Day 18

Day 18 of #Recovery: Where would I be without #TheHipHopShop? I think about this pretty often. If you know anything about me, then you know my passion for #HipHop. When I was 14 years old, I was lucky enough to get hired at this incredible store (The Hip Hop Shop). I was hired by a guy named Jerome Mongo by a referral from the late/great #BigProof. I then met a #Mogul of #FashionDesign, #MauriceMalone (owner of The Hip Hop Shop). This is what fueled my desire to do design, and just be involved in a progressive scene. Maurice used to draw these little quick sketch characters of people around the store. I was also able to learn a little about fashion design from him, as I would check out in detail his denim sketches and how he would do all measurements, size/color/material callouts, etc. I even had the chance to go by his house on #Detroit’s #Westside and get a few lessons. Proof taught me how to network, and meet/gain clientele. He introduced me to Brother Johnnie Muhammad, who assisted me in getting all of the right tools that I needed to get started with design. Johnnie delivered over $5,000 worth of graphic design software to me, Proof bought me a zip drive and a gang of zip disk… it was go time. I would design flyers for the #OpenMic Saturdays at the shop and mid 90’s #StAndrews shows. Then I went on to designing #MixtapeCovers for local Dj’s and Artist… This was in the #Cassette era. I had the honor of meeting sooo many people, most of which I’m still in contact and close friendship with. I was a 14 year old kid trapped in the amusement of early stage #DetroitHipHop, #Eminem, #SlumVillage, #RoyceThe59, #D12, and the list goes on and on and on… I met #Elzhi there, he ended up going to the same school as me, along with the late #Bugz of D12. This was one of the best eras of my life, and I truly believe that it made me who I am today. #iMissTheHipHopShop.

#Vector Drawing from original photo by: @elroywill