I have only one mission in life and that is not to MISS out on any opportunities that will improve my life. As a young boy growing up in Mount Vernon, NY I witnessed my friends and family fall down to drugs, to poverty, to violence and to an overall lack of love and respect. My own mother and father, both heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol, have been absent from my life since birth. And although I was blessed with loving, responsible grandparents who intermittently cared for me during my childhood, I too fell down.
I was 18 years old when my eldest son was born. Not having a high school diploma, a permanent address or a job making more than minimum wage, I turned to the streets as a means of raising my son.
For 3 years I made fast money and lived a fast life. At the age of 21 it all came to a screeching halt when 7 bullets brought me face to face with death. After being hospitalized for 3 long months, God picked me up when I had fallen.
Shortly after my 23rd birthday, my second son was born. This time, I vowed it would be different. And different it was. I turned to the streets again, but this time I was hustling beats and neighborhood talent like my life depended on it. Although the money was slow, I managed to build my own studio which enabled me to not only support my two sons, but it gave me peace of mind knowing that I would be able to give them something I never had a father who was present, physically and emotionally.
At 31 years old, I am now raising my youngest son alone while moving steadily towards accomplishing my goals of building a successful artist management company and growing my real estate portfolio. I am currently working with several talented artists and producers on their projects. Most of all, I would like to increase my knowledge of marketing and public relations in an effort to better service my clients. I recently purchased a custom-built home in New Jersey where I will build a large state-of-the-art music studio in an effort to expand my business. I am currently evaluating new construction investment property in the Bronx and Newark.
Having experienced a life that is all too common for black men living in America today, I have learned many valuable lessons. One such lesson is that there will be many times when a man will "fall down," but it is with each time he manages to "get up," that he builds the strength and character necessary to accomplish the seemingly impossible.