No music genre is more inspirational than hip-hop. From the underground artists of Queens, New York, to the mainstream MCs from Atlanta, Georgia, hip-hop music has been a beacon for the oppressed for decades. It's also a medium where some have used their voices to spread messages of hope when all seemed lost.
WillieFromTheDrive is one such artist whos using his music as a resource for those who need inspiration.
Following the success of his previous projects, Willie will be back with a new album, Lose Until You Win. In true Willie fashion, Lose Until You Win is an optimistic title that resonates with listeners struggling to escape difficult situations. The first song on the album, the title track, gives off positive vibes right away as it sets up what the listener can expect from this project. The lyrical content features many stories from Willie's life, which has been harrowing but inspiring, to say the least.
Growing up in Hempstead, Long Island, the artist faced hardships and obstacles at every turn. From drugs to gang violence to constant loss and grief, Willie has witnessed more devastation than most of us will ever go through in our lifetimes. However, he's emerged victorious and become an example for all to follow. His music, often inspirational in nature, has helped people find new motivation in their lives and escape cycles of self-destruction that can be found among those who grow up without support.
"It's all about hope," says
Willie. "Without it, we are just going to keep making the same mistakes." The Hempstead native knows this better than most. Throughout his early years, music was the only reason he never gave up on life. Every day, he'd tune out the world for a few minutes and listen as various artists sang about a better tomorrow. To others, that might have sounded like a pipe dream, but to Willie, that was salvation.
When Willy finally got out, he chose to use his songs to entertain and give hope to others. With each of his projects, he reminds his fans that nothing can stop you from achieving your goals if you don't let anything hold you back. Even if everyone who knows you believes you can't do it, you're the only person who can determine how far you will get in life, as Willie proves. Though he started his journey on the wrong side of the tracks, he didn't give up on himself or others around him. From hosting open mic events at the African American Museum in Hempstead to his motivational speech at the Boyz II Men event at Hofstra University, he's consistently shared hope and uplifted others.
"No matter how many losses you have in your life, there will always be a win waiting on the other side," Willie encourages his listeners. "Nobody is a loser in life. You can overcome anything if someone like me can." In the future, Willie hopes to share this message with more people around the globe through music and public speaking. He would also love to collaborate with revolutionary hip-hop artists.
