I’ve been thinking about alignment so much lately.

Alignment implies the presence of interconnectedness and of harmony. Banging square pegs into round holes isn’t a practice I’ve exactly embraced, but I’m guilty of trying. In my 44th year of life (almost 45th) and 25th year of professional rapping (this is crazy to say), I no longer have the strength to chase people, places or things that aren’t aligned with me.

My therapist told me she really admires the way I embrace music after the career challenges I’ve had. She asked me to describe music in three words and I said without hesitation, “My Greatest Love.” Despite the external and self-inflicted harm I’ve experienced chasing this dream, music has been one of the most rewarding expressions of emotion in my life. Writing has been the other.

Quiet as it’s kept…I’m shy. If you haven’t noticed, I’m extremely empathetic and a sensitive puddle of guts. I used to hate this about myself and allow others to treat me like a naïve fool, or like there was something wrong with me. Well, we’ve all got shit wrong with us, but my sensitivity isn’t something I shy away from anymore. I’ve developed the thickest skin I’ve ever had in the last few years and the same things don’t bother me. I’ve also aligned with people and artists who consider my feelings and who are considerate people, overall. It’s nice. I’m also much nicer to myself.

Someone made a post the other day on the El*n hellsite that basically exclaimed: No Rapper is a Good Person. While I understand the sentiment, I wholeheartedly disagree.

People chasing fame can be very dangerous. People who are insecure, defensive and miserable will throw anyone under the bus to catch a ride to stardom. People who hate their own lives will unfortunately hate yours without much reason. But good people who happen to be rappers exist, and I feel fortunate to have met some that are very good to me. They’re not perfect but they’re accountable, honest and kind. That’s the trifecta right there. I also don’t fuck with anybody simply to have access to perceived success, so there’s that. My energy overwhelmingly goes toward working with people who not only make good art, but who enjoy kinship and harmony as much as I do.

Success means different things to different people. Understanding that has been pivotal. Onward.

In 2024 I was the second best rapper in Chicago, apparently. I’ll take it!

So, The Chicago Reader takes a poll every year in tons of categories, and it’s a people’s vote. I’ve placed in the top 3 a few times, but I stopped paying that much attention because the talent pool in Chicago is so deep. Also, lists are simply that. Someone’s opinion. But BITCH! I’ll take it! Whoever voted for me, thank you 🙂 Love you lots.

Oh wait. In 2024 I was the 29th best lyricist (out of 150) too. Is this a safe space to talk my shit?!

So, the Foodsic IG is a humble page dedicated to “promoting the best & challenging the rest.” They’ve shown a lot of love to me, Optiks + our latest album. They make tons of finely curated Spotify playlists for your listening pleasures, as well. They said I’m the 29th best so yeah, that too! I got a tickle out of this list. Love to Foodsic, foreal <3.

I was honored in March 2025 along with some great trailblazers in Chicago. Really thankful 💕 

So…this happened as well. Swank PR and Westside Cultural Alliance hosted their 3rd annual WEMADE Honors Celebration at the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory on March 28th, 2025 here in Chicago. I went vintage DJ Quik with the hair to stunt on ‘em right quick and accept the award. Very appreciative to get some flowers while I’m still alive. It’s funny how I just keep my head down and work, and every now and then when I look up, someone has placed blessings in my path. Shoutout to Swank PR 😁 

NEW PURPLE BOX VIDEO - “TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN” directed by APJ Films 🎥 

One of my favorite songs recently got the Purple Box/music video treatment. Song produced by Optiks. It looks best on IG. So log in and check it out right HERE.

I’M PLAYING A 4/20 BASH IN MICHIGAN

If you’re near Buchanan, Michigan, I’m playing a dope ass 4/20 Party to celebrate the resurrection of the most High, presented by Lifted Microgrowery 🌴 This is a private affair so RSVP is by Email Only. Limited capacity. Check flyer above for more details.

OK, That’s it for now. Hopefully it won’t be another 3.5 months before I write another one of these newsletters, but thank you for reading and supporting this writer/rapper/sensitive puddle of guts. Love, love and more love. Peace ☮️