“Ironically, the highest and lowest times of my life come from people. The highest points of my life are when I’m around my family and friends, creating good memories and good times. My lowest points come with the drama that come from around here, being around enemies and beef. It’s like a double-edge sword.

When I was born, I was given a gift by God, which is music. So, I see myself being an hip-hop artist and a singer. I see myself being on stage, telling my story. I see myself telling stories about this area. You know, this, College Court and Cotter Homes, is where I came up. With that being said, I see myself telling my story to the world.

My story is similar to every other young black male or female. You come from the bottom and you want to get to the top. We lost a lot of people along the way. There’s a lot of people locked down and there’s a lot of people that are no longer with us. You know, just another example of a young black man, with no father. You know the story. I’m just trying to make my ending different than so many others before me. So, it’s just that rags to riches, in America, story. You put that out, we all are going to understand it, especially if you’re from here. Everybody’s trying to make it.

My biggest success in life is making it past twenty-five. I’ve done a lot of things. I’ve done shows with people and made a lot of money. I did all that materialistic stuff but at the end of the day, my greatest accomplishment is still being here. There’s a lot of people that I know, that I thought would still be here and they’re not. So, I have to tell their story, too.

What inspires me? Besides the fact that I have a little girl to look after, I just want to work hard. I would like to come and give back to the place that I came from. I’ve seen so many people that are in the same boat as me. You’ll walk around and see people that you know, from around the block, living the same life as you. I just want to look out for them.

Never give. up. Live legendary. Live everyday like it’s your last because it just might be. Never forget where you come from and for damn sure, don’t forget where you’re going. No matter what, love and peace conquers all. There’s a lot of drama out here but you have to remember that it takes more strength to love than to hate. Believe that. That’s pretty much it.” - Deontae, Shawnee