A “GOODLOOK”: KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK

BRONX, NEW YORK | KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK

INTERVIEW REALIFE photo Kim “Goodlook” seabrook

With a ear to the streets and her finger on the pulse of authentic hip hop culture, Kim “GoodLook” Seabrook’s fearless entrepreneurial spirit knows no boundaries. Whether it be her poetry, mentoring, acting, journalism, hosting, being part business owner or co-executive producer, staying busy keeps her not only productive but creative. Her most recent venture finds her promoting good health and natural cleansing. Dancing to her own beat, Kim is no stranger to putting in hard work and dedication to bring her ideas and passions into fruition. In our interview with Kim “GoodLook” Seabrook, she talks being from the Bronx, poetry, hip hop culture, FREEDOM of expression, entrepreneurship and more.

“Imagine being told to be quiet because your opinion does not matter. Not a good feeling, huh? Everyone wants to express what is of value to them whether others agree with them or not.” - KIM “GoodLook” Seabrook 

VALIDATED: Being from the Bronx, New York, a borough rich in culture and history, what was its influence on you growing up?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: WOW! Being from The Bronx I must say it has given me a way of life that has made me into who I am today, especially growing up in my era. Hip hop influenced me to become a poet, a hustler, a person who wants to see good for her community and people. It gave us a sense of hope that even when times were hard we wasn't by ourselves and that we can get through whatever adversities come our way.

VALIDATED: Initially what inspired you to start writing poetry?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: As I mentioned hiphop was always my inspiration. I used to always rewrite rap songs and put my spin on it. for example "Round the way Girl" (LL COOL J), I did “Round the Way Boy”. lol I been writing it my whole life.

VALIDATED: At what point did you decide to recite your poetry in front of audiences?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: I was living in Newburgh, NEw York and I had just left an abusive relationship. this guy Omari was putting a show together and asked me to write and perform for his event. I remember the day I wrote this poem called "Thankful For The Pain", the sun was bright and shining right through my window the whole time I was writing. That day I knew I was free from all that had happened from the relationship. Now the day I had performed it my knees were knocking and I was nervous. The poem talks about abortion, pain and abuse but the main thing it highlighted for me was the actual overcoming of all that transpired. The audience loved it, the women said “Wow, you're telling my story. I just never could put it in those words or even get it out at all.” and the men were completely wanting to protect me. I knew then I had a purpose and that's when poetry became my therapy. in addition I was able to provide help and healing to others as well. 

VALIDATED: Poetry has been a form of therapy for you which led to you opening up a workshop program called “Creative Soul Solutions”, what can you tell us about it? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Well first I had always wanted to do some sort of workshops and classes of my own. Before me actually having the opportunity in doing so I have had several opportunities with other Souls. One person being a mentor and good brother of mines, Chip Fu of the Fuschnikens. He was the first person to have me teach poetry and writing for his workshop called “MAATH” (Music, Arts, Appreciation, Time, Healing). I had a few classes with him and that is one of the highlights of my career. It was so rewarding and to think Chip Fu asked ME, WOW! So from there other opportunities but finally here is how mine came about. I was asked to be a keynote speaker at a graduation for teens who are in the system and have criminal backgrounds. I gave that speech my all and told them that my life was rough too but look at what I’ve done, who I am and where I am going. That speech allowed my workshop... my very own workshop to be in the school through the Board Of Ed and made me be the vessel I need to be to help some teen girls. That workshop is powerful all because I am just like them. I made mistakes, I felt lost and I was abused in so many ways but you don't use the past to predict your future. This one girl came in my class and said I wanna write about a miserable life (she was having a bad day). I then said “well how about we write about OVERCOMING a miserable life?” It’s just that one word that changed that young girls perspective on her, her day and her life. words are powerful and her poem was amazing but I think they made a bigger impact on me more than I have made on them. That is what “Creative Soul Solutions” is about... Finding Creative Solutions To Heal Your Soul.

VALIDATED: Your sense of community give back, where does the commitment derive from?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: When you know what it is to have nothing then you know that there are others too. Then what do you do? You give back even when you are having troubles yourself. It’s just a given for me and I've always been  that way. I said in an interview for “Ovation TV” that "We have no idea of the impact we can make to change peoples lives if we just come together." I’d rather help my people than to sit back and not give a damn.

