We’ll remember 2021 as a year of triumphs and tragedies, wins and losses, and unifying optimism and aggravated division. In THIS INTERVIEW we revisit the last 12 months from the perspective of Hip Hop artist and author Cellus Hamilton.
Acclaimed for his music and his penmanship, Hamilton’s TOP 50 book If Jesus Was a Rapper is a must read. Another must is listening to his songs “Right Now”, “Rainy Vibes” and “Adoration”, all of which dignify his faith and exceptional lyricism and delivery.
Hamilton shared some of his thoughts with us by answering THIS questionnaire about his life in 2021 and what to expect from him in 2022.
How would you summarize 2021?
I would summarize 2021 as being a placeholder/preparation/transition year. I think 2020 – covid – was intentionally used by God to wake people up in every area of their lives. And I truly believe that 2021 was a continuation of that, but with also glimmers of hope. 2021 is the year where we are all prepared and anchored for the greater that is to come in 2022.
Did you read anything inspiring or influential that you would recommend to others?
I’m always reading new books and educating myself further. In 2021, three of the best books I read were The Search for Significance, City On A Hill: African Communities of Purpose, and God’s Generals: Why They Succeeded and Why Some Failed.
What was the best song of the year?
That’s a tough question. But I would probably say that the best song of the year is “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic.
What were the movies or television shows that you couldn’t stop watching?
I’m a person of nostalgia so all year I watched reruns from 90’s sitcoms; Fresh Prince, Kenan & Kel, Smart Guy.
Who or what entertained you the most?
Since traveling is something I enjoy doing and it was forbidden during 2020 due to covid, getting back on planes and traveling was the most entertaining thing of my 2021.
VERZUZ also was very entertaining for me too.
What was your favorite social media post – by you or someone you follow?
My favorite social media post was when me and my wife became debt free this year! It had been a longtime goal of ours.
Tell us the most surprising thing you heard or saw all year.
The most surprising thing I heard or saw all year was that me and my wife were pregnant and having a baby!
The second most surprising thing was that our child came three weeks early and was born at home in our NYC apartment with nobody present. I delivered the baby myself.
How did you evolve over the last 12 months?
In the past twelve months, a lot has changed. I became debt free, a father, and an author. All of these things I’m extremely proud of and grateful for.
In what way has the pandemic affected your outlook on life?
The pandemic has shown me how short life is and how I should make sure that I’m spending my days focusing on what’s important. If I’m building a platform online but not touching anybody in real life, I’ve wasted my existence.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
I think becoming a father of a healthy baby boy was definitely the biggest blessing.
Did you experience a defining moment?
Going on my first headline independent tour was a defining moment. It proved to me that I can be successful touring as in indie artist on my own and that my team and fans are INCREDIBLE!
What can we expect from you in 2022?
In 2022 you can expect a new album and a lot of new music and community endeavors that will build people in soul and body. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
