Young Black Entertainer Lobbying to End Bullying Through Song

The saying that goes “out of mouth of babes oft come gems” doesn’t ring any truer than when you listen to Tyrin “Paperboy” Niles, a budding young Atlanta-based singer and actor. Witnessing bullying firsthand has prompted Niles to take action. He’s created some positive and family friendly music to address the abuse. His new single is titled “Have A Good Time.”

What prompted you to want to create a song on the subject?
Kids are being bullied every day, I see it is over the Internet and at school. This is happening all across the country. I wanted to find a way to reach out to victims and bullies in a way that was still “cool” so people would listen.

Have you ever been bullied? If so, how did you cope?
I have not been bullied but, I have been talked about behind my back. I just went and talked to the person about it. If the person kept talking about me I just ignore them because they’re probably jealous or just looking for attention.

Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? Did you confront the person doing the bullying? Did you comfort the person who was bullied or victimized?
I see people being bullied alot in school, bullying has never been cool with me so I try to confront it. I comfort the person if they feel like talking, sometimes they just want to be left alone.

What impact do you see yourself making on hip-hop?
I see myself making a major impact, I will be the kind of rapper that can rap about things that are going on in everyday life. It will still sound cool though. I always keep it young, fly and flashy [laughs].

The young entertainer has performed at Hot 107.9′s Birthday Bash, Centennial Park Family Day, and upscale MTV-style “Sweet 16″ parties. He’s also performed and spoken for Dekalb County School System’s career days and Judge Penny Brown’s Leadership Summer Camp. Niles currently stars in the Debbie Allen-produced TV series “My Parents, My Sister and Me” as well as guest stars on Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns.” –yvette caslin