“The G-Code: Behind the Bars” by Lemar Ingram is a Universal Treasure
When you unravel the layers of the hip-hop experience, there’s a direct highway that goes into the heart of Corporate America and beyond. In author Lemar Ingram’s latest book “The G-Code: Behind the Bars”, an opportunity to drive on such a road is offered to the audience. The Queens-born, Miami-based executive and hip-hop connoisseur takes his readers on a journey through the parallels of understanding how the same skill sets required to comprehend and learn the “hippity-hop music” are the same that can be applied to reaching successful heights in the Corporate world and in life.
In his book, “The G Code: Behind the Bars”, Ingram majestically blends his background from Savannah College of Art and Design in Sound Design, his love of Hip-Hop, with his experience working in the corporate world. The edgy misconceptions and generalizations of Hip-Hop stemming from artists like Notorious B.I.G and Jay-Z are spoon-fed universally as hearty ingredients for anyone to digest. The book makes connections between dots that many may have overlooked or didn’t even realize were there. It also features an audio component and intermittent journaling which serves as a literary mentor. From his young audience to the more experienced ones, all parties can walk away with a new perspective or perspectives on how to best navigate the challenges of the world, whether that be Corporate or not.
In an interview with Lemar, timeless gems and insight were exchanged. Checkout how the conversation went below:
- When drafting “The G-Code: Behind the Bars” was it your intention to write universally and not just for members of Corporate America?
I wanted to write something aimed at people who need guidance. I remember being 16 years old so the book is written from the perspective of “this is what I have to say about the game”. This book is also for the kids that don’t like to read. The audio component is brought together as an album making it an engaging read.
2. There are some indispensable tools and skills that come from the college experience (time management, networking, persuasive speaking/writing, etc). How can your book help today’s youth see that?
“The G-Code: Behind the Bars” is an appreciation for the game. It was created to entice thought and encourage readers to seek information. My desire is for the youth to start going past the surface, and get into the free information. Be curious about what matters to you. What do you want to be and go about the business of reaching it. Similar to a cellphone with endless information, get in the habit of using your unlimited data plan.
3. In Chapter 1, “Get Your Bars Up”, you draw a parallel between studying “hippity-hop music” and its benefits. How else can you spread awareness of this connection outside of reading The G Code?
Reading and/or listening to the book is the first step. Practicing mental gymnastics like the “Wax on, Wax off” method from the classic film, ‘Karate Kid’ is a prime demonstration of the sport. Things didn’t connect for the Karate Kid until he connected it. What you do for fun often equips you for what you will become. How can you apply what you learn in rap in other paths?
4. In today’s society, people desire instant gratification yet, in “The G-Code…” I notice the emphasis on “slow progress”. Can you elaborate on why “sharpening your sword” is essential to success?
When you’re in sales, what’s not in your control is the end result. There is no immediate gratification. There’s a Jamaican proverb that says: “Shortcuts draw blood”. Essentially, shortcuts will cost you and longevity is the prize. When you put the effort into creating a strong foundation, you can build anything on top of it.
5. “An original you beats a photocopy of them every time.” What does remaining true to yourself mean to you?
Everybody has their commandments (your rules). The moment you compromise your rules, is the moment you lose yourself. Remaining true to yourself is all about DISCIPLINE!
6. You referenced ‘New Jack City’, a 1991 crime drama movie and were able to pull wisdom & layers from such a simple scene. GENIUS! How did you make that connection?
Having a background in Sound and Film design allowed that wisdom to find me. Although the movie is classified as crime drama, I believe in learning from the good and learning from the bad. What I mean by that is learning what not to do teaches you what to do.
7. Mentoring! You mention this word several times in “The G-Code: Behind the Bars”. What’s the first step in getting a mentor if someone doesn’t have one?
Mentors are seeking out mentees all the time. Be your best self. You have to be a student of life, pay attention, and show promise. Everyone can see when someone has potential. Putting yourself in a position to have a mentor find you is key.
***BONUS QUESTION: Whose on your Hip-Hop Top 5 List?
Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, Nas, Andre3000, and Ice Cube
Lemar Ingram’s “The G-Code: Behind the Bars” book can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBWMG97K?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_DQ471FPDWP9NHDT36RG4&language=en-US
