KUALA LUMPUR: Hip-hop maestro Johan Ishak or Joe Flizzow said that he did not need a bodyguard as he had "no enemies".
Joe, 45, said in a Harian Metro report yesterday that throughout his 20 years in the music industry, being humble and treating everyone with kindness and respect "made him last long" as an artiste.
"These are very important ingredients for an artiste's longevity in music.
"What I have been taught all this time is to be humble and to respect others.
"As a result, I don't end up rubbing people the wrong way and don't garner enemies in the process," said Joe.
Joe added that an artiste who maintains good relations with everyone, even if he or she does not like the behaviour of certain "toxic" individuals, will go far in the entertainment industry.
"It doesn't matter if you are a sound engineer, a musician, or a singer, you must treat all people you meet in life with dignity.
"There are artistes who are only friends with artistes, but they are not friendly with sound engineers and people who work behind the scenes.
"This shouldn't be the case, because artistes will definitely meet them again in other projects," said Joe.
Joe also said that artistes who lasted long always produced quality work.
"In every song you create, make sure you give 100 per cent or more to it. Make sure it is good and don't take shortcuts," he said.
"Listeners will remember an artiste for his or her songs first and foremost.
"If we are humble, treat others well, and work hard in music, success will eventually come our way."