Spotlight Sessions: Bok Nero

Global sound, Philly fire: Bok Nero on art, evolution, and staying grounded.

In this month’s Spotlight Sessions, I got to sit down with my longtime friend and fellow artist Bok Nero—a rapper, producer, DJ, and curator who blends electronic dance music with hip-hop influences. From our early days in the Philly underground scene to him performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Bok has built a career on authenticity, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.

In this conversation, we reflect on our journeys, the importance of genuine relationships, and the balance between passion and business in the music industry. This interview has been adapted for length and clarity.

BE YOURSELF, THE WORLD WILL CATCH UP 🌍🔥🚀

Andre: Bok, you and I go way back. We’ve known each other since before either of us really got into this industry. But what’s funny is that when we talk, it’s never about music—it’s always about life, about family, about mental health. So this is the first time we’re really sitting down to talk about your artistry and career. For anyone who’s not familiar, introduce yourself and what you do.

Bok Nero: Man, I wear a lot of hats. Producer, DJ, rapper, vocalist, event curator. But at the core of it, music is my vehicle—it’s taken me around the world, introduced me to people and experiences I never would’ve had otherwise. I’ve had conversations about communism in China and socialism in Amsterdam, just from connecting with people through music. I never went to school for this stuff, but traveling and performing has been its own kind of education.

Andre: I feel that. Music is a foundation, but it also opens doors to so many opportunities. For me, music led to school programs, partnerships, and now this newspaper series. But you can’t just rely on talent alone—you have to learn how to navigate the business side too. I remember when I started out, I wasn’t getting booked for shows, so I just started throwing my own. Renting spaces, passing out flyers on South Street, rapping for people in the street just to sell tickets. You have to create opportunities for yourself.

Bok Nero: Exactly. A lot of people love the idea of being an artist more than the actual grind. It’s about way more than just making music. You have to understand how to build something long-term. I remember early on, I’d get offers—like, “We’ll give you $500 for the rights to this song.” And yeah, I could’ve taken the money, but I knew I had a bigger vision for the record. I pushed it myself, got it in front of the right people, and it led to brand deals and partnerships. If you’re only chasing short-term checks, you’re missing out on what could be a much bigger opportunity.

Andre: Yeah, because opportunity can be worth way more than money. It’s about longevity. And honestly, that’s why I’ve always seen you as a trendsetter. I remember when you and Blonde Gang were doing the whole rockstar look—colored hair, punk aesthetic—way before it was mainstream.

Bok Nero: We weren’t trying to be different, we were different. We didn’t give ourselves time to doubt ideas. When we started Blonde Gang, we sat down and brainstormed names, and I was like, “Yo, before we put these bright colors in our hair, we had to bleach it first. Let’s be the Blonde Gang.” And that identity just grew. We threw parties in the hood that brought together people from all over—like, dudes from my block in North Philly chopping it up with students from Egypt who just moved here. It wasn’t just about the music, it was about culture.

Andre: That reminds me of Allen Iverson—how he took criticism for being himself in the NBA, and now years later, everyone sees him as a style icon. Y’all were ahead of your time.

Bok Nero: Yeah, we took hits for it, especially online. But real life was different—our family and friends knew us, and they had our backs. And honestly, when people hate on someone for no reason, that just makes me root for them harder. Over time, we earned respect.

Andre: Speaking of earning respect, I gotta ask—what’s it like hearing your music in places like Formula 1 arenas, massive festivals? I saw that video and the crowd was insane.

Bok Nero: Man, that was surreal. I’ve always had a thing for racing—if you listen to my catalog, a lot of my songs reference motion, speed, movement. So when my record with Brian Tyler got played to open the ceremony at the O2 Arena, that hit different. Everyone in that arena—celebrities, business leaders, music fans—they all heard my voice representing Formula One. And that’s powerful.

Andre: That’s the part that blows my mind. You’ve done stadiums, but you’re still the same guy I grew up with. You’re as real and grounded as ever.

Bok Nero: It’s important to stay connected. Some people get lost trying to be someone they’re not. I think of what Tyler James Williams said once—how being cool and humble is just who he is, he doesn’t have to act like it. That’s how I see it too.

Andre: What’s been your most meaningful tour memory?

Bok Nero: Two moments stand out. First, Thailand—Waterzonic Festival. I was just walking around the mall before the show, thinking nobody would recognize me, and then out of nowhere, people started calling my name. They knew my music, wanted pictures. That was my first real out-of-country fan experience. Second, Tomorrowland in Belgium. I was chilling in a restaurant talking to some guys, not realizing they were from Swedish House Mafia. That festival was next level.

