No. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to
be. I knew I had the spirit and energy of an entertainer. Because I loved
entertaining people and I liked being center stage. The writing thing actually
just happened a few years ago when I began telling stories on Facebook and
realized I had somewhat of a natural gift for storytelling. I always, I mean
always listened to comedy as a kid. I was actually the only kid in my
neighborhood who was allowed to listen to Richard Pryor.
I’ve always loved comedy but it
wasn’t until later in life that I realized that comedians use comedy as therapy
and a way to deal with pain…then I wanted to be a comic. So all the other kids
use to come over my house so we could listen to his albums. Directing is also
new to me. I honestly just recently found out that directing is essentially
storytelling and getting actors to help bring your story/vision to life. And I
actually love directing. Acting is something I never wanted to really do.
What gives me greatest joy?
Freedom…no obligations. No
schedule. Just being able to come and go as I please. If I could, I would just
be a professional wanderer. There is so much joy in having no plans but all the
time to do nothing. I don’t like people telling me when and what time I have to
be somewhere. For years, I didn’t wear a watch because my philosophy was, “I’ll
get wherever I wanna go, whenever I wanna get there”. Of course I was an
entrepreneur. And listening to music while being free is the cherry on the
banana split.
What is the best advice I’ve been given.
Good question. There are actually
two bits of equally valuable advice. The first was by my late business mentor,
Dr. Marvin Robinson, “If you have an idea or a business you want to do. Wake up
the next day and start doing the shit. Don't say shit to anyone not even your
friends. As a matter of fact, fuck your friends.
You don’t need anyone talking you out of what you want to do” I’ve taken this advice and applied it to many areas of my life. It always seems to work. You have to just do it. I’ve found that people that spend the most time talking spend less time doing it. So I don’t talk much when I move, because my energy is on moving.
You don’t need anyone talking you out of what you want to do” I’ve taken this advice and applied it to many areas of my life. It always seems to work. You have to just do it. I’ve found that people that spend the most time talking spend less time doing it. So I don’t talk much when I move, because my energy is on moving.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you
were younger, now that you’re older?
I wish someone would have told me
that life doesn’t always go according to your plans and it doesn’t always look
how you envisioned it. Life can whoop your ass if you let it. And as much as we
want them to, dreams don’t always come true. They can come true, but that’s not
always the case. Some of your friends are only friends for a while. And when
you’ve come to the conclusion that you’ve outgrown them, it’s okay. Accept it,
it happens. Because somebody has outgrown you as well. And Hell, take care of
your credit.
What is on your bookshelf?
“Oh the places you'll go by Dr
Seuss. Even though it’s a children’s book. There are lessons that are
applicable to all stages of life.
Tangrams, which are Japanese
puzzles, because it keeps my mind sharp and helps with critical thinking.
A
book on Etymology, because I love the origins of words and phrases.
A book of toasts, because I love having cool
shit to say when you give toasts. I love giving toasts.
‘The Life of Frank
Sinatra’, big Sinatra fan because I always felt like he lived one of the best
lives in American history because he really did do shit his way and admire a
person that lives life to the fullest and can get beat up but yet get up and
keep on living. A clock. Some other random books.
Do you think comedic abilities are
something someone either has or doesn’t? Or do you think it’s something that
can be learned?
I think people have it in them
already. I just think you learn to fine tune it or find your voice.
What is your dream project?
There are two. My first is to
travel and tell my life story and get paid to be myself. And that is in the
making as I type. I have always been big on getting to me and being myself at
all times in all environments. And I’ve mastered that. I’m me in any circle.
Second is writing a sitcom about life as a child and my childhood
neighborhood friends. We did some outlandish things as kids. We had great
times. Now that I’m older, there were so many lessons and messages in the lives
we lived. And we some gut busting times as well. Those stories need to be told.
It’s a coming of age type of thing.
What projects are you working on?
My upcoming tour in the fall is my
main project currently. It’s taking all my time and energy. It’s my first tour
so I’m knee deep in it.
What is the one thing people would be
surprised to know about you?
I love all Little Debbie snack
cakes. I mean all. Some I love more than others, but I love them all. I could
eat a little Debbie every day. As a matter of fact, I think I do. I know all
the convenient stores that carry them. I tend to shy away from the ones that
don’t. I can look at a store and tell if the carry Little Debbie’s or not. When
I feel that a store carries Little Debbie’s, I get out the car smiling and I
have little pep in my step, and I’ve only been wrong twice. And those two
times, were heartbreaking.
Instagram @jus_jivin
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Booking Info: jusjivinbooking@gmail.com
YouTube @jusjivin
Booking Info: jusjivinbooking@gmail.com
