(Inspired by a DM video from  Bill Pierce.)
Years ago, I was a hype man for a rapper named "Flicks the Derelict" and I would only write rhymes in a notebook. 
When I finally got the balls to take the stage and become an artist, I went in hard. I went on to become the founding member of four different HipHop groups and record 5 solo albums. Despite what anyone said or did, I never stopped. No matter how many other rappers refused to give me props or how many record labels refu sed to sign me, I persisted. 
I fell, walked away from it for a minute but always came back. Over the years I blew half my rent money on paying a band and put off getting the next pair or kicks, flying backup singers in from the south for gigs. At lot of this was done on a Starbucks or Jamba Juice paycheck. 
I went broke. I became depressed. I cried, but I never gave up. I never lost faith. I asked God to help me. I kept picturing myself in a better place. 
Just recently I was able to record my sixth album, put together a band full of kick ass musicians and form an incredible team of talented designers and photographers. Tomorrow I'll be shooting the video for "Unpatriotic" the second part of a three part video trilogy. I'm where I always wanted to be. Thank you to those who helped me over the hurdles. I don't and won't forget. 
This didn't happen over night. This all took a lifetime of hard work, dedication and faith. 
I say none of this to toot my own horn, but to tell you that you should never give up. 
-TD