Meet Willie Tallie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Tallie.

Hi Willie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
In 2015, I worked at The Boys & Girls, where I met some of the greatest people of my life. My cousin Lil’Cupid had come up to rebuild the studio with Ossco Bolton, whom I had just met for the first time. DePrice Taylor was my supervisor then, and I was still trying to figure out the potential I had to impact the youth. Fast forward to 2018, I was in a music video for a song titled “Pop Sh*t” by Kansas City’s local artist. At the time, the video was a good idea because it was a hot song, and I developed quite a buzz off of that; I decided to change how I impacted the community and go against the grain by being a positive figure instead of just a viral one. I took advantage of the popularity and buzz I had started to receive, took the risk, and started popping up outside of schools after the bell rang as my character Lil’MiKe MiKe, and they loved it! I had never received fan mail before that, but seeing how much I made those kids’ day just by showing I care went a long way, and that’s when I found my purpose and passion. I started working at different schools, worked with the LINC program, used my talents and gifts everywhere, and later became a public figure. I began getting interviews from Hot 103.3 Gen Rap, Fox 4, podcasts, and more. I took advantage of the places I worked by teaching children to unlearn the things they’ve learned and realize that they are light and have more power than they realize. You don’t have to become a product of your environment, nor do you have to accept the norm. I always tell kids to step out and use their voices; if you don’t like the negative and dark things you see around your community, let’s ReDefine Kool to change that. I began to get hit up for local films such as The Shutdown by Chuck Browne and helping our city’s top producers with their films, such as Taron Mac and Khalid Abdulqaadir, from Chiefs Superbowl commercials, Tech 9 music videos, to creating my very own 10 min short called “Brighter Day” with the youth of Emmanuel Child & Development Center which is currently on YouTube. I am currently in my music bag and plan to bring real love music back. My whole goal is to restore love and positivity; with all this darkness we are surrounded by, I want to shine on others so they, too, can do the same.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Working alone for 8 years with no team has been extremely difficult; I recently just signed with a talent agency, but even still, it’s tough, especially when people don’t want to pay what you are worth. My name is more important than money; I’ve done a lot without asking for anything in return simply because I love what I do, and it’s for change, not for change, you get it? I love my journey and wouldn’t trade anyone’s journey for mine! I’m building something that’ll last for generations and not just for the now.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Acting and getting into character is my passion, along with writing music. People always ask how I switch into character so fast and easily, but it’s just my second nature. I can play any role, and I love the challenges. Writing music is also a passion of mine; I lean on writing music for everyone, not just myself. I try to put love and God into my songs and make my hooks very catchy for the listeners. I want people to listen and feel good, loved, and free. I feel like what sets me apart from others is that I create based on my spirit, not just how I’m feeling at the time; I let God guide me. My proudest moment and biggest accomplishment was my “Brighter Day” video on YouTube because I displayed my character—myself as a teacher, and my music and creative direction. I think ALL families should check it out; it introduces exactly what I will do in the future.

How do you define success?
I define success by my influence, the number of times I make others smile and laugh daily, and planting seeds in the youth or even my peers. Healing one another is my definition of success. After all, each other is all we have. After you take away possessions and this corrupt system, we can achieve and change the world how we want to, and as long as I do my part before I leave this earth like I’ve been doing, then I have already succeeded.

Pricing:

• For booking: [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nextpaigellc.com/
• Instagram: @willietallie
• Facebook: @willietallie
• Youtube: @willietallie