“Patience Is Strength” – Update #2: Who Am I?

Every singer in his or her career strives for longevity (if you’re about the art of the craft). Many are about the fast dollar, and although some get it – others don’t get the true money – that type of money that keeps earning 40 years after you’ve made your stamp on the music world. I’m all about the history of music – not just certain genres, but as many as I can learn. I won’t know more than diehards of many different genres, but I can hold meaningful, and in-depth conversations about the music they love – and convey to them that, even though I’m a recording artist, I’m also a supporter of other artists, as well.

In my infinite wisdom (which is very minute), I’ve rationalized that every singer, rapper, or musician innately understand that your public asks three questions of you – and you must be strong, talented, skilled and intelligent enough to answer them to the best of their satisfaction. Here are those three questions:

• Who are you?

• What are you about?

• Where are you headed?

The best example I’ve seen this applied would be the very talented, emotional, vivacious, incomparable and sexy Jill Scott. The main title of her albums are “Words and Sounds.” She subtitles the albums to depict her emotional state at that present time. Her debut subtitle was “Who Is Jill Scott?” Her follow-up album subtitle was “Beautifully Human,” with the third album’s subtitle being “The Real Thing.” She expertly answered that ‘who are you,’ ‘what are you about,’ and ‘where are you headed’ questions with each successive release – and that’s the model I follow. I already have ideas for the next two albums – and have written songs for the follow-up to “Patience Is Strength.” However, my total concentration must be on this project. So I’m not shortchanging it because it’s true: You only have one chance to make a first impression. It better be the right one – and as each day passes, I know that I am.

So – who am I? I already told you my stage name (previous update entry). I’m divorced with no children at this moment. It’s just me in this journey of mine. I am proudly African-American/Black/a Brotha’ – but my true race is that of a human being. I was born in New Orleans, LA, and moved to Houston, TX when I was two months of age. I had both my parents in the home (and they are still married to this day). I’ve seen life on both ends of the socio-economic spectrum. I’ve seen days where we had plenty – and days where we struggle to keep on the lights, have enough food to eat and clothes to wear (or wear my father’s hand-me-downs). I’m an only child – and a lot of people would classify me as ‘spolied,’ but live in a place where you hear bullet shots while you fall asleep and form your mouth to say that. I could get what I’ve always wanted – but I appreciated things if I got them myself. I’ve been labelled ‘anti-social’ by my grandmother, ‘incorrigible’ by ex-wife and ‘stubborn’ from everyone ranging from my best friend to my father. I agree with all of those assessments – but the one label that describes me best is what my father tried to hammer home in my head. He always wanted me to be a leader and not a follower. All through my development into a man, he tried to hammer home that point. However, and strangely, I knew my path was only going to have Jesus as my companion. When I graduated from high school, he said that I was a loner. He’s right. I didn’t care if anyone followed my lead – and I damn sure wasn’t going to follow anyone.

I can’t complain about my life – but I’ve been through many difficult things — just like anyone else who lives on this great planet of ours! I’ve experienced turmoil with family, terminations from occupations, eviction notices and homelessness. I’ve also have witnessed beauty in so many different shapes and forms, joy, faith, peace and love. A dear friend asked the question, “What do you regret?” My answer then – is the same as now: I regret absolutely nothing! It was my dream since I was 12 to be a recording artist. That was the only thing I would have regretted because I talked myself out of being one. I persevered, kept going – and I got blessed with this chance. So – heartbreaks, heartaches, setbacks and disappointments all shaped me to be where I am and who I am this day. I wouldn’t change any of it – for all of it made me stronger, better, more loving and more capable of accepting this challenge that lies ahead of me.

This album is going to be an autobiography set to music – and although not every song will be sonething I personally experienced? Most of them will be from my own life – intermingled with things I’ve witnessed on my journey to here. “Patience Is Strength” is almost five years in the musical making – but I’ve been writing this collectioin of songs my whole life – and, until this year, I didn’t even know it. My dream will only be fully realized with wondeful individuals, such as yourselves, making an emotional, mental, psychological – and yes, financial, investment into my art. I pray that you enjoy the canvas on which my story will be laid.

Many blessings!

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