BlackDoctor.org: Getting back to the relationship between food and music, do you happen to listen to any tunes when you’re prepping or cooking? I can’t get through cooking without groups like The Delfonics or The Whispers in the background…
Jarobi White: First of all, let me just say I love The Whispers! But when I’m really cooking a lot, I have four major “go-tos”: Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Prince. And I also love the Los Angeles group, J*Davey. I picked these people because musically, they take you places. Sometimes, when I’m prepping something, it can really be repetitive—like a robotic process. But having those artists in the background and knowing all the words to their whole catalog distracts me from how tedious it can be. When I’m actually cooking though, I like more up-tempo stuff—that’s when hip-hop [artists] like Public Enemy comes in.
BlackDoctor.org: As someone who has made a successful career transition, what is your advice for people who are contemplating a career or life change but are afraid or hesitant to move forward?
Jarobi White: You have to go for things that you want. If you have passion for something and you focus and make moves towards that goal, there’s nothing you can’t do. There are times where there will be insurmountable obstacles but you just have to keep digging.
BlackDoctor.org: What’s next for Eats, Rhymes and Life?
Jarobi White: More events. I want to branch out to more cities. I’ve done [events in] Los Angeles and New York extensively but his year I want to concentrate on Miami. I also want to prepare for some form of a cooking show. I would like to really take what I do—my concept—and move it forward.
For more information on Eats, Rhymes and Life, please visit the website.
LaShawn Williams is a freelance writer and editor from Chicago, Illinois. She is an arts and entertainment enthusiast who has a serious thing for stand-up comedy, music and dance. Follow her on Twitter:@MsWilliamsWorld.