Interviews

Published on November 23rd, 2019 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

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Author Jameel Laboo Discusses His Motivational Book Entitled ‘SIGNS’

Back story Jameel Laboo was born July 13, 1983 in Newark, New Jersey. As the second oldest of his moms six kids and the fourth oldest of his fathers’ eight, he struggled to express his feelings without being judged. Growing up under poor conditions was the life he was faced with and he was longing for some relief. Writing poetry was the beginning of his creative journey releasing his feelings. That was up until he heard the late Tupac Shakur. After that his poetry turned into rap lyrics.

 Becoming more comfortable with his music, he began entering many local showcases, quickly becoming a local celebrity. In every song you heard his pain and his desire to want more out of life. Sadly, his career took a turn for the worse. Jameel was incarcerated due to engaging in the “street life” activities. His time in prison was short but being in trouble became repetitive. Even going through his trials, his vision was still positive. While others felt they were stuck, he always knew there was a way out. He lived by the motto, “Just because I came from the bottom, doesn’t mean I have to stay there”.

Welcoming the birth of his first child was all the motivation he needed and more. Being raised with his father in and out of prison, Jameel was determined to break that cycle. He ventured off into different businesses, as well as adding acting and writing scripts to his resume. All while still pursuing his music career. Now going by the name “C.H.A.O.S.”  (Creating Happiness After One Suffers), his goal was to change the negative mind state of many who surrounded him.

 To become the voice he desires to be, Jameel wrote his first motivational book called “Signs”. Aiming to help kids going through anxiety and depression. Telling his own personal story to gain others trust with theirs. Showing them that winning comes from our hearts. Not by luck but by being genuine. Most of all constantly preaching that if we become contagious with good energy, it’ll spread long past our physical existence.  “My Biggest Fear Is Dying, And No One Benefitted From My Living”…C.H.A.O.S.

The Hype Magazine got Jameel to weigh on his new book, what it took to work through the pain and tears to pull it together and advise for parents when relating to their children.

Talk to us about Jameel Chaos and his journey to completing the book Signs

To write Signs it was easy as far as having enough material. Yet was hard to complete through my pain and tears. You have to realize my daughter is actually going through this as I write. She’s the reason I started because I didn’t know who to talk to. This was my way of getting it out. Holding it in was killing me. I barely could finish sentences without crying. It took me down so many roads. From past to the present times. Many bad decisions I made that could’ve had me absent. Beliefs that were taught to me that were completely false. That’s the reason I decided to publish after completed. I felt the best thing I could do was try and help others. It’s so many kids that need help. But how can a parent help when they need it themselves. This book is my guide to looking in the mirror and checking my flaws. Through phone calls and messages it’s the same to many others as well.

What was the defining moment when you realized that a life change was in order?

I believe what really made me know I had to change and not halfway. After my son was born is when it weighed the heaviest. Him and my daughter taught me different ways. My daughter showed that unconditional love. I need my daddy in my life, he’s the best kind of vibes. My son imitated me from very young. Scared me so bad due to my upbringing. I knew I couldn’t fail him. He couldn’t believe wrong decisions were right because of my actions. He couldn’t believe showing emotions were wrong. I had to give my kids love like the fathers you seen on television shows. It seemed as if that’s the only place they really existed.

Being a parent, how did you get in touch with the challenges your child was going through?

I had to be a child again, and remember those sad depressed days. Remember the advice that didn’t work more than the advice that did. Because thinking like a parent it’s more anger and emotional thinking. At that moment so much wrong advice could be given. But when you think back to what you needed most. Who you needed most. You’ll come as close as you can to comforting them in a healthy way.

What made “Signs” such an important piece of work for you personally?

How many African American men coming from my way of living. Knowing that kids look up to them. Knowing that not only theirs, someone else son could follow their wrong doings. Understanding you can lose all your popularity, and street credibility trying to do right. Yet they still turn around and do the right thing. Not many! I know better and we need change. Every bad decision I made resembled my family being less important to me. And by far that wasn’t true. These kids need help. That’s why it’s so important.

How can we as parents how do we bolster the confidence of our children?

We just have to interact more with our kids. Now more than ever especially. All negativity is promoted on every platform of entertainment. It’s easy to feel that what they see is the best way. The days we’re the most tired might be the most important. Just give them a few minutes. Watch their actions, see what they’re curious about. What and who they speak highly of. These are normally the things that makes them feel confident or insecure. Learn who your child is. That’s the best answer to be honest. You can’t fully help someone you don’t even know.

Is it a mistake to shield our children from difficulty?

There’s no way you can shield your children from difficulty. This is the reason to make sure you’re there on their journey. Not just physically either. Involved in every aspect of their growth. Not smothering, yet never leaving them to believe their alone. This helps when they might be on the verge of them bad decisions. Your voice will pop in their head. Them hurting you will weigh more than whatever wrong they’re thinking.

What do you feel the most important take away is from your book?

Be quiet and listen to your kids. Sometimes asking questions limits what’s on their mind. Just tell them talk to you. Maybe take a ride, or get some lunch. Never interrupt just keep listening. You might find out something new about your kid.



About the Author

Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.


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