5 years ago TODAY, on my 33rd birthday, I released a project that would be the start of an incredible journey. Not A Rapper: The Mixtape was a passion project that was meant to explore my personal identity as a woman vs how the world saw me in hopes of finding a healthy balance between the two. It was never meant to be GOOD in anyway, intentionally basic with no flashy production. It was meant to be MY voice without outside influence and unapologetic BECAUSE it was honest. It was meant to be a bridge project, a test to see if I could handle FULLY producing a personal project on a basic level before diving deeper into the topics touched on in my previous #COARS project. ✊🏾
The Universe gave me EXACTLY that but not even remotely in the way I could have ever imagined.😅
My family HATED it. Before I could even fully finish the vision they let me know that. And I was completely gutted by it. Yet, I absolutely COULD NOT back away from this project because God had given me a vision that WOULD NOT let me go. And as much as I tried, I couldn’t leave this project unfinished before going into my new project. THIS project isn’t about money or fame. It’s about understanding. So I decided to move back to LA, hoping that someone could UNDERSTAND the vision. 🤞🏾
People IGNORED it. Once I got to LA, people wanted the glitz and glam before they would even PRETEND to listen. But that also makes you a target. I learned it was DANGEROUS to be honest. Yet, I absolutely COULD NOT give in to a lot of the pressures put on women in the entertainment industry in ANY capacity. And I thank God EVERY DAY for the discernment that has saved me from a lot of the pitfalls and pray that it is only strengthened with time. 🙏🏾
In the 5 years since I released this project, I have been able to move from NC to LA AGAIN by driving across the country while working for various big brands at huge events across the country. I’ve been on the field at not just one, but FOUR Super Bowls, completing childhood DREAMS that have been even BETTER in REALITY. I’ve completed EVERY childhood dream I ever had in ways I never thought possible. And I can say, with my full heart and soul, I have absolutely NO REGRETS.💪🏾
So it’s only fitting that TODAY, on my 38th birthday, I release the vision behind Not A Rapper: The Mixtape as INTENDED. It’s my gift to myself this year, another childhood dream come true: celebrating my accomplishments. 🥹
