#tattsrap

When I slow down long enough to actually take the time to observe my life and what it is today, I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude. My life is full, whole, complete; when I look on my younger years it becomes clear that others should know about it.

Personally, I know and work with people in my daily life that come from that same place (poverty, addiction, abuse, neglect etc...) They are searching for help, they are literally dying for help. They trust me with their lives. If I see that in my own personal life, how many people, worldwide, are searching for the same thing?

In Tattoos & Rap Music I embrace that part of my story. The truth is, I was that lifestyle, I was that life! My sober self has always been hesitant to fully step into my past in my music. I think I have always believed that speaking on such topics would have a negative impact on my professional life. The truth is, it has before. I didn't get sober, come this far professionally, and work as hard as I have to place a ceiling on my success by speaking on such controversial topics. At some point, something changed.

In one of those professional circles I have been afforded the opportunity to participate in, I became friends with a certain businessman. His daily life is spent in our states capital. Professionally, He is in a position to serve as a mentor for myself and 40 or so other CEO’s, CFO’s, President’s, Vice President’s of very reputable businesses/brands. We instantly connected because, well of course, real recognize real! Bahaha! I soon discovered he is also a film producer! Some of the films he has produced have some very controversial topics. I would soon find myself, on his invite, at a Yelawolf concert at Mercury Ballroom!

I’m not sure what it was specifically, but at some point, something happened to the way I viewed it all. Was it being in a gangster rap venue filled with marijuana smoke surrounded by people who were dressed in pressed suits and neck ties just hours before? I’m really not sure, but I realized I needed to give myself permission to stand in that part of my story. There are records on this project that, if someone heard all by itself, they would be convinced I am a drug dealer and I think it’s cool to be one. Of course, anyone who knows me; knows my life is deeply devoted to breaking the cycles of addiction and abuse.

Does that concern me? Of course it does! The truth is, this is my story and I get to tell it however I want to 😊 Those people I spoke about in my daily life looking for help; Do you think I could be an effective Ally to them if they didn’t know I have, personally, lived that life? Nope! They would simply take up the classic, “You just don’t understand” posture with me. In addition, do you know how much I appreciated NWA screaming F the police? I love it! It gets me hype! It takes me back to the part of my youth where I got to say whatever I wanted! Guess what, I don’t hate the police at all! I have a ton of respect for anyone who literally risks their lives every day they clock in for work. I have several friends that are police officers, and hey, they bop that song too! 😊

So, the long answer to the question, “What is Tattoos & Rap Music?” Is really this; Tattoos & Rap Music is the result of what happened when my sober, mature self embraced my ratchet, gangster rap lovin’, wounded self and pressed record while some of my favorite rap instrumentals were playing in the background.

Tattoos & Rap Music is simply the opening act for the Headliner performance embodied in my “Face Off” EP scheduled for release later this year.