Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Bautista.
Hi Jorge, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY to Caribbean parents. At a young age, I was exposed to hip hop. From Biggie to Nas to Lauryn, music heavily influenced my early years. I would go to school and come up with rhymes in my head over familiar beats but I would never share this bit about myself with anybody. It wasn’t until 6th grade that I was able to share it with the world and actually perform. It was a time in my life when I was just being difficult and hardheaded, just doing terrible. My 6th-grade teacher and I however made a deal, if I got my act together I’d be able to perform in front of my class. I don’t know why something snapped in my mind at this point and I started to come around, my first song was over the beat of Say Something by Drake and Timbaland. Years passed and went to high school and I moved to H-town. I kept practicing my passion but on the lowkey until I got out of college and basically said, fuck it. Ever since then it’s been a hell of a ride. To my surprise, just seeing how many people actually enjoy my songs and who listen to them on the daily, it’s nothing short of a blessing. I live for the haters too, it’s soothing to see people expend so much energy putting down something they don’t like. 😂🤷🏽♂️. I’m currently working on my first music video and various projects and I’m aiming for the top of the top. I want to make it to be like my idols, Cole, Drake, The Weekend, Bryson, and of course the legends I named earlier in the passage. It’s become easier because of technology but also more difficult as there is a lot of competition.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s never smooth. Creating music is a process, I didn’t know a damn thing about notes or music, in general, I was just always good at rhyming and picking up rhythm. The pandemic allowed me to focus on the one thing that makes me truly happy, I taught myself how to play piano and how to create beats. It’s never easy but I’ve come to realize that the sooner I embrace and fight through my obstacle the sooner I get out of the storm and into the sunlight.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My day job is at a nonprofit as a workforce development financial coach in Houston. I help people better their lives by connecting them to employment, vocational training opportunities, financial savings programs and credit building programs. Most of these are in-house at the agency but I refer out my clients to other nonprofits when we do not have what they are searching for. It’s a high-stress job but looking back I guess I’m mostly proud of the change I’ve caused in other people’s lives. Helping people find employment when unemployed, helping them achieve a career change or even find a better job. I also helped a couple of clients acquire funds for rent when the Covid pandemic struck and it feels amazing to be able to help those in need. Professionally, I guess the developing skill set I possess. I’m originally an Advertising and Business major with an IT background and certifications now possessing Workforce and financial advisory skills. I speak Spanish and Italian with the hopes of learning French soon, lol.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Time is precious, our mental health is precious. Our work-life balance is important and key. Covid taught to better love myself and do what I love. Not to be a slave to the system and to say fuck it once in a while, I ain’t come to earth to just pay bills and die
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zez.am/dicaelum
- Instagram:Dicaelum
- Facebook:Dicaelum
- Twitter:Dicaelum
- SoundCloud: Dicaelum
