 4 years in the United States Army, I was cast in the hit LGBTQ+ web series, “Momma’z Boi” (3.8M+ total views and counting). Subsequently, building an audience and network which then brought me to Los Angeles, CA (where I currently reside) to work on more projects.
Alongside my brothers and our father we were cast in a two part special on the sixth season of OWN’s relationship therapy series, “Iyanla: Fix My Life”. It was called “DNA Dysfunction: Are You My Father?”. Nearly three decades later, our biological father abandoned his three sons at birth and attempted to repair our fractured relationship with the assistance of Iyanla Vanzant herself in front of all the cameras.
I recently released my debut independent album entitled, “The Longest Night” and it’s on all digital streaming platforms worldwide. I am currently finishing my sophomore follow up which will be released this upcoming summer.
Also, premiering this summer is a reality web series I’m super excited to be apart of. This series will give more of a current deep dive to my new projects I’m working on give more of sense of who I am as a person. I can not share just yet, but hopefully soon!
What I want the word to remember me of is my tenacity to overcome and obstacle that has been dealt my way. My mantra is “INDIVIDUATION” – The art of putting self first and foremost, unselfishly; never putting innermost desires in the background.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA has all the hot spots! I would take them to Amandine Patisserie Cafe for breakfast, My Two Cents for lunch and Anejo Cantina for a rooftop dinner. I enjoy sipping on a nice cocktail in West Hollywood at the bars, such as Trunks or The Abbey. If fitness is your thing then a great hike in Runyon Canyon is always a move for some inspiring scenic views.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I could give recognition to that are apart of my success story, but I have to first give credit to my sister, Tanji L. Dark. My sister has been in my corner since I was a child. We didn’t have the best upbringing but throughout it all she always managed to be a source of comfort, understanding, unconditional love and support.
In addition, my favorite book she introduced me to is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. That book gave me the drive to find my “oasis in the desert” within myself and yet reminding me that I already have all the tools to be successful!
Website: https://linktr.ee/poetiiksoulja
Instagram: @poetiiksoulja
Twitter: @poetiiksoulja
Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/PoetiikSoulja