Respect | Spiritual

IRIE. Spiritual is your name however it wasn’t chosen by you. Can you share with us the story behind the name Spiritual?

Spiritual: I loved the story of David from I was a child, I always felt like a leader. My friends would always come to me for advice, and my advice was always a religious answer. I was 14 years old when all my friends started to call me SPIRITUAL because I would always defend Jah no matter what. I felt I was a servant of Jah for Jah people.

IRIE. In January 2014, you released ‘Marathon’ with Alborosie! Wikkid Tune! One of my favorite lines from the song is ‘It’s not the color of a man’s skin, it’s how he thinks within, yes my friend.’ Can you elaborate on its meaning?

Spiritual: Well growing up, the color of someone’s skin was always a problem. I saw where it was coming from but I didn’t see where it was going. This one hating, that one judging, it becomes confusion. That’s when I came up with the phrase “Its not the color, but how you think. So don’t color your mind and blind your sight”.

IRIE. Who are some of your music influences?

Spiritual: Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Culture, Buju Banton, Josie Wales, U-Roy, Burning Spear, Ray Charles just to name a few.

IRIE. Where do you get your inspiration for your music?

Spiritual: I get my inspiration from the almighty, the whole world is my video so to get through it you have to stick to something or someone. My someone is Jah Almighty. A title would come in my head, then I would just put the words behind it…. and it has to be something to please Jah people.

IRIE. You’re latest release is ‘Stand Up To Rasta. What is the message behind this track?

Spiritual: Rasta is consciousness, peace and love. Rasta is righteousness, we give raspect so we get raspect which makes Rasta deserve a standing ovation and that is what this track is doing… Giving a standing ovation to Rasta.

IRIE. Are there plans for an album release in 2015? If so, will it include collaborations?

Spiritual: Definitely there will be for 2015, and yes for sure there will be collaborations. I love to work with Jah people for we are all one.

IRIE. If you could make a positive social change in the world right now, what would that be?

Spiritual: For people to respect each other as we are all one family who just need love. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you are, just love…. It’s easy and without cost.

IRIE. Yes I! Is there anything else you would like to add or share with the IRIE family?

Spiritual: It’s not the world that you live in, it’s how you live in the world you’re in. Good attitude see’s bright future, but bad attitude contaminates both you and your future. If you want love don’t ask for it, you know it so show it and when you get it don’t blow it. When you give it, don’t take it back. Nuff Raspect to the IRIE Family and all the fans who love real music. Peace, Love and Unity for a better country and community. One Love, One Life.

IRIE. Give thanks for this interview, Spiritual! Blessings!

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