Johnny. My wife's closest cousin. She's got a big Southside-Chicago family. Johnny was the eldest of 4 kids and died during a second battle with cancer. I think he was like 23 or something. Way too soon. I didn't really know him well as I came on the scene after he was already sick. Dude always had a good attitude though. PB&J's for days. Cool as the flip side of a pillow. Neff beanies on the daily. I always had the feel that he was the one that kept his crazy siblings in check. Now that he is gone something feels out of balance in that family. I did this as a little dedication to him for his mother and my wife. His death hurt everyone. For me, doing this wasn't no thang and honestly, when you feel the inspiration the shit just flows. I worked from a photo and according to the fam and friends, I captured his essence. I feel real humbled by that. He was a brother, a son, a life in this world.

I was just happy that his mother loved it and it made her happy. Parents aren't the same after they lose a child. I like to think I helped the sun shine a little that day for her.