On August 28th, I hosted an event called "new beginnings". I grew up in this survival mentality, but when I graduated and started working as an engineer, that mentality no longer served me. I had to learn how to live. The event, and the accompanying content, is the story of that.
The first project I showcased is an in-progress fashion collection. Pieces were intended to be one-off, but due to demand, I will make a limited run.
The second project is an album. This album tells a story about everything I’ve been through over the last year. This journey has been chaotic to say the least. It’s full of ups and downs, twists and turns, backslides and bounds and leaps of progress. So how do you tell a cohesive story about a chaotic journey, especially when that journey feels like … a rollercoaster.
As it turns out, Disney, the greatest storytelling company in history, has great examples of this. Back in 2022, I went to Disneyland and California Adventures with my girlfriend at the time (because why else would I go to Disneyland). Everything about that place is crafted to tell a story, including their rides. The audio during rides corresponds to the stage of the ride, so what you hear and what you physically feel come together to tell a cohesive story.
That structure served as a huge inspiration for the album. As a result, every single element of this album comes together to tell a story. The track order, the beats, the content and delivery of the verses, the features, even this introduction is like the screens you see as you wait in line.
The first track is a voicemail of my dad giving me encouragement. “No Weapon” by Fred Hammond plays in the background, foreshadowing that the journey ahead is hard, but that I’m going to make it through. This track is like waiting in line and feeling scared before getting on. You see people coming back in and getting off, so you know you’ll make it back safely, but that doesn’t really make it less scary.
The next track talks about a past relationship. The song is happy and vibrant because it’s an expression of all the good times we had. And like the ascent of a rollercoaster, it’s kinda scary, but it’s exciting.
Track 3 is the complete opposite. It’s me dealing with the fallout of that and feeling at my worst. It’s like when the big drop comes. There’s nothing you can really do but fall.
After being at rock bottom, the only place you can go is up. So track 4 represents me trying to rebuild myself.
During that process, I did a lot of reflecting on my childhood. Track 5 is me and two of my homies, all of us different variations of the same mold and upbringing, imagining where we’d be if we made different decisions growing up. For tracks 4 and 5, we’re just along for the ride.
At some point in a rollercoaster, you settle in and enjoy the ride. Track 6 is that. The explicit purpose is to represent having a good time and freedom of expression.
But on any good rollercoaster, as soon as you get comfortable, another twist or loop comes. So track 7 is me still trying to deal with my unresolved feelings for this girl.
Despite those feelings, and everything I went through, I made it to the other side. You know when you finally finish the ride and you look at the pictures and laugh about the experience. Track 8 is that. It’s me talking shit and being cocky with the two people I’ve spent the most time with over the last year.
I learned a lot about myself during this journey, but the biggest lesson through it all is that … I’m not who I think I am.
The album is not yet on streaming services and may never be, but you can listen on untitled.
The final project is a short film. I could explain it, but watch it; it'll make sense.
This event would not have been possible without Aaliyah Trotter and Haroon Muwonge. Not only did they help with the actual execution of the event, but they were my support system the entire time.
Follow Aaliyah @curiiouss.lay. She designed the decor for the entire event and the fashion art installation. If you need help with your event, or are looking for marketing help, this is your girl.
Follow Haroon @haroonx1. He has some dope stuff in the works that he'll be sharing soon.
Huge shoutout to my producer, OTN. He produced every track on the album and went above and beyond in getting this done. More than just the music, we became brothers along the way. His email is ohthatsnastybeats@gmail.com, and his Instagram is @prodbyotn.
I absolutely could not have done this without Mario Portela. Not only did he shoot and edit all of the videos for the social media rollout, but he also shot, edited, and co-directed the short film, which came together in less than three weeks. No one made me feel more capable than Mario, and we are absolutely locked in. He is incredibly talented but is an even greater person. His email is mariopmaga19@gmail.com, and his Instagram is @ma.portela.
Finally, for everyone wondering what's next, I already know, and when it's time, you'll know too.
— Rickey