My music is a direct reflection of my life. I talk about growing up in Chicago, race, class, fatherhood, and a plethora of other topics within my songs. I do this as a form of self-therapy, in hopes of gaining a better sense of understanding from my peers and to better relate to others. I think our capacity for love and forgiveness expands when we can understand each other’s stories and backgrounds. If we can relate to a person’s perspective and differences, it’s then hopefully possible for us to begin the process of love and forgiveness.

When I was a youth in Englewood, Chicago, it was always a danger for me to do something as simple as walking home from school. The area was too violent for safe travel. One night, I lost my best friend to a hit and run accident by a drunk police officer. That following month I lost a classmate to a gunshot. Now, when I told people this story and tried to explain my heartbreak, It was a mix of emotions. Some who were from a comparable environment could relate to me and feel my sadness over losing a friend. As a matter of fact, most could feel that. It’s a very human emotion to loose someone. Yet many did not feel and could not relate to the anger I had for the classism, racism, and poverty that I felt were in some ways responsible for the loss of my friends.

It wasn’t until I made a song called “Shot a Nigga” that my peers were able to see my perspective a little bit clearer. They were able to reflect more. Understand what it was like growing up in my neighborhood. That allowed them to begin a conversation centered around love with me. It made me believe that our capacity to understand one’s story is what sparks genuine feelings of love and the process of forgiveness. Music is just one of many art forms that allows an artist such as myself the creative freedom to express my feelings, and put them in the open for audiences to critique, enjoy, and most importantly love.

I think art and music have the capability to communicate any positive value an artist wants it to. I believe this to be true because art is essentially a reflection of ones thoughts, values, and emotions. Personally, I try and communicate the value of understanding the most. I come from a place that is too frequently misunderstood. I try and show the beautiful, brutal, and ugly side of my environment, and show people that all three of those things are equally valuable.

Being a rapper and teaching artist, I’ve become more alert and understanding to people’s feelings and perspective. When I started doing music it was tunnel vision. I only saw my hood, my circles, and my thoughts. After, talking to people all over the world and expanding my intake of art, I’ve found such valuable stories and perspectives that relate to mine more than I could have ever imagined.