FEARLESS
In the words of "Paulie Think"
PAGE 33 | www.blaquelineentertainment.com
From Chicago, to the hoods of New Haven, CT and the music streets of Austin, Texas Paulie Think is the true picture of hard work. I met Paul at a recent showcase hosted by the UnTapped Show. In our brief encounter I knew that he had a very friendly spirit and the musical embrace of a lion. In the midst of all of the loud music and the crowd, he handed me a recent copy of The Challenger Newspaper. Looking into his eyes I could tell that he truly had a passion for the well-being of humanity. Below is a look into the life of "Paulie Think" as told in his own words.
MY WORLD. I am originally from Chicago and had been coming to Austin, TX since 2009 playing gigs during SXSW. While on my visit to Austin, I heard about a company called HAAM, which provides insurance for musicians; and thought I could really use their assistance. Being a musician and performing at countless tours, it really takes a toll on the body and mind. In 2012, I was living in the hood of New Haven, CT working on the DIY Bandits label. We had just put out a digital and vinyl release of a group called Icebox, which consists of Eyenine, PT Burnem and myself. We did a month and a half tour leading up to SXSW. Our vehicle broke down, but we continued with our SXSW shows. However, the guys booked their flights back to the Northeast and I said “Fu#! it, I’m staying.” The homies "Who Mi?", "MC Homeless" and "Joey Alpha" let me crash at their pad in Austin.
FAMILY LIFE. My Ma’s side of the family is from Chicago and my grandparents are from Budapest. My dads side of the family is from Memphis. I bounced back and forth a bit, but started getting into Hip Hop while in Memphis in 1982. However, I have not talked to my Dad since 1986. He was involved in shady business and was a racist. We bumped heads a lot. My Ma was a cocaine addict so there was a lot of abandonment. She would lock me out of the house so she could get high, which meant the streets pretty much raised me. I love my Ma (R.I.P.). She [My Ma] really didn't get any help from my dad. My dads second wife is like a Ma to me. My dad left her and my brother and sister like he did myself and my Ma. My brother and I have a tight connection. We do a lot of music stuff and he's helping me with the label now. My sister is a meth addict. She's pretty much out there and quite possibly past the point of no return unfortunately. It breaks my heart.
THE UNDERDOGS. I’ve always been interested in assisting the underdogs in any way that I can. I was once homeless, so I empathize. I have been doing fundraisers around homelessness in different cities for many years now. I met Peter from The Challenger Newspaper and I told him that I was interested in hosting a fundraiser.
MY LIFE, MY MUSIC. My life has always centered around music. I could dive in the music and that would give me an escape from the traumatic events that surrounded me. That, paralled with the desire to challenge the negative powers in the world. I always wanted to figure out how to make a positive difference. My past struggles with addiction took all my passions from me for awhile. Fortunately, I just celebrated a year clean and sober; which makes me a full participant in the possibilities of life again. I’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with many great acts (De La Soul, Pharcyde, Grayskul, Ceschi, UK Subs, Chumbawamba, DJ Swamp, Gwar, Jawbreaker, DJ Q Bert plus so many more) and I am looking forward to the future. I've been involved in a lot of organizations against war, police brutality, the death penalty and other political issues. Yoga is also an integral part of my life these days. I honestly believe if I had not found yoga I wouldn't be on this planet anymore. I probably would have killed someone or myself. I was certified as a Yoga instructor 7 years ago at the Lotus Seed School of Yoga in Portland, OR. (continued on page 36)