To My Friend

Usually when you see my name pop up on your Facebook news feed, a lyric or a silly thought appears below it. But today, I am here to tell you about a good friend of mine.

I met Tim in the summer of 2010. I had just released the solo album that would prove to listeners that I was much more than the "kid who used to rap in high school." I was a bit lost as to what I should do next, so I was looking for someone new to work with, hoping to once again get my creative juices flowing. The female singer who I thought was my next project decided to choose a different path in life, which turned out to work in my favor. I was introduced to Tim and his buddy Matt by a co-worker who deserves a medal for seeing the potential we had together as artists and as friends.

I was surprised by Tim's immediate confidence with something that he had almost no experience handling. He sent me the first few songs he had ever recorded and I knew then that I had found someone who was just as excited as I was about music. From there, we went on to record our first project together, The Welcome Home Mixtape. It wasn't perfect, but what we put together was something to remember. During the recording process of Welcome Home, I was also behind the boards for Tim's solo album, The Discovery. Although it was strictly business when Tim and I got together, a friendship was slowly forming.

Next came my solo project, The Single Life, as well as our second joint effort, Overlooked & Underrated. Although I was excited about the direction my new friend and I were headed in, something was bothering me. This weight on my shoulders would continue for another year and some change. Later I learned that Tim had joined me on this road of ups and downs, sharing similar experiences. 

Fast forward past Airling Paradox, an album full of misdirection and lack of motivation, the two of us are slowly becoming the artists we were just a year prior. We started hanging out together on the weekends, becoming more than rap partners. This is where I would meet another great friend, Tim's roommate, someone who I would barely acknowledge when visiting their apartment.

When Tim and I hang out now, it's much more than a discussion of our next album. Tim has become a great friend who I am grateful to have in my life. I can always count on having a good time when I see him. Whether it's the two of us creating preposterous scenarios about the employees of the local Burger King or us reminiscing while listening to Welcome Home, a smile rarely leaves my face (nobody's perfect). I consider Tim a great friend because he makes me laugh about things that aren't even somewhat plausible. His mom even cooks me dinner one night a week (shout out to Big L).

I suppose this is where I'm supposed to sum it all up and tell you that you should appreciate all of your friendships. While that's true, I wish to applaud a certain individual for his outstanding work as an artist and as an exceptional human being. Thanks, Tim. You're a good kid.