GRAMMY award-winning artist and one of the founding members of both New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, Michael L. Bivins, gives us a first-hand account of his rise to stardom. We may know him for his undeniable talent and influence in music, but it all started with a dream to play in the NBA in Roxbury’s Orchard Park Projects. Mr. Bivins’s skills on the court led him to superstardom on the stage. His determination to persevere, win, and never accept failure led him to become a leading authority in music and fashion today.
The Hustle of @617MikeBiv on ALLBLK called on industry peers Jay-Z, bandmates Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Johnny Gill, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, Snoop Dogg, DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Quincy Jones, Magic Johnson, Dick Clark, Andre Harrell, Russell Simmons, among others to detain the imprint Michael’s talent and career has had on their success. Executive produced by Teasha L. Bivins and Ngai “Fishgrease” Members and by Yvonne McNair, Shirley Bivins, Tanya Bivins, and Brooke Payne, Mr. Bivins has made this feel-good documentary a family affair.
Mr. Bivins sat for an interview to discuss his new documentary @617MikeBiv on ALLBLK, his legacy, and more. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Stephanie Tharpe: What was your life like in Roxbury’s Orchard Park Projects?
Michael Bivins: Growing up in Roxbury’s Orchard Park Projects was fun. To be able to be in a community with a bunch of people who like to have fun, we didn’t look at it like we were poor. We could make fun of everything, whether jumping rope, chalk on the ground, or playing basketball. I had a lot of fun taking pictures on Polaroid cameras and documenting everything as it happened.
Stephanie Tharpe: What was your introduction to music, and who influenced you?
Michael Bivins: Watching shows like Soul Train, Phil Donahue’s show with the Jacksons, and all those great things available to us back then. I got into Sugar Hill and Kurtis Blow early because the Christmas rappin’ song was on the radio in the seventies. I was able to pull from those experiences and references. It felt good back then; you had a bit of hip hop and a bit of R&B, and it was before we even understood the difference between the two like now there is a clear distinction. We were just listening and enjoying good music. I also had the older music like Temptations being played in my house with my mom. So, I have so many influences across genres and decades.
Stephanie Tharpe: You brought your wife and other family members to produce this project. What does that mean for you?
Michael Bivins: She was one of the ones that inspired me to do this project. Between my wife and brother, we took a leap of faith, and they were there motivating me and putting the batteries in my back to keep going on this path. It was very important to have my family involved, like my mom, sisters, and kids, because it gives the family something to look at years from now so they can see their contribution to one of the family’s life stories.
Stephanie Tharpe: You have industry peers like Jay-Z, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Quincy Jones providing commentary for this documentary. How does it feel to hear how you have influenced them?
Michael Bivins: It’s quite humbling because they are who they are now, but I think about where they started. They were looking up to New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe in the early eighties, and now they are stars! So, to have them a part of this was amazing.
Stephanie Tharpe: Why did you choose ALLBLK as the platform to tell your story?
Michael Bivins: They are Good people. They understood my story, and It was a perfect fit. A deal is a deal. But that people go out of their way to make sure everything is good, and you’re straight; That’s a different type of deal. You get more than just programming. God willing, you get repeat business and a successful project because the energy is right. That’s the type of relationship I have with ALLBLK.
Stephanie Tharpe: One thing you are a master of is knowing how to redirect into new avenues, whether music or fashion. What advice can you give on pivoting?
Michael Bivins: Knowing when things are stale and what to do. Sometimes, we can pivot, and we make the wrong call. When you pivot in your life, you must ensure it’s a natural step. Everything I do must be natural to who I am instead of going out of my realm. That is important for me.
Stephanie Tharpe: What do you want viewers to take away from The Hustle of @617MikeBiv on ALLBLK?
Michael Bivins: It was entertaining. My stories captured your attention, and you learned something from my experiences. It’s a feel-good story that inspires you to do something regardless of where you come from. I want this to encourage people to do something that has their city and community embrace them no matter what it is. I want to wake up some souls and wake up some minds.
Stephanie Tharpe: What would you like your legacy to be?
Michael Bivins: I want to be known as a relentless and successful businessman and family man. A call you can make if you ever need good advice and a person who is always willing to help others.
You can watch The Hustle of @617MikeBiv on ALLBLK.
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