Jamal Belica Talks About Release of New Song 'Can't Lose: Bullyproof'

"My dad and I were watching the news together about these kids in Massachusetts bullying other kids and I asked my dad if I could write a song about these bully dummies".

Jamal Belica

(SALEM / BOSTON) - Jamal Belica has just released his first song and music video, “Can’t Lose: Bullyproof.” It’s a great song and he sounds like an old pro instead of a newcomer. He has none of the stiffness of the usual novice. All I can say is that he is a natural and the song is a good listen. He just might be the next sensation.

Jamal and his dad, Agron Belica

For those who have not yet seen the video, there is, however, something unusual about Jamal. Let’s clear that up right away. (Turning to Jamal) It’s nice to have you with us today. How old are you Jamal?

Jamal Belica: Nine.

Tim King: Nine years old and already putting out your first song and video. And what grade are you in?

Jamal Belica: Going into the fourth grade.

Tim King: Do you like school?

Jamal Belica: Most of the time.

Tim King: Tell me, why the song about bullies?

Jamal Belica: I don’t like bullies. They make people feel bad.

Tim King: Did someone or something inspire you to write this song?

Jamal with music produce and owner of double d studio Patrick Dreier.

Jamal Belica: My dad and I were watching the news together about these kids in Massachusetts bullying other kids and I asked my dad if I could write a song about these bully dummies. It’s not fair when kids pick on other kids smaller or by themselves. We talked about it and then he said he thought we could make a song out of it. Anyway, my dad is pretty quick in putting things together, as he likes words, so I knew once he got started, it wouldn’t be long before my song was released.

Tim King: How was the recording session?

Jamal Belica: I was a little nervous at first, but Mr. Patrick Dreier made me feel at home. He is the best! He really knows how to communicate with kids for sure. I see why my dad likes him so much. I recommend Double D Recording Studio for anyone who wants their children to learn or record music. He is the best! Thanks, Mr. Dreier!

Tim King: There is no evidence of your being nervous on the music video, so he must have done a good job of putting you at ease. Tell me, are you working on an album?

Jamal Belica: Yes. I would like to work on it as much as I can, but my dad wants me to concentrate on my reading and training more. We’ll see!

Tim King: I see you train at the Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, what’s it like training there?

Jamal & Prof. Roberto Maia.

Jamal Belica: Honestly, I thought it was going to be tough, but my instructor, Professor Roberto Maia has a good program for kids and I have a lot of fun and learn a lot from them. The best team in the world!

Tim King: That’s great! So you recommend the Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy for other kids in your area?

Jamal Belica: Absolutely!

Tim King: Any trouble with the neighborhood kids?

Jamal Belica: Not really, but I think it’s because they know my dad. Also, my dad introduces me to kids older than me as well. I actually wrestle and practice with someone older than me. His name is Mitch Knights. He is a junior in high school and part of the Franklin High School wrestling team. He is really cool and I really wanted him in my video! I think that’s what parents should do is introduce younger kids to the older kids. This way if a kid my age is being picked on, someone a little older can step in and stop it before it escalates. I think my dad is on the right path here. It works for me!

Tim King: There was that great scene of you and Mitch wrestling together in the video. Anyone else you wish to give a shout out to?

Jamal Belica: All praise belongs to God! I want to thank my whole family especially my great grand-mother who takes good care of me, friends, and the best team in the world at the Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy. Peace!

Can't Lose Bully Proof by JB (Jamal Belica) 
featuring JC & Agron Belica
Produced by Kyle Hall

Co-Produced by Jamal Belica, Patrick Dreier, and Agron Belica (Double D Recording Studio)



Note: I have known Agron Belica and his family for something over two years. Many times I have noted how quickly Agron learned his trade, so to speak, and became a hip-hop artist, but with a difference: his music has a social dimension, both critical and idealistic. When I listened to Jamal’s song and watched the video, I could see that he has inherited his father’s gift. I thought the video was thought provoking as well as being delightful to watch.

Dr. Jay R. Crook

Seeing my honorary grandsons Jamal and his younger brother Benjamin cavorting together gave me a special pleasure and a feeling of vicarious pride.

And then there was the message.

One is entitled to defend oneself. As long as there are bullies—and they will not disappear easily in a society in which the familial fabric has become so torn and loosened—learning a little self-defense can do no harm. Older children should mentor the younger and watch out for the signs of bullying. When children—the hope of the future—are driven to killing themselves because of the relentless unchecked cruelties of bullies, perhaps it is time to encourage mentoring to protect the vulnerable.

Jamal’s song “Can’t Lose: Bullyproof” does us all a service by reminding us of the victims and of our responsibilities to and for them.

—Jay R. Crook Ph. D.

The following is from the Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu website: http://www.bbjiujitsu.com/ 
 

Gracie Barra Boston Instructors Code

1. Brotherhood: GB Instructors shall reinforce the family spirit among students, parents, and other instructors. Their attitude must always be positive and cooperative in order to channel their creative energy towards the strengthening and the growth our family, always putting the team in front of individual selfish needs.

2. Cooperation: GB Instructors shall nurture and reinforce a cooperative environment inside and outside the dojo. They must ensure that the competitive realm is restricted to tournaments as well as the competitor attitude. They must make the students understand that progress is not reflected on their ability to overcome a training partner or a competitive opponent, but rather reflected on their capacity to engage on a cooperative training experience were the winner is whoever learns more.

3. Discipline: GB Instructors shall constantly discipline the students and never punish them. They must make students understand that without discipline there is no mastery, neither in jiu-jitsu nor in life, and that without the willingness to sacrifice, excellence is just not possible.

4. Respect: GB Instructors shall reinforce that students must act with warmth and equally toward one another, regardless of their differences in race, creed, gender, nationality, etc. The belt ranks hierarchy must be respected and the authority of the black belt sincerely recognized.

5. Continuous Improvement and Growth: GB Instructors shall reinforce that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a life long journey with no ending point. Students must perceive the Black Belt as their minimum goal and that their progress represents an increasing commitment to their growth as BJJ practitioners and human beings.

6. Leadership: GB Instructors shall lead by example, kindness and care. The formal authority shall always and ever be supported by their moral authority built upon a positive, cooperative, and constructive attitude towards the students and other instructors.

7. Inspiration: GB Instructors shall understand their importance on students lives as role models, as well as their responsibility in bringing out the best each person has within.

8. Enjoyment: GB Instructors shall teach a class as a privilege and never take it as a burden. Each class is the realization of a dream, the instructor life’s work. They must enjoy every minute of it and teach like it was going to be their last opportunity to change student’s lives for better. 
 

*Professor Roberto Maia was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he grew up training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside his cousins, the world renowned Gracies, who developed the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Now a fourth degree black belt, he is the highest ranking practitioner of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in New England. Professor Maia’s life is dedicated to the advancement and continual development of the art through quality instruction at every level and through building a sense of community and family among those who train together. 

-Taken from their website