By: Hannah Bateman

What you see is not always what you get when it comes to up and coming R&B artist, Eddie “Gypsy” Stokes. At first glance, the tattoo covered, Memphis, Tennessee native looks like a hardcore thug, but when the tall, handsome, muscular man unleashes his innate vocal abilities, the people who were once critics of his appearance become longtime fans of his music. After years of ignoring his passion and nearly becoming a product of his environment, Gypsy’s ambition to succeed brought him into the presence of a seasoned vet that had the power to change his life forever. With the odds working in his favor, Gypsy’s story gives hope to other talented artists who are on the verge of giving up. Bu’Ji Magazine was fortunate enough to interview the sensational singer. During the interview, Gypsy talked excitedly about his new record deal and revealed the man behind his success.

Bu’Ji Magazine (BM): So, you are signed to Akon's [Grammy Nominated Singer-Songwriter] record label Konvict Musik. How was that experience?

Gypsy Stokes (GM): It was a transition because I was a producer at first.

BM: Tell me about your upcoming album.

GM: It is an R&B, Soul and Pop album with beats ranging from hip hop to dance. I have not come up with a title, [but] the album is expected to be released this summer.

BM: What do you hope to accomplish with this album? 

GM: My goal is to get an album to where everybody will like it. Everybody that likes what I do will like the album and the songs.
 
BM: While on your journey toward success, what is one obstacle that you overcame that you feel others might be able to relate to?

GM: I believe in positivity. Basically in my mind, I decided to cut out all negative aspects of anything I was doing before this. It is not a map on how to do this, but basically I just started focusing on positive things, my surroundings, and the people around me.

BM: Many people might argue that you have an advantage as an artist because you are a triple treat. You can write, sing, and play the piano. How would you respond to that (claim)?

GM: I would tell them that it is true [laughs]…See there are people who do not even do half or even close to what I do that still achieve great success. It is definitely an advantage for what I do and my sound [because] I do not have to sample. I can just play whatever I want to play.
 
BM: What has been your greatest musical accomplishment so far?

GM: I got nominated for a Grammy as a writer. I did a [song] with Anthony David and India Arie called “Words.” Michelle Obama said it was here favorite song on T.V. during an interview.
 
BM: If you could work with any artist, who would it be and why?

GM: Fantasia Barrino [because] I see something in her that she has not done yet. I look at her like she can be the next Aretha Franklin if she works with the right person. She reminds me those old school artists like Aretha and Chaka [Khan], but her music does not live up to her talent. I [also] wished I would [have] worked with Lauryn Hill when she was out. She is one of my favorite artists of all-time.
 
BM: Who or what has been you biggest inspiration?

GM: My kids are my biggest inspiration. They make me keep going in this [because] at the end of the day I do it for them. Now, it is really not about money for me, it is about money to take care of them.
 
BM: What is one thing someone would not know about you by listening to your music?

GM: By listening to my music [people] would not think I was who I am [because] I do not look how I sound.
 
BM: What is one misconception that people might have about you?

GM: Everybody thinks I am a rapper.
 
BM: What is one thing that you absolutely cannot live without?

GM: I cannot live without my children [because] they are my inspiration. I see myself in them and I want to make sure that their lives are better than mine was when I was younger.

BM: If you could describe yourself in couple of words, what would they be and why?

GM: I am spiritual and talented. Those words are [also] self-explanatory.
 
BM: What is your favorite quote? Or what words do you live by?

GM: Musically, [my favorite quote is] “I still believe in the song,” and in life [my favorite quote is] “Mind over matter.”