Breaking the Silence: Reviving My Passion for Music

Introduction
Life, like music, has its highs and lows, its breaks and comebacks. For those of you who've been following my journey, you've probably noticed the silence — a hiatus from my music that spanned several challenging years. It wasn't a break taken by choice, but one that life handed to me, filled with obstacles that at times seemed insurmountable.

Five years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I found myself behind bars, a reality that paused not only my music career but also a significant part of my personal expression. Upon my release, the drive to create was as strong as ever, but the means to make music were just out of reach. No equipment, no tools, no outlet for the melodies in my head. Then, a reunion with my ex gave me temporary access to a computer, rekindling my ability to produce music and breathe life into my art once more. However, life threw another curveball with our break-up, leaving me not only without the tools to create but also facing a deep personal sadness that clouded everything.

This post is my way of explaining the silence, the absence of beats and bars from TG. But more importantly, it's about the resurgence, the return to what drives my soul. Join me as I share this part of my journey, reflecting on the setbacks and the comebacks, and looking forward to the music yet to come.

Background
From the vibrant beats of hip hop to the soul-stirring melodies of R&B, music has been the soundtrack of my life since I was just a kid growing up in Madison. I remember being nine years old, spellbound by the rhymes and rhythms of The Hot Boyz, with Lil Wayne leading the charge. His flair and depth ignited my love for rap, inspiring me to start writing my own lyrics.

Rapping became more than just a hobby; it was a family affair. Alongside my brother, sister, and cousins, we'd create our own verses and challenge each other, sharpening our skills and bonding over beats. This playful competition was my first taste of creating music, and it only grew from there.

In 2008, a pivotal moment came when my dad recorded me rapping over "The Boss" by Rick Ross & T-Pain. That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of music as more than just a pastime but as a potential career. By 2013, my dad had taken on the role of my mentor, showing me the ropes of recording, beat-making, and even DJing. These skills have been the tools of my trade, the means through which I can translate my thoughts and feelings into music.

Music is my sanctuary, a retreat from the world where I can truly express myself. It's not just about entertainment; it's a vital part of who I am. Whether I'm laying down a track, spinning records, or crafting a new beat, I feel at my best. It's the joy of creation that sustains me, driving me to constantly evolve and enhance my craft.

The Hiatus
Every artist faces periods of silence, but not all silences are chosen. In November 2017, my life was thrown into chaos when I was wrongfully arrested and sentenced to five years for a crime I did not commit. This came on the heels of a tremendously difficult year: just twelve months after the murder of my oldest brother, the painful end of a long-term relationship, and the loss of my grandmother. To say it was a dark time would be an understatement.

Locked away, with grief and injustice weighing heavily on me, my creativity suffered. The environment was stifling, far from conducive to artistic expression, and I struggled with severe writer's block. Music, my usual escape, felt just out of reach, and my voice, once clear and strong, seemed to falter.

Upon my release, the world I returned to was vastly different from the one I'd left. Freedom was bittersweet; I was out of prison, but not free from the challenges of reintegration. I needed to start from scratch, not just to rebuild my life but to recapture my ability to create music. It took time, effort, and resources to gather the necessary equipment and space to make music again.

Reuniting with my ex provided a temporary solace and a means to dive back into music-making. For a while, it seemed like I could regain my old rhythm. But life, as it often does, threw another curveball, and our breakup scattered my plans once more. The cycle of loss and recovery had come full circle, leaving me to pick up the pieces again.

Rekindling My Passion
There comes a moment in life when you realize something essential is missing—a part of your soul that has been quiet for too long. For me, that moment came amidst the daily grind, the routine that had become my life after prison. It was a life far removed from my dreams, a life where irritation and stress were constant companions because I lacked the creative outlet that had once been my refuge.

The turning point was subtle yet profound. One ordinary day, driven by a deep-seated need for change, I decided to write a song. It wasn't easy; life's obligations made sure it took three days to put my thoughts into words. But the moment I stepped up to the mic to record, I felt a surge of euphoria, the kind that had eluded me for years. Recording that track wasn't just about making music—it was about reclaiming a piece of my identity that had been lost.

