Another Winter In The Hood

4hrs Before The Party

Escalade?
Yeah Drew got it too. 2013 model.

We parked the bus at his house and pulled out the Escalade. When the cat is out, the mice play. Daddy is out of town so we're not missing this opportunity.

Vroom! Vrooooom!
"Hey man watch the revs." I rant at Drew.

"The tank is filled halfway. We're good."

As always, I hop in and connect my phone to the entertainment system. First song I play is PARTYNEXTDOOR - The News on SoundCloud. I stream collections of music on it. It's all there.

"Hey man am going to try a wavy hairstyle." I suggest.

"You've got a brush and all?"

"Nah but I'll get one. You'll see."

"Hustler."

"Yeah Drew it's all I know."

We sit in the car and we get lost in the music. Drew is stepping on the gas. We're stoned not to forget and it's all a vibe at this moment. You want to talk about living in the moment?
Well, break bread with your people, smile and ride the city with your boy. Park along Twin Palm road and admire the sunset. It's quite a view. We didn't want to waste this Friday to folly but we approached it with wisdom. That's why we had bud on us. Greens only. Papers only. This was a weekend that was going to go down in history.

Will.
Will grew up in Pambala. It's our hometown (HOOD).
Will is older but he's always been solid. Putting us on to the latest fashion, exclusive photo shoots. Will is an older brother from another mother.

We've been working on a new brand. It's called Save•Africa. A brand that focuses on designs that showcase the wealth of the continent. We were wondering when to drop the merch but I guess today is the day.

We exit the highway and ease down the filter lane. Smooth ride down the block and we're pulling up to Will's. We hop out.
The lights flick. The car locks.

"Hey man how's it?" I greet Will

"Calm cuz. You're good?" Will replies.

"You know how we do." I answer.

I know this is weird but Drew and Will are gangsters. They just do 'the nod'. The nod is all they do. Always.

Alright, so am in the store. Wondering what my style is?
Alright let's go. I DESIGN MY CLOTHES.
Will's store is called Mandalin [Go follow on Instagram]. I'm here for a custom print. I'm probably going to go with a white tee tonight that has a Rhino on it. A species whose habitat we have harmed as mankind.

"Yo Will that Instagram page is really coming up strong."

"Yeah?"

"You know we don't hear much about poaching these days." I suggest.

"Yeah man we don't have many Rhinos left because the illegal activity."

"No way!"

"Welcome to Africa brother. The hunter's playground."

Laughter fills the shop. It's a joyous moment for everybody.

You see, when you think about wildlife, what comes to your mind? Is it the action of hunting? The suspense? Or the connection of nature to our sense of being as humans?

Nature will always be our companion. It provides so much for humanity. Through it we are sustained. That's what this design is all about. It has a label that says 'save me' in caps.

Now, we can talk about it in the lines of a Rhino but we need saving as humans too. I needed saving. I've been having trouble trying to get shots of me skating and it's getting to me. I don't know where Lydia is.

Are you wondering who Lydia is? Well she's my everything. The pulse of my heartbeat. Lydia has been handling the business side of my talent for three years now. I'm scheduled to do an endorsement for Three of Threes. A new local fashion brand but thanks to Lydia I might lose the deal. So am really stressing out because the video is due in a week.

"Yo man Lydia better show up tonight" I think out loud.

"Haa no way she's coming man!" Will shouts.

"She'll be there. I have a feeling."

"A feeling she's your Cinderella?" Drew mocks me.

"Of course not dummy."

"Being a playboy is a disease Andy. The cure is currently unknown but if you do find it, please save our dear friend Drew."