Ali, let me say first, this is an amazing idea. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to say what’s on our mind.

Currently, I’m working at a gas station, after being laid off of my previous job for over a year.

I tried applying anywhere within 50 miles and got rejected a few times from each place.

Over that year, I learned a lot about myself. What my passion is, what I want to do, and how I want to do it.

I want to be a Hip-Hop artist. But more than that, I want to be someone everyone can go to. Someone who will have people look at what I write, listen, connect, and feel better. Someone whom can turn heads away from suicide, and self harm.

I got into Hip-Hop years ago. I started out with Lil Wayne, and other various artists just so I can be in the mix. So I can be in the “In” crowd. I spoke to a B-boy, in Orikal, about some good music. I listened to Orikal a lot, and talked to him here and there. He mentioned Brother Ali’s name, and mentioned he was one of the greatest. I thought, “Hey, cool. I’ll listen.” I did not know what I was getting myself into, at all.

The first song I listened to was Shadows On The Sun. Hearing lyrics like that, really changed my view on Hip-hop and life in general. From Brother Ali, I found out about Mikey A.K.A. Eyedea. (R.I.P.) and Atmosphere. I found out that Eyedea was my favorite artist. But not far behind him were both Ali and Atmosphere.

I found out what Music was about. From then on I really wanted to live the dream of performing my writing in front of people. I’ve always written, but never really wanted to show it.

Currently, while working at the Gas Station. I come home, write, and study on the essence (and history) of Hip-Hop and am recording with a cheap USB mic and learning how to make beats and master on my own with Online-guides.

If it wasn’t for Artists like Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Eyedea, and Orikal. I wouldn’t have believed there was music intertwined with poetry and soul.

Ali, I thank you, and Rhymesayers for everything you guys do for us. And hopefully, one day, I can mention it in a CD Sleeve or on stage. That will continue to be my dream, and goal.