TOUSSAINT

As a young man growing up in Inglewood,CA hoop dreams were a given. Being naturally gifted with height and athleticism I was convinced that these dreams were attainable. At the same time I took an unlikely interest in literal and oral expression. This interest led to freewritting, debating, theater, and singing. Early disappointment in both areas discouraged me from pursuing either of them further.
I remember feeling at that time responsibility to own and develop my gifts but this fear of failure was too great, with a void left by shrunken dreams the streets became more and more appealing. Alcohol, Tabacco & Marijuana replaced sports, academics and interest towards anything expressive. I found myself in the company of a much more colorful crowd exposed to Gangsters, Pimps, Homelessness, Hopelessness, Hard Core Drugs, Prostitutes & Self Destruction. Initiation to this new crowd was the sacrifice of my youth but somehow I took away a heightened sense of reality and still managed to salvage “Myself”. Throughout this transformation music remained a constant in my life. Although other genres had their place, Rap was defiant and unapologetic at nature while being Rhythmic, Cultural, Literal, Poetic, and Expressive. It’s freeness and structure rendered it not only paradoxical but complex. I was drawn to it.
At the same time I was heavily influenced by the genius of a young rapper named Tupac Shakur. The fearlessness of his controversial and uplifting lyrics inspired me to tap back into my own genius and pull out something similar. I began indulging in freestyle. I knew this would set me apart from many other rap artists. I practiced and got better and better with this newely homed skill and combined it with my prior itch in poetry. With that a perfect recipe for songwriting was created. I began writing rap songs and learning about the logistics of lyrical formatting, from counting bars to arranging full songs. From there I started writing and recording vocals for my own and others hooks. I then began to experience exponential growth lyrically and vocally.
Curiousity of a new challenge coupled with the budding singing career of my older brother lead me to write and record my first R&B song “Getaway”. This accomplishment sparked a new found belief in myself. My writing and arranging began to drift exclusively to songwriting. I knew this was no accident. My destiny was unfolding before me and it had inextricable connection to singing and songwriting.
Unexpected changes in life lead me to VA. There I went on a hiatus from all things musically, it gave way to personal progression and advances in my life.There I got my first car, first job, and was basically my first time being on my own. After a year a new hunger for my exclusive dream put me on the road back to California in my new Cadillac. Shortly after reaching home, an explosion of new songs, new ideas and new direction came about. But not too long after that the reality of life began to take hold. The music thing had not taken off the way I expected and funds were little to none.
Ironically, the very car I thought would drive me to my dreams was the only thing that kept me warm some nights. I thought to myself “This can’t be life, there’s gotta be more”. I got back on the road and ended up in ATL,GA. Things immediately got better, I started working , got an Apartment, and gained new connections in the music industry. Everyone believed in me and my music which caused “Me” to do the same. I felt like I was where I belonged with the help and support of Family and Friends and a Producer who shared the same interest. From there I became the Artist I am today. On my Quest for the truth and fulfillment, I have come to realize my destiny.
“ I am on a mission to Replinish the World with Beautiful Music”.