Music, my first true love, welcomed me back with open arms. As the beats flowed and the lyrics took shape, I felt complete in a way I hadn't in years. It dawned on me then—the stress, the irritation, all stemmed from not doing what I was born to do. This revelation wasn't just about returning to music; it was about returning to myself.

Reconnecting with music has been a journey back to wholeness. Each note played, each line written, not only rebuilds my craft but also restores my spirit. Music is not just what I do—it's who I am, and embracing it again has been the most liberating experience of my life.

The New Journey
As I reforge my path in the world of music, my focus is clear: to keep creating, keep innovating, and keep sharing my voice through rap, beats, and eventually, full-scale production. The road back to a fully equipped studio is a gradual one, and I'm taking it step by step. For now, I'm balancing my day job with music, building up the tools and skills I need one piece at a time.

My immediate plan involves diving back into the rap scene and laying down some fresh beats. While I don't yet have all the equipment to produce music at the level I aspire to, each track, each session brings me closer to that goal. In the meantime, I'm not just waiting around—I'm actively creating with what I have, because passion doesn't wait for perfect conditions.

Looking ahead, you can expect to see me not only behind the mic but also behind the decks, DJing and producing. Rapping will always be a part of my repertoire, a direct line to my roots and the purest expression of my artistic spirit. But I'm also expanding my horizons to include more video content—ranging from music to comedy, financial insights, pop culture news, and reflective pieces on the state of the world.

Collaborations are on the horizon too. I’m eager to link up with other artists, both in music and in broader content creation. These partnerships are about more than just combining talents; they're about exchanging ideas, inspiring one another, and building a community that uplifts and innovates.

This is not just a comeback; it's a new beginning. A reimagined approach to my craft, infused with all the lessons I've learned and all the passion I've rediscovered. Stay tuned—it's going to be an exciting ride.

Lessons Learned
Throughout this journey, the setbacks and comebacks alike, I’ve gleaned some crucial lessons that have reshaped my outlook and approach to life and creativity.

First, the importance of stability before partnership. I've learned that grounding oneself in their career and personal life is critical before diving into a relationship. Had I established my music and business ventures more firmly, I could have invested more fully in my personal relationships. This balance is something I aim to prioritize moving forward.

Second, the irreplaceable value of a creative outlet. For me, that outlet is music. It's not just a hobby or a profession, but a lifeline—a means to process and express my emotions in a healthy, constructive way. Having this outlet has been essential, especially during times of turmoil.

Third, the power of channeling emotions into art rather than airing grievances publicly. The world doesn’t need another social media rant; what it craves are genuine stories and emotions woven into music. I’ve learned to save my outbursts for the studio, turning them into songs that might not only heal me but also touch others. This approach has transformed the way I interact with my audience and manage my digital presence.

Lastly, the lesson that it's never too late to get back on track. Although drifting away from your path can make the journey back challenging, it's always possible. The key is to take that first step back, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Each of these lessons has been a stepping stone back to a life filled with music, purpose, and personal fulfillment. By sharing these, I hope to not only offer a glimpse into my experiences but also to inspire others who might be facing similar challenges. Remember, it’s not about how far you stray, but how you find your way back.

Conclusion
As I turn the page to this next chapter in my life, my commitment to making music has never been stronger. Music isn't just my passion—it's my lifeline, my way of connecting with the world, and a means to express my deepest emotions and thoughts. It's a promise to myself to remain true to what brings me joy and sustenance.

To my fans, old and new, expect nothing less than my all. I am here to share not just music, but a story of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of passion. The beats might change, the themes might evolve, but the core of what I do—creating music that moves and resonates—will always remain.

Thank you for standing by me through the silences and the returns. Your support fuels my creativity and inspires me to push the boundaries of what I can achieve. Together, we'll explore the vast landscapes of sound and emotion. There's so much more to come—more tracks, more beats, and yes, more stories. The journey continues, and I am thrilled to have you along for the ride. Let’s make this next phase of our musical adventure the most exciting yet.