You love to hear the story, how it all got started…”
Something about this verse hit me hard today. I grew up in Harlem during the 90’s, during Giuliani which means it wasn’t the prettiest of times but it wasn’t the 80s. NYC was tough if you were a sucker, but for most people in the hoods if you were familiar and minded your business it was fine. My adolescence however was a HUGE duality. It was all due to my freak of nature experience as a member of the Boys Choir of Harlem. An experience that provided layer upon layer of privelege to some very lucky kids from the hood. My father took care of the finances but the choir raised me, RIP to my second father, Walter J. Turnbull.
Our lives were crazy growing up man, one day we’re uptown drinking quarter waters, playing basketball in makeshift parks with broken backboards, opening up the fire hydrants in the summer, cars blasting the latest Big, Pac, Mob Deep, Jay & Nas record, getting into fights and the next day we we’re shaking hands with Nelson Mandela, in Holland 2 months later or singing Blackbird with Paul McCartny. That juxtaposition has left a severe impact in my life and till this day has offered me a unique vantage point and perspective that I wouldn’t change for the world. As I look back to the day when the choir came to P.S. 125 and auditioned my 1st grade class, how after not making the initial cut I was asked to re-audition before they left and then I got that letter to come to the choir that summer.
You love to hear the story, how it all got started…”
That moment could have sent my life in an entirely different direction but here I am – from the Choir to Skidmore to Roc-a-Fella, EMPT & The Playlist Generation with sooo much more to do, so much further to go. You love to hear the story…
The ill reminisce and think about the fly days
Nothing like them80’s90’s summer NY days
Hop on theMB5M101 days
Mopeds, Pro Keds, city split five ways
How it all started,fifthtwelfth floor apartment
A jigsaw puzzle aerial view of the projects
A kid saw struggle, buried a few of his partners
Now I chill in resorts, enjoying massagesCheck out the oracle bred from city housing
NasHec, I arise the dead by thousands
I remember seeingShan75 chilling near his Audi
HollisBrian had Run and them but I proudly
Put a poster up ofShanPac andMarleyBiggie, that was art kid
You love to hear the story how it started
The bubbly I’m pouring wasn’t popped yetBEFORE THERE WAS AN AUDIENCE TO WATCH US
I ASSURE YOU, IT WAS A PROCESS…”