Tommy Cha
There’s a Blue Scholar in the building! No, not Western students! Geo Quibuyen, who is a Cali-born, Hawaii-raised, Seattle-based second-generation rapper, writer and cultural worker. Geo is best known for his work as the vocalist for the Seattle hip-hop duo, Blue Scholars, with DJ/producer Sabzi. Geo has also worked a lot in the Seattle community around issues involving economic justice and racial equity, along with youth advocacy.
I had the honor of being able to meet Geo in person. I have personally been listening to him in Blue Scholars ever since I was in seventh grade! That was almost nine years ago! I still have him and his songs in my third-generation iPod touch to this day. I did not know Geo was in Bellingham until I found out he was going to be at NWFASA. Here was my chance to talk to him! Setting all the aside, I was able to get an interview with Geo about marginalized communities and cultural set-backs, along with Ethnic Studies.
Q: How do you hope to accomplish your goals on helping marginalized communities in the future?
A: “Build solidarity, travel and link with other organizations.”
Q: What is your vision for the community in Seattle? Would you be able to see that in Bellingham? What would you like to see changed, or stay in marginalized communities? I ask that because Bellingham is having a steady increase in people of color.
A: “Western Washington is growing, that’s for sure. There would need to be a lot of work required in Bellingham. Probably have a hub and youth programs for the community. Just like having open mics in Chinatown in Seattle, where anybody in the community can voice themselves, Bellingham can do something like that for marginalized communities and people of color. But at the same time, there shouldn’t always be people of color to educate around. White folks can play a role too.”
Q: What are your views and experiences with Ethnic Studies in school? WWU does not have fully supported programs.
A: “Sometimes, there wasn’t real history told in classes. If you don’t tell history, there will be people of privilege who won’t acknowledge it. They would grow up ignorant and think they’re better than others. I’d support Ethnic Studies even if it’s a full white school.”
Q: So, this might be a bit of an odd question, but how did rapping help out marginalized communities?
A: “A lot of non-black people of color recognize that I’m doing a black artform. Most people understand hip-hop, and it’s a voice for the community. It’s a way for the youth from oppressed communities to voice themselves. I grew up on it, and won’t go anytime soon.”
Q: This is just a random question, but what do you think about Mumble Rap?
A: “It is innovation. Rules should be broken. I like it. If you look at punk rock, it declined because they had rules. Before me, I remember the ’80s people getting mad about’90s folks. Innovate, try new things! Especially if it upsets older generations.”