"Ghetto... this word has forever carried a negative. But the ghetto isn't my sagging pants. It's not my bass slumping out the trunk of my SUV on 24" spinning rims. Nor is it the food I eat or the people I hang with. Ghetto isn't what I do, it's who I am; A Reall way of life; One that teaches love, pain, faith, strength, and perseverance?
Retro.... Something old, brought back. Again, The "Reall" Story; these songs are for the fathers who've had to fight to be with their child or children. These songs are for the women who've gone the extra mile and felt unappreciated. For that kid who almost bought into the idea of 'never being'.
And, then there's Soul... the truest part of oneself. Ghetto Soul... This story is for all those who inspired it: good, bad, by design, or by accident. There are too many to name them all, and if you are not mentioned, please do not let that diminish the effect you had on me. Family: my daughter, Tyheria Imani Neely, it's forever... no matter what... to my son, De'Vante L. Ray, Welcome... my mother, Lois Maria Tidewell; my father, Preston Ray Lincoln, my four brothas and two lil sistas. My Madear, Anna Lois Tidewell (R.I.P.), and my uncle "Tidewell" (David "Big Deal" Tidewell (R.I.P.)). To my young 'potna' Leroy Houston, Where u at?... and Jeffery Smith. To my surragate father, Mr. Jim Bouser and his wife, Thank You. To the few Reall friends, Shell "Ice" Harper, Cheany "Saint" James, & Darrell Simon, good looking out. To the few women that made or tried their damndest to make a 'Reall' difference: my wife, Mrs. Yalonda Lincoln; the mother of my son & a woman of strength and courage, Ms. Kashima A. Brown; and the woman that introduced me to one of the most beautiful and talented singers ever, Kenya Hunter... thanks for the Sade tape.... To my Islamic brothers and my Christian friends, the risk takers, who put out their time, resources, and even personal funds, to make sure that The "Reall" Story be heard. My man "Rico" --"I don't do R&B", good looking out "Rico"; My man C-Funk or !ProHoeZak?...whatever..., I love you for the passion, keep tinkering 'dog'; "Big LZ," you stepped up early..., forever 'Fam', 'dog'. And, my friend first, verbal-punching bag sometimes, counselor, and "hell of a human being," my manager, Mr. Cwood56 himself, Chris Underwood. With my voice and your everything else, we did it 'dog'... We made it "...do what it do."
For my God, known by many names, but God all the same.... The path you designed was not always traveled with ease, patience, and understanding, but their was FAITH. No more can be said... No more need to be said.... And, no words are sufficient....
If anything here moves you, it's Reall. Share this with me as I share me with you. Don't judge me, feel me. Feel my story....The "Reall" Story.
