We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paul Morris. Check out our conversation below.
Paul, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
I’m naturally someone who avoids conflict at all costs, both for my own safety and the safety of others. Growing up, most of the times I did stand up to verbal or physical conflicts was when defending friends or loved ones—which is ironic, considering I was bullied until middle school.
Now, as an adult, I’ve found the courage to stand up for myself. I actively defend myself against frenemies, negative self-talk, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and people who overstep boundaries or take advantage without reciprocating. This newfound strength has led me to part ways with many people I once considered close, but it has been necessary for my growth and well-being.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paul Morris — singer, songwriter, and photographer — raised in a Jamaican household in Miami-Dade County. I’m probably one of the most overlooked yet recognized artists in South Florida. My musical journey started in church at Parkway Baptist, where I developed my passion and skills. My first manager was Dean Lawrence, who now works with Ray J but remains a close friend.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with people who have shaped the culture of music. I’ve done choreography, photography, and videography for Papasan, who was mentioned in Busta Rhymes’ acceptance speech this year. I’ve opened for Lecrae, shot for Jonathan MvC Reynolds, served as the official photographer for the Freemasons’ inauguration, and had my work published in newspapers.
I’ve collaborated with Mike Sniff from Slip-N-Slide Records, King Hoodie from Sway in the Morning, and written alongside artists like Popeye Caution, Ivy Beats, and Neri Boiii. I won the Digicel Rising Star Competition and was recently mentioned on 99Jamz as the next big artist coming out of South Florida. Additionally, I’ve worked with Beam, who featured on a project with Beyoncé and Justin Bieber, co-wrote with international Haitian artist J Perry, toured over 15 countries with various artists, and appeared on television and radio internationally.
I’ve also done mission work in Africa twice, singing in churches, schools, and orphanages, which has been a deeply meaningful part of my journey.
These are just a few highlights — I don’t mention them to brag, but rather because I feel like Forrest Gump, always finding myself in historic and monumental moments by chance.
Most recently, I completed a campaign with Sprayground, appearing on the front page of their website as well as in their promotional video.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I used to be very carefree and trusting, always seeing the best in everyone. No matter how someone presented themselves, I looked for the good in them. I believed deeply in love, the importance of a big family, and living a minimalist lifestyle focused on quality, simplicity, and strong principles.
However, life has taught me to be more discerning about who I invest my energy in and how to set healthy boundaries. I’m aware that there are people in this world who possess incredible qualities because I’ve experienced just as much goodness as I have opposition.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I want to be completely transparent—there have been so many moments when I felt like giving up.
I wanted to give up on music. But then Make It Bang stepped in to help mix my beats. Neri offered to produce for me and provide studio time. Richy B jumped in to play guitar. Elements the Brand committed to touring with me and supporting me musically, sparking others in the community to rally behind me. I’m also deeply thankful to Fly Affair Nation and Greggory Roland for pushing me to release beautiful, cinematic content—and for not letting me give up on my dreams.
I wanted to give up on life. But Pedro Phillips, Damion Jackson, and a few close friends prayed for me, checked in daily, pulled me out of the house, and surrounded me with music and good people.
I wanted to give up on my inner child. But my friend Nikki showed me how to be present. During quarantine, we broke curfew and chased sunsets and sunrises. Through spontaneous adventures, she reminded me of the beauty that exists when I simply let things be.
And last—but never least—my parents. My dad always told me, “You’re one of one,” whenever I doubted myself. My mom had her own way of protecting me—fiercely defending me from anyone who questioned my worth, and pouring into me when I was close to giving up on becoming a homeowner.
Every time I thought about quitting, these people reminded me I was worth fighting for.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Over the last couple of years, a common theme I’ve heard from my closest friends is that I’m a lover and a husband at heart. Love and companionship mean more to me than I usually like to admit.
I’ve also been told that I’m a collector—I have one of everything, including three different colors of the same thing. Security is important to me, which I think shows in how much I value having things that bring stability.
On top of that, people say community and friendship mean a lot to me because I come across as very sociable and connected.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
What story would I want people to tell about me when I’m gone?
I want them to tell the truth. I want them to share who the real Paul Morris truly was.
My biggest pet peeve is being discredited—so I want them to speak honestly.
Tell them how great of a father I was—how I gave up everything to be a dad, and in return, I got it all back.
Tell them about the artists and businesses I’ve helped cultivate in my city.
Tell them how I worked to improve people’s incomes and lifestyles, bringing peace and structure to everyone’s life I touched.
Tell them I created beautiful art, music, and a beautiful life for my children—without having to cross anyone to do it.
And most of all, tell them that if you ever met the real Paul Morris, he was known for love, respect, and for leaving people better than he found them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealpaulmorris/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/RealPaulMorris/status/1186260046222635008
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.morris.774077
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealPaulMorris
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/therealpaulmorris/tracks
Image Credits
suit and cape designed by. ig @ jujuuuu.x
photographers ig @visionsbyrico @bantupixels @kvrt.art
Make up art @itslillyloveley
