I’ve been reading this magazine since I was 15 years old and have been wanting to be in it ever since. There are no words to describe the feeling of picking this up at a newsstand. One of the most validating checkpoints of my career. Very surreal.

What’s really crazy is that the day before I was on the phone with my manager, telling him how long it had been my dream to be in the Show and Prove section. Ryan, Owuor and I had a good set at a SXSW show that was put on by The Agency Group and XXL, so we knew we were on their radar. We just weren’t sure how to go about getting in the magazine. The next morning my manager called me, and said out of the blue XXL hollered and wanted to feature me in the the June issue. WHAT?!? We were JUST talking about it.

They needed a picture within like 48 hours and luckily my guy Jason Koenig (“My oh my” director) was in town and down for the mission. We shot the picture at Smith’s on 15th in the middle of the day, and I did the interview with XXL during a break. Finally, the picture got turned in at around 4am. Jason is that dude. Selfless, extremely talented and down to be of service. So grateful to know him as a friend and beyond blessed to work with him on a creative level.

Huge shout out to XXL for the support. It’s amazing how life works sometimes. Every once and a while, ask and you shall receive…

I’m still tripping they know my name.

These are beautiful. Just sayin

THADWICK TRISTEN TREVOR lll & SWAN COLTRANE – “Brain Champagne” (Official Music Video) from Stephan Gray on Vimeo.

HELLA impressed by this on all fronts. So much so, that I’ve got no choice but to come out of my blogger extended vacation and post it.

Tay Sean is one of my favorite producers/rappers from Seattle. He’s one half of the crew Helladope, which if you don’t know put out their self titled album with a couple Seattle classics on it not too long ago (ie. “Just so you know” and “Rainwater”). My friend Thad kills this as well. He’s makes up 1/3 of the SOTA crew. Every time I see/hear new stuff from the SOTA boys I’m impressed. Gaining recognition and a solid fan base around these parts, I keep hearing their name more and more, and for good reason. Great to see these two team up. I’ve been sluffing on their project and this is the first that I’ve heard from it.

AND STEPHAN GRAY MURDERS THIS VIDEO!!!! Probably my favorite work from him.

I’m inspired.