VALIDATED: I’ve had the opportunity to witness your persistence, hard work, dedication, professionalism and unwavering passion, who would you say you get that from? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: My persistence I get from my childhood. How many of us know what its like to be disappointed, right? I learned not to expect from others and keep going for myself. if I get disappointed it’s because of me and I dont like that feeling, so I’m going to work hard and make it happen. Hard work gets results. Dedication to anything or anyone I love is a given. Professionalism, because I almost lost opportunities by me not being professional. lol lets just say alcohol can do some stuff. lol So it’s just trial and error and knowing what you want. you have to be professional. Passion, because my passion is my purpose and I have to make sure I fulfill that before I leave this body of mines. 

VALIDATED: You’ve hosted several radio shows and podcasts including ”The Lady’s Room”, “Smash Mouth Radio” and “Keepin It 100 with Kim and Della”, how did you get your start in radio and podcast?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Well I was living in Atlanta and in 2011 I was writing for another magazine called “The Machine Network” where I was showcasing my poetry through them and I have to acknowledge them because my poetry was such a success on the website. I then became marketing and promotions manager and then began to start wriTIng and conducting interviews for them, from there it led me to podcast. My first was “The Skenny Kravitz Show” where we did live broadcast and had people dancing in their pajamas. Then I became a partner wIth DJ Ghost of “The Ladies Room” where we had our show broadcasted on Vyzion Radio and Smash Mouth. Salute to them all and last but not Least “Keepin It 100 with Kim and Della”… shout out to Della.

VALIDATED: In 2018 you released your first poetry soul cd “Memory Lane”, what was the response to project?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Man the response was actually a very positive one. I knew that the producer was dope, I knew my words were dope but to be honest I made that project in like 2 weeks. Lex Boogie is  a native of The Bronx but resides in Atlanta and I was in NY and living in the shelter at that time. I mention that because I remember recording some of the joints from my phone, on that single twin bed lol and some was previously recorded, when I know I could have done way better but we put that joint together. Stew, my business partner now was very influential in making this project dope with deciding the layout. So I know you asked about the response but the actual putting it together was just such a memorable one and how ironic that it’s called “Memory Lane”... but yeah, go cop that. I have been told that it has turned peoples lives around.

VALIDATED: Any plans for a 2nd cd release?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Oh most definitely but this time everything professional but still organic. I do however have two singles produced by Got Checked Records titled "Justice For All" which is a very deep poem describing the injustices of our black men and the other is "I'm Litty", a childrens song to help educate and build self esteem. That was written for a book titled "Listen To Litty” written by Linda Bonnanno.

VALIDATED: As an artist, journalist, media personality, actress and executive producer, what does freedom of expression mean to you?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK:  Imagine being told to be quiet because your opinion does not matter. Not a good feeling, huh? Everyone wants to express what is of value to them whether others agree with them or not. I used to use my freedom of expression to vent and let things out because I was hurting. I then started to find ways to use that same energy and turn it into healing. Now thats being free...

VALIDATED: You’re lead writer of the independent publication Validated Magazine, sound familiar? Lol How did that opportunity come about? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Ha! I like to bring back moments in my life and again I was at the shelter lol and I got a message from Validated Magazine stating they wanted to support and see one of my performances. I said great I’m about to perform in like 30 minutes. LMAO he was like “well, I’m in Jersey so I can’t now but maybe next time.” So the next day he hit me asking me if I wanted to interview some artist in Long Island. if you know me, you know I am all about opportunities as long as the energy is right I am going to take the chance. I then get to Long Island to find out I'm interviewing Erick Sermon, Rockwilder, Tye Fyfe and Mic Handz... and thats how it started. I was glad he didn’t tell me because I held it down either way but it was an honor to have those interviews under my belt.

VALIDATED: You came on board early, being apart of the magazine basically from the ground up, what’s that process been like? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: It has been interesting as with anything I get myself involved with. lol Trial and error like I said before but I love it, love what it stands for and I also have my creative control which helps with the process and the growth of the magazine as well. 

VALIDATED: Last year you performed in the Audelco Award nominated play, “The Ghetto Chronicles Musical”, written by D Whit, how would you describe that experience?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Oh man, oh man. The play was super inspiring, funny and just a wonderful experience. I had to drop out because I ventured in a business and time wouldn’t permit to do both. I do miss being in the play and I do miss the cast who became family. Please go and support, I promise you that it would be so worth your time and every dollar. They put all their heart, time and love into it. 

