BlackDoctor.org: How did being part of A Tribe Called Quest prepare you for your career transition? Are there any parallels?
Jarobi White: There are a few parallels. As a chef, you’re only as good as your last dish and as an artist, you’re only as good as your last song. When you hear a song for the first time and you like it and you have that immediate reaction and start bobbing your head, it’s the same thing as when you get a nice plate and get that good food in your mouth and you sway, and say “mmmm!”
BlackDoctor.org: As you know, many Black communities in America suffer from food deserts, which contribute to poor health and unhealthy food choices. What are your thoughts?
Jarobi White: I live in Brooklyn and as affluent as Brooklyn is becoming, there’s still a food desert. There’s not a vegetable to be found within a 10-block radius. It’s definitely something I think about all the time because it’s something I have to deal with. It’s a reality.
BlackDoctor.org: Last year, the death of your long-time friend and group mate Phife was a devastating blow to A Tribe Called Quest fans everywhere. Of course, he was diabetic and was a self-admitted “sugarholic.” As a chef, how often did you discuss diet and nutrition with him? What were some of those conversations like?
Jarobi White: Of course, we had those conversations. That was my brother—and my best friend. And because I’m a chef, yes, that was a constant topic of conversation, especially when he really got sick. I moved to Atlanta for the sole purpose of keeping an eye on him and taking care of him. I just tried to give him the tools. I always talked to him about eating healthy.