'JOY' POST: MUSIC ALERT

I don’t talk about this part of my life very often, but growing up, I wanted to be a singer more than anything in the world. Music was my first love. My mother supported every dream I ever had—she bought me every record, album, tape, and CD I asked for (yes, I’m dating myself here, lol). That music became the soundtrack that shaped me.

I grew up singing in the San Francisco Boys Choir, the Oakland Boys Choir, and later the Castlemont Castleers in Oakland, California. Singing wasn’t just a hobby—it was my heartbeat. It brought me joy, purpose, and a sense of possibility that has stayed with me my entire life.

As I got older, that passion evolved. With the support, encouragement, and brilliance of Kristopher Cloud, I began writing and producing my own songs. Kristopher believed in me, pushed me, and helped me grow as a creator. Together, we wrote a whole collection of songs that I shopped around to different record labels in hopes of landing a writing deal.

Life didn’t unfold in that direction—at least not the way I imagined it back then. After not receiving much of a response, I decided to compile the demos I had recorded and create my own album. Those songs became a personal archive of a dream I once chased with everything in me.

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing that music—right here and on my website. These tracks are about 20 years old, created during a time in my life that most people have never seen or heard. It’s not a hidden part of my story, just one that’s been tucked away… until now.

Thank you, Mom, for your love, support, encouragement, belief, and tenderness. You nurtured every part of my dreams, and I am who I am because of you.

And thank you to Dr. Rachelle Rogers-Ard and to my Castlemont Castleers brothers and sisters—your love, your brilliance, your friendship, and your presence shaped my artistic journey in ways I will always cherish. I love you all, always.

I’m excited (and a little nervous) to finally share this side of myself with you. Music has always been a part of who I am. I hope these songs bring you a little of the joy they once brought me.

This track is called #ijustdontknow