I wanted to remind folks to appreciate the simple things in life but to also understand that life itself is not so simple and I'm trying to figure it out just like everyone else.

It's my birthday. Just turned 24. Times are hard even though I've already completed college and had 9-5 jobs. I'm now at the point where I have to take care of mama and I know a 9-5 isn't gonna let me me achieve and grow to the degree I want. All I have is music and it requires me to be in and of world. I make music for the people and I need to be fully engaged with sending my musical message from storytelling through my production to the delivery of my words.

Shouts to Kanye for encouraging me to believe and spark change. It's now my time to blossom and start paying it forward.

- Mari (Feb. 1, 2016)