VALIDATED: Any plans on acting again in the near future? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: If the opportunity comes then yes. 

VALIDATED: Your most recent business venture, becoming part owner and co-executive producer of Millennium TV, how did the opportunity come about?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Yes Millennium TV was the venture I had just mentioned. Stew had got put on 1st through his lawyer and was partnered with Duke Black prior to me being apart. They seen my work ethic and asked me to be apart of what they created which is 1530 Entertainment.

VALIDATED: What can you tell us about Millennium TV? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Millennium Tv was created in 2012 with content from Bangladesh and now 1530 Entertainment has partnered with them to create and add American content to the channel. The channel is worldwide and broadly seen in Europe, Asia and Africa. Stay tuned for what we have in store. 

VALIDATED: I’m curious, with you wearing so many hats, what does your typical day look like?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: My days are full but most importantly, filled with love so its easy to wear the hats. by no means am I saying that I dont get tired because I do. lol However, I am busy from mentoring, performing, producing, being a mother, lover and friend. sheeesh, I am thankful for my energy and patience.

VALIDATED: How do you decide which business ventures to pursue? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Energy. just try it as long as it’s not degrading you or killing you, go for it. Make sure it’s something you love and if it’s meant to work out then it will. If not I am sure that you will get some lessons for the next one.

VALIDATED: Being a multi-media personality involved in hip-hop culture, who are some of the people you’ve interviewed over the years? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Starting from when I first started, Daryl Chill Mitchell of former rap group Groove B Chill, known from House Party and currently on NCIS. that interview was so inspiring and he actually became a very good friend of mines as did many. Chip Fu, Ralph McDaniels, Red Alert, Grand Master Caz, like I said earlier Erick Sermon and them. My resume is dope and the great thing I must say is that many of those interviews came off the strength of me asking them myself. that says alot about me and my work, So yes I’m patting myself on the back. lol

VALIDATED: What major sacrifices have you had to make to achieve your goals?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: There have been several sacrifices. When I got fired from my job a little over 3 years ago I decided to never go back to work. My son was in his last year of high school and we lived in Connecticut and I decided to move to New York with no real destination but knowing that I could be there and pursue my career as a poet and speaker. Leaving my son so that he could graduate was difficult but we did it. We sacrificed financial stability, a home to live in, relationships and time. No regrets because I'm exactly where I want to be. My sacrifices showed my son we can be independent with good energy, positive thoughts and persistence. Look at him now, hes doing amazing work with his music and his passion makes me proud in knowing that the sacrifices were worth it.

VALIDATED: I read somewhere that a persons willingness to sacrifice directly determines their level of success, what are your thoughts? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK:  Success does not come easy and if it does you may have just signed your soul to the devil. There are also several ways people determine what success is and it's not having a huge house or fancy cars. Success is having love and support, people saying your an inspiration, being acknowledged for the work that you put out there. Success isn't monetary, it’s happiness from deep inside and being able to share that with others but yes, you have to make sacrifices or you won’t appreciate the blessings. 

VALIDATED: To all the women that can relate to your story but feel like they can’t win, what do you say to them?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Sometimes we are the ones responsible for our losses. We choose the same type of men, we don’t get rid of those childhood traumas, we keep repeating cycles, and most important we dont even know our worth because we weren't shown it. So when we realize where we mess up then it makes life easier to learn how to start winning. Forgive yourself for the things you weren't taught, understand that your past isn't your fault but how you change and start to realize how dope you are then you will never lose again... and win I say “lose” I mean lose self, losing material things are replaceable but losing yourself isn't. 

VALIDATED: In your own words “any last words of encouragement for the readers out there?”

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Lol For both men and women, I need you to look in the mirror and look deep and appreciate all that you have been able to overcome. You are the one responsible for your happiness. Grind hard and never give up and know that when you start believing in yourself the amount of blessings will be endless. As my hashtags say... #LevelUp #StayProtected #StayConnected #ManifestIt 

VALIDATED: What’s next for Kim “GoodLook” Seabrook? 

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: There’s no telling with me. I may just go off to another country and live off the earth, near a waterfall somewhere barefooted.

VALIDATED: What are your social media contacts?

KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK: Follow me on Instagram: goodlookseabrook, Facebook: Kim Seabrook and google me, I’m Googlible. lol Peace