First Day Feature: Varus Bell uses his past mistakes to prepare for future glory

Hailing from Starkville’s notorious “Blackjack” area, Varus Bell has seen an interesting path to get to where he is today. The son of a single mother, Varus turned to the streets at an early age to help support his needs. Although he was heavily involved in the streets the multi-talented individual still managed to exceed academically and athletically as a member of the basketball team.After pursuing his basketball goals at Meridian Community College and ultimately Monroe College in Rocherster, NY, Varus street side seem to catch up with him. He was convicted for the sale of marijuana after written statements and a recorded conversation with an informant was compiled by law enforcement. The time was indeed a setback, but one that Varus used for some good as well. It was during this stint of over 2 years in prison that he truly cleared his mind and focused on the goal of making music his full-time life.

Since his release Varus Bell has been relentless in his pursuit of getting his music heard. As he gears up for the next chapter of his career, he is ready to get more personal and let his story drive the sound forward. Ahead of his September 12th release of the new single “Trust Issues”, Varus discusses some of the influences of that particular song, his upbringing and plans for the future.

To start, share a little bit of your background for anyone who may be getting an introduction to Varus Bell.

 

Well, a little about me…. First and foremost I am Varus Bell. Born and raised in Starkville Ms, the home of the Mississippi State Bulldogs (Hail State). I grew up in a small community called “Blackjack” also known as Dixie Land. I lived the typical American lifestyle of a African American male raised in a single parent household. My momma raised me and my brother the best she could, but she was young so it was up to my grandma and god parents to step in and fill the void. I played high school as well as college basketball. My semi pro basketball career ended faster then Chris Brown life on stomp the yard hahaha.. I fell in love with music in 2000, my dad was a DJ, and my momma played music ALL the time when I lived with her. I have been recording and writing music since 2002, but I decided to make it my career in 2008 while attending Mississippi State.

You’re one of the more well known figures from your neighborhood, Blackjack. What does your home mean to you and how does it inspire your music?

 

Home to me is the place I became who I am today. Without Blackjack, without Starkville, without Mississippi there would NOT be a Varus Bell. Despite the things that I have endured throughout my life, those life lessons helped me develop the person I am today. Whether people believe it or not music has helped me through a lot because some songs gave me confidence, some songs gave me motivation to get off my butt and go get money, and some music gave me adrenaline to move. I am a firm believer that music plays a part in the lives of people.

Growing up in such a rough situation I know it’s not hard to fall into a bad mindset. That being said, it seems as though even through your downfalls you manage to keep a focus on your dream of being a musician. How do you keep your eyes on the prize when the world around you is in turmoil?

Prayer and faith… Let me set the record: I am not a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Jehovah’s Witness, or any other denomination. I believe in God and that’s all. Everyone else who came to us to preach his word is his mediator. I do believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, he is the greatest profit to ever live. I believe in the Prophet Muhammad. I do believe Virgin Mary gave birth to a child and she had never been with a man. So as long as someone is preaching about the one true God I will listen. So with that being said, Matthew 4:4 says, ” It is written: Mans shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” So how can I discredit or speak blasphemy about other religions when they are all talking about ONE GOD. Do your research people. A lot of people don’t know that the Holy Koran spoke of Jesus more then the bible. But we wouldn’t know that because of the world we live in…. I know that’s off subject but to answer your question, I believe in God and I’m a firm believer that prayer really works.

You’ve spent some time in prison due to some mistakes in the past. How do you plan to walk a path that won’t lead down that road again?

Well both of my sentences were from a form of hustle. The first I was stealing out of cars and taking cars to make money, and the last one was for selling drugs. I always said that once I put myself in the position to live legally I will give up illegal activities, so that’s the path I’m on now. There is no money in the black market simply because there is no longevity in it. The government sees all, knows all and got they and it all. If it isn’t them watching its someone close to you that is jealous of you and is envious so they go try and stop you from shining. I don’t have a drug addiction, I don’t have an alcohol problem because I’m 28 and I’ve never done either. I’m too intelligent to settle or conform to anything less then greatness now. If that’s not enough motivation to do what’s right, then my two daughters Makenzie and Memori are. They are the reason why I’m never going back to my past life. I wasn’t there for neither one of their births and I’ve messed all but 1 of Makenzie’s birthdays because I was in prison. I can’t let that continue to happen, little girls need fathers.

What was the biggest thing you would say you learned while behind the walls?

Hahaha. I’ve learned more than one thing but patience, my temperament, confidence, knowledge and to do the right thing just because it’s the right thing to do. Those are some things that really stand out . I never really had respect for authority or anyone in a position of power before prison. It was there that I learned to adapt with laws and policies while also doing what I have to do for me.

Now that you are looking to get back into releasing some new music what would you say is the biggest difference in what we’ve heard in the past compared to now?

Too much swag and dancing hahaha. Nobody is really making music with substance, they all have to much “sauce” on records and not enough substantial content. It seems now everything is fictitious and over the top. Everybody got million dollar cars and homes, but are only getting paid 5k a show. Everybody is fucking models, caught bodies, and sold keys of cocaine but there is no evidence to show that these things are true. Back then it was ok to talk about being broke and struggling and making a come up, but now it seems everybody got it or been had it.

The upcoming single “Trust Issues” shows a more emotional side of you as you speak on love and more. Did the matters of this song come from a real life experience?

Yes. Multiple. Picture if every time you met a woman she judged you based off her past and not your own. Picture every relationship you are in you are being accused of things you aren’t doing and have never done. No man wants to deal with this, so I felt the song was appropriate for this generation that we live in. We men aren’t always the villains. Sometimes we are the victims. I know I have caused a great deal of heart break, but I too have had my heart broken. That being said, who wants to deal with a broken heart that they didn’t cause? Hence the title “Trust Issues”.

You had a line on Trust Issues where you say that men get hurt to. What would you say is the thing that has hurt you most to date?

Hahaha my number one problem with women now, the half truth. Women I’ve dated always give me the sin of omission because they are afraid I will judge their past and not their present. I hate that. You ask a woman, “who have you dated from Starkville or Blackjack”, because you don’t want to be involved with someone your brother had and they lie or only tell you half the truth. I can’t deal with someone who feel they need to lie to me or keep something from me because they are afraid I will judge or criticize them. That isn’t the case with me. I just hate surprises, just tell me what’s up from the start to avoid all other issues.

Outside of the release of Trust Issues what else can people expect from you in the near future?

Movie placements, entrepreneurship, fashion and I pray philanthropy if my funds allow it hahaha.

When it’s all said and done what would you like for your lasting legacy to be?

I want people to look and think, “Despite it all he overcame so much and he made it, so I know I can make it also”.

Who are some of your biggest influences musically and why do they touch you the way they do?

Pastor Troy, Jay-Z, P-Diddy, Snoop Dogg, 2-Chainz, Kevin Gates, Cap-1, J-Cole and Master P were all influential musicians I looked up to and still follow on my journey through this music industry. I feel like with these artist we all had and have the dream to inspire. I can also relate to some of the things that they have went through in the past.

 If you could get one message across to all of your fans and anyone else who has supported you to date what would it be?

I just want to say thank you to all my fans and supporters for the support. Without you guys supporting me I wouldn’t have any desire to do this. Thank you for giving me a opportunity to provide for me and my family, while also doing the things I love musically. I hope to have everybody support September 12th for the release of “Trust Issues” and other up-and-coming projects from me. Thank you and I love you guys.

Are there any last words you would like to share before we conclude?

Please follow me on Twitter @varusbell, Instagram @varusbell and Facebook :Varus Bell

 

Thank you guys and may peace be upon you..