As often as possible, OGHH will begin to profile dope emcees from the NYC area. We will try to bring as much content as possible from them and provide some background into who they are. We started things out with Justin Bates and this week, we bring you NYC resident, F. Stokes.
Here’s a little bio from the man himself:
I was born in Chicago in a single mother household. My father is serving a life sentence in prison for murder. I moved to Madison, Wisconsin at the age of 12. I lived in a one room shelter with my mother and 5 other brothers and sisters. That was a bitch, didn’t get my own room until i was well into my teens. Puberty was a constant wild goose chase. I sold drugs. I carried guns. I am not cooler than you. I’ve been known as a excellent bridge-burner, a skill I am religiously trying to lose. My mother is very proud of me as she makes a grand appearance at almost all of my shows in Madison. Even in front of a couple hundred adorably drunk college kids, at times, I feel as though its only me and her in the room. I’ve been featured in the XXL magazine wearing a borrowed chain. I moved to New York with 30 dollars to my name. I worked as a bathroom attendant. Worked as a waiter. Worked as a bus boy. Worked as a food-runner. Worked as a barback. Worked as a doorman. Worked as a porter. I’ve touched souls from the basement’s of the south side of Chicago, to Australian dive bars. I’ve toured toured internationally, living off only the cd’s sold at my shows. Almost by default, I have famous friends. My best friend was murdered 3 years ago. I miss and love him beyond words. Sometimes eye cry. Sometimes I fight. Sometimes I find myself lost in these dark pockets of depression. I’ve crafted some of my most intimate songs while in those “pockets”. A guy by the name of Lazerbeak saved my life with his music. I am a strong Black man who has survived extreme circumstances. My voice will be heard. My determination is unparalleled. One mic. One stage. One experience. One love. Believe.
I saw this dude live in the Lower East Side and the man can build up a crowd and tear a stage down. I would highly recommend giving a few of his tracks some spins. I’m working on getting something that you guys can download, but for now the link below will have to do.
F. Stokes – Jeremiah (Music Video)