Andre: We rarely talk about music, but I needed to give you your flowers. You’ve accomplished so much, and I’m proud of you.

Bok Nero: That means a lot, man. And giving flowers is important—it takes confidence to recognize and uplift others. We need more of that. Real recognizes real.

With Spotlight Sessions, I want to shine a light on people who are making an impact, not just in their industry, but in their communities. Bok’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and staying true to yourself no matter what. These conversations are a reminder that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about vision, consistency, and surrounding yourself with the right people. I appreciate Bok for sharing his journey, and I’m excited to see where his path takes him next.

KEEP THE MIC ON ✨🎤

Meanwhile, being old friends, we talked way more than just about our careers. Here’s a rundown on his thoughts on travel, fashion, and creative living that I hope you will enjoy as much as I did.

On Travel and Perspective:

“There are pros and cons to every society, and if more people traveled, they’d realize how different lifestyles work for different cultures,” Bok shared. He recently returned from Tokyo, where he was struck by the way respect is embedded into daily life.

“In Japan, nobody walks and eats at the same time—it’s considered rude. Even at 7-Eleven, they have seats because you’re supposed to sit, eat, and throw your trash away before you leave. There aren’t even public trash cans because people just don’t litter. It’s a whole different level of social responsibility.”

He compared that to the U.S., where individuality is emphasized over communal behavior. “It’d be hard to make that a thing here because it’s not our culture.”

True Story: Bok’s first solo trip abroad was to London, driven by his love for Harry Potter. What was supposed to be a trip with a friend turned into a solo adventure after his travel buddy bailed last-minute. “I had no plan, no hotel, but I figured it out. I even ended up in a university lecture just by tagging along with a friend I met online. And somehow, I ended up standing in front of the class, answering their questions about life in America.”

On Fashion and Self-Expression:

Travel has also shaped Bok’s evolving sense of style. While European fashion cycles intrigue him, his biggest influences come from Asia. “Tokyo used to be all bright colors and wild looks, but now it’s more neutral and subdued,” he noted.

His own wardrobe reflects his eclectic tastes. “One day I might wear a kimono with shorts and a T-shirt. It just depends on how I feel.”

When teased about trailblazing Blonde Gang’s signature multi-color hairstyles, “We weren’t trying to be different. We just were.”

On the Business of Art:

One of the biggest lessons Bok has learned in his career is understanding the real value of his work.

“A lot of artists don’t know what they’re worth because there’s no standard pricing for independent music. That’s why people sign to agencies and labels—because they understand market rates,” Bok explained.

He learned through trial and error, asking other artists what they were charging for similar gigs, and paying close attention to his contracts. As an artist, too, I can relate. I used to undercharge for shows until I got a contract offering me double what I was going to ask. After that, I started really learning how the business worked.

Bok agreed, “You gotta know what your long-term goal is. Not every opportunity is about a paycheck. Sometimes it’s about positioning yourself for something bigger.”

On Meditation and Mental Clarity:

One of Bok’s lesser-known interests? Meditation.

“For me, tea is a form of meditation,” he said, explaining how he admires the Chinese approach to mindfulness—even in the midst of chaos, they prioritize peace. “The whole act of choosing the tea, brewing it, drinking it—it’s intentional. It clears your mind.”

He believes that meditation doesn’t have to look one way. “We all do it in different ways, whether we realize it or not. It’s just about making space to be present.”

Love this! People don’t realize how powerful it is to just take a moment. Especially as artists, we’re constantly taking in the world around us. It’s crucial to your mind to keep your creativity fresh.

Final Thoughts

Bok Nero’s journey isn’t just about music—it’s about movement, self-discovery, and staying true to his vision. Whether he’s performing on global stages, curating intimate experiences, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, he remains grounded in who he is.

“At the end of the day, I just want to connect with people in a real way,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Bok Nero is an artist/DJ/producer wearing a variety of other hats, from fashion to marketing to all aspects of creative development. A Philly native, he has enjoyed world-wide acclaim and continued success across genres. Follow @boknero on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube.

What do you think? Hit the links for more info, and leave your comments below.

Spotlight Sessions is a series conceived and developed by artist-educator Andre Saunders to highlight inspirational local people with personal, community-focused interviews. CLICK HERE to read last month’s feature on local music industry veteran Marcus “Rated Art” Bryant.

Check out Andre’s latest music project “Better Late Than Never”, a deft, layered introspective with unforgettable rhymes and hooks.