EDITORIAL: B.A.B.N. Conversations and Thankful Thursdays
Words by Mr. Al Pete
9:12am
Song: Freddie Joachim ‘Beyond the Sea of Trees’
I’m getting into building my faith back up. The song above is a great start to the morning. I have a few before I begin the day, so…good morning. This piece will be sectioned, due to the plans for today.
It’s special and dope how an idea can turn into a product, or a project. I remember calling DJ Larry Love one August evening and sharing with him that I had this idea to do a small emcee project and title it ‘Be A Better Nigga’…in the conversation, I dubbed it ‘B.A.B.N.’ Today, the project is being received well by the audience. I had two major administrators reach out to me saying that they enjoyed the album. I’m honored, especially with the fact that I want to evolve into the administration world more.
I won’t spend much time on this due to the content we’re building to share with everyone. Yes, the project is completed and it’s being heard amongst the community, but that doesn’t stop us from keeping this new lifestyle going. So, expect more content that details the album.
Photo: Dedrick Hicks, Jr. Shirt: Above and Beyond Clothing
Peace and love to my brother Dedrick Hicks, Jr. His vision on how he wanted me to be represented with the project…I’m so thankful for. I’ve always wanted someone to take everything that I’ve done, stand for, and embody…and illustrate me. I was dope to go off someone else’s guidance. To go deeper, throughout life, I’ve always been in position to go off my instincts and do what was best for the situation. For the most part, those choices went over well. Some…not so much, but as my friend Crowned ReRe said last night…you have to look at the person’s intentions to help the sound decision of if it was ultimately right. My intentions were and are solid…all around.
To come back around, it wasn’t difficult to relinquish my control over situations. I welcomed it, and Dee did an amazing job with me. He does an amazing job with any work that he does. He’s a powerful and thoughtful King. Thank you Dee for this honor. From calling me Legend, to even calling me Rook (*laughs*), I don’t take that lightly at all.
All the pictures you see in this spread are shot by him. The promo videos (HERE) and the album, as well. Dee played the connector to Freddy Bricks.
Photo: Dedrick Hicks, Jr. Sweatshirt by Odd?Rod.
Photo: Dedrick Hicks, Jr. Sweatshirt by Odd?Rod.
Freddy Bricks. I informed my brother that he would shake up the Duval Hip Hop world with his album ‘The Man That Remembers Too Much’…and…he did. I expected nothing less. One, because his dedication to his brand Reduced Lunch is stupid, yall. Stupid…meaning excellent (Hip Hop terminology). Second, because of his ear for music. He’s R&B Bricks *laughs*.
1:22pm
Currently listening to a Spotify playlist. Spotify continues to win my attention. They might get some dollars so I can kill these ads.
The effort he took to construct the project…another honor. I won’t go further because, again, the content we’re going to roll out will display the gratitude and praise Fred deserves. I know one thing, I’m honored to have worked with him again (below…he produced this…first song I rocked on from him) and I’m looking forward to working with him more…musically and with his other ideas, and of course, his brand. The RL Organization, folks. Get on it. Here’s their Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify links (click on the highlights, graduates).
Photo: Dedrick Hicks, Jr. Sweatshirt by Odd?Rod.
Photo: Dedrick Hicks, Jr. Shirt: Above and Beyond Clothing
DJ Larry Love has been an energy to me…really, since we met. This year though? Solid bond. At this moment, we’re still trying to figure out what life has to offer for ALL of the ideas, goals, and dreams we have. With B.A.B.N., I’m positive that it gave us hope that these ideas, goals, and dreams are highly of achieving.
To add on to ‘this year’, ever since the pandemic hit, we’ve been structuring our business moves. We’ve been constantly researching and sharing information that’s vital to the journey. I’ll admit…if Larry wasn’t around some of these times, a good bit of what has happened wouldn’t have seen the light (I.E. Fly Socks & Tees 7…and other exercises). For him to be the light, the influencer, and the spirit behind this album and in my life…I can’t thank him enough.
Photo: Dedrick Hicks, Jr. Shirt: Above and Beyond Clothing