BACK STORY
“Some 30 years ago, I was born in the South-West region of Sydney… you know, around those suburbs you always hear mentioned on the nightly news, like Bankstown, Cabramatta and Liverpool. Growing up I always had a vision of doing something great… but I never knew how I would get there or where exactly it was that I’d be going.
“From the start, something inside told me that I wasn’t exactly what people consider ‘normal’. I struggled to fit into various social settings. I had a soft heart, trusted people too readily and managed to get easily hurt. I was always dreaming about a better future. It wasn’t until later that I found out I have ADHD.
Nothing is Impossible
“At age 21, I started my first business, in the construction industry. I had no experience, yet I’ve managed to scale my company to its present level as a respected contractor in the fabrication and installation of natural stone and porcelain materials. This journey proved to me that nothing is impossible, because no matter how many people have tried to keep me down, I always manage to get back up.
“Ever since I started high school, I actually wanted to be a lawyer. But after some tough consideration, at the age of 23, I decided to drop out of my Law Degree at UTS and focus solely on my first business at the time. This decision came with a lot of criticism… but it wasn’t taken lightly and it’s a decision that has helped shaped me into the person I’ve become.
“My journey in the world of business remains one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced… but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced. I’ve constantly beaten the odds and continue to forge my reputation as a trusted partner within my niche business. Along the way, there have been offshoots into other ventures and collaborations, from all of which I’ve learned lessons. I feel I now know how to make things happen.
A Well Hidden Secret
“Throughout the journey, I’ve lost quite a few friends and experienced long-term relationship breakdowns. At times I’ve struggled financially, physically and emotionally and strangely it’s always been music that’s kept me going - the constant in my life. I started writing at just 12 years old, but kept this passion a well-hidden secret for 17 years. Even now I publish under a stage name. My songs tell tales of rejection, struggle, acceptance and finding purpose. I released my first track ‘Lucky’ at age 29.
“I’ve now decided I want to fully explore my potential in music, so while maintaining the business I started, I’m taking steps down a new path as a ‘rapper entrepreneur’.
“I often reflect on where I’ve come from and am proud of where I am. And while primarily I want to entertain, I also want to educate and inspire anyone who’s willing to listen.”
“As I began to embrace my creative side and got lost in the world of making music, it was clear that I wanted to be a rapper with other businesses in the background as opposed to a businessman who raps on the side. The feeling was amazing and I was hooked.
Having made the decision to start releasing my music, I had to reveal this side of me to my parents, other family, and friends who were not aware either of my creative side, nor my hidden struggles. I had initially started writing for personal therapy and never imagined half of these stories would see the light of day, so going public has been difficult.
“Having hidden my passion for the best part of two decades, I’ve been lucky that the thing I feared the most – those closest to me not accepting this part of who I am - didn’t eventuate. My mum and dad, and my long-term partner Val, have been very supportive - which is quite surprising, given the ‘X-rated’ content of the majority of my music.