So Far, So Good is a representation of a moment in time—one that honors the past while embracing the growth of my creative abilities. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless faces through my camera, telling stories both in still photography and motion pictures. Creating has become an essential outlet for me, a way to translate the wide range of ideas and perspectives I see into tangible art.
On September 16, 2023, this exhibition debuted, featuring 25 portrait images, a video reel, a polaroid collage, and an art crate sculpture—each piece reflecting a different layer of my journey as a storyteller.
Wanda Williams, George Greene, Tierra Woodson, Jaleel Johnson, Amira Johnson, Aiden Clinton, Peter Clinton, Corin Bell, Corey Bell, Keith Bell, Caleb Bell, William Ivey, Aunt Jen, Uncle Keith, Whitney Greene, Greg Greene, Bill Greene, Diane Greene, Jakeel, Aunt Rita, Brianna Whidbee, Devin Whidbee, Shaniya, Tasha, Tina, Keisha, Shaniya, Monique Chericka Lockhart, Bruno, Ari King, Kendal Fletcher, Jonathan Crawford, Malachi Smythe, Camerun Hannah, Jeremiah Moore, Ki-Jani Jones, Joshua Davis, Daevon Crowder, Davon Johnson, Taema Reid, Alon Height, Abdul Ibrahim, Josh Dorvil, Eddie Hayes, Marie Savage, Kalimah, MeSaj Closs, Imani West, Taylor Gravesande, Vivian Nwigwe, Isaiah Solomon, Simeon, Ms.Novelette, Bria, Kayla Packwood, Selena Thorne, Tyler Drew, Tyra, Liz, Rachel, Nadia Caylia Wallace, Michelle Macauley, Ariane, Nina, Kärma, Amiya, Courtney Wilson, Jordan Browne, Greg Williams, Kim, Queena, Wesley, Zairy, Steph, Maria, Jocsan, Mimi, Adrian, Stacy, Chris, Franco, Joanna, Demi, Adrianna Lea, Ebonique, Chris P., Zai, Sam, Stevo, Ron Downes Jr, Kahrice Harrison, Lionel M. Macauley, Brandi Pinnix, Brett Pinnix, India Saunders, Dave Falade, Alana Falade, Michael Pinnix, The Melanin Market, GRIT Basketball, Get Money Kicks, Richard Burton, Chels. TV, EastCoastWorld, Threadz Studio, Learon
2014 - 2016
The journey of my creativity began at Franklin High School in the fall of 2014, when I enrolled in a class called Aspects of Video taught by Michael Pinnix. I came in with a basic understanding of video, but not the techniques or mindset of an artist. From the very first day, the anticipation and joy I felt in that classroom made me feel at home, eager to learn more every time I stepped into room C130.
After taking Aspects of Video my junior year, Mr. Pinnix challenged me further by placing me in three courses during my senior year—W.A.N.T. TV, Aspects of Video II, and an Independent Study. Those classes kept me constantly busy, both during and after school, but they also gave me invaluable hands-on experience. In many ways, high school prepared me for the creative world even more than college did.
Mr. Pinnix gave his students the freedom to think beyond expectations and to tackle topics people rarely associate with high schoolers. That freedom sparked my curiosity, sharpened my skills, and set the foundation for the creative path I’m still on today.
2017 - 2019
As a college student, I began to see the transition of my independent nature. It was a time filled with opportunities to discover new paths, collaborate with people, and connect with companies. In 2017, I caught my first glimpse of what it meant to chase the “industry.” I had no idea what was truly ahead, but I found myself constantly on the move—shooting videos for hometown artists, models, athletes, and business owners. Rest was never an option. The obstacles I faced, and the emotions that came with them, often poured directly into my art.
Learning about yourself takes time, and in that stage, I was still fresh—still figuring things out. By 2018, I found myself looking in the mirror and asking: Does the journey ever become clear? Step by step, I began climbing the mountain in front of me. One of the most pivotal people in my growth was Ron Downes Jr., who saw potential in me. While working as a videographer at Hot 97 in 2018 and 2019, Ron brought me along to be part of the Summer Jam crew each year. That one opportunity opened the doors to the music industry.
From there, my journey took off—I went on tour, filmed concerts, and interned with XXL. Along the way, I met Jonathan Crawford, who became one of my closest friends and favorite artists to document. Together, we formed a creative duo with dreams larger than ourselves. Our eclectic mix of music and film gave us the freedom to push boundaries and experiment.
By the end of 2019, it felt like I had reached the height of my career—at least through the lens of social media reception. But life has a way of throwing unexpected curves. When that happens, it’s on you to create a new path forward, to shape the next result.
2020
My first exhibition was originally planned for July 2020—a completely different concept than what it eventually became. I had been slowly preparing myself for that moment, but then the ceiling came crashing down with the onset of COVID-19. During that time, creatives everywhere were left uncertain about what was next for society. Negativity, fear, and confusion defined the year.
I personally dealt with loneliness, heartbreak, and loss. Yet through it all, art remained a driving force in my life. Just as we always had in Aspects of Video, I continued creating work that reflected the world’s current moment. I began to truly master photography and, unexpectedly, I found myself exploring music. Over the years, I had surrounded myself with artists whose talents inspired me, and in 2020 I decided to step into that space myself. My first project, STIGMA, was built around giving new voices the chance to be heard.
I never imagined myself rapping, but I grew to love the writing process. Being able to connect words and deliver them with intention gave me confidence I hadn’t felt before. Each month seemed to bring a shift in my emotions, but none as heavy as September 2020, when I lost a dear friend, Lionel M. Macauley. One of the last photographs I took was of Lionel—a timeless image that will live with me forever. That final shoot has become a reminder of his motto, “Blessed & Grateful.” Carrying those words with me, I know he’d be proud of where I stand today.
2021
I continued taking photos and making videos, but discovering a new talent led me down different paths. Some of those paths felt light, while others carried a certain darkness. Music became one of those outlets—a new space where I could be original and release my emotions. It quickly turned into a form of therapy.
In February 2021, I released my first project series, MYRICAL, which captured both the cold and hot sides of my emotions. My sound leans toward “trap soul,” a style built on reverb-heavy textures and melodic tones that I’ve always been drawn to. With that project, my writing grew deeper and more personal.
Afterward, I began working on a 4-track tape called A Leo’s Kingdom. When I create, I never like to rush the process. The best work reveals itself in its own time, and special pieces deserve to be shared with the world at the right moment. Since STIGMA, I’ve made it a tradition to release music on my birthday. July has become a month of explosion for me—the summer always seems to unlock a level of creativity only I could imagine.
2022-2023
Starting the year off strong was my main driving force. At the end of 2021, one of my best friends, Ari King, and I had a conversation. Both of us were heavy creatives with powerful networks, and together we decided to build a platform to showcase like-minded people. In January 2022, The Life They Present was born. What began as a small idea quickly turned into something magical. We hit the ground running—creating stories and learning the true meaning of documenting someone else’s journey. Since then, we’ve produced six episodes that highlight artists and their purpose.
Carrying an independent mindset has always kept me busy. Ever since the first time I picked up a camera, I haven’t stopped creating. In 2022, basketball returned to my life in a major way. That year, I worked with GRIT Basketball as their Media Content Creator, spending countless days in the gym capturing footage and telling stories through the lens of the game. My devotion to sharpening my creative eye eventually opened bigger doors.
In the fall of 2022, I was offered a role with the NBA as a Digital & Social Content Publisher—another milestone in my career that gave me the confidence to keep reaching for more.