I've never really been a huge fan of biographies. Historically, or perhaps only in the amazing world of rap music, bio's have this way of glamorizing or sensationalizing points in the artist life that probably wouldn’t come off half as cool if said artist was “Fred the garbage man”. Instead I opted to simply give out facts about myself that would hopefully give the consumer reason, or not, to support my journey in any way, shape or form. I truly appreciate your time. I was born in Chicago in a single mother household. My father is serving a life sentence in prison for murder. I moved to Madison, Wisconsin at the age of 12. I lived in a one room shelter with my mother and 5 other brothers and sisters. That was a b**ch, didn't get my own room until i was well into my teens. Puberty was a constant wild goose chase. I sold drugs. I carried guns. I am not cooler than you. I've been known as a excellent bridge-burner, a skill I am religiously trying to lose. My mother is very proud of me as she makes a grand appearance at almost all of my shows in Madison. Even in front of a couple hundred adorably drunk college kids, at times, I feel as though its only me and her in the room. I've been featured in the XXL magazine wearing a borrowed chain. I moved to New York with 30 dollars to my name. I worked as a bathroom attendant. Worked as a waiter. Worked as a bus boy. Worked as a food-runner. Worked as a barback. Worked as a doorman. Worked as a porter. I've toured Australia with a back pack full of beat up cd's. My best friend was murdered 3 years ago. I miss and love him beyond words. Sometimes eye cry. Sometimes I fight. Sometimes I find myself lost in these dark pockets of depression. I've crafted some of my most intimate songs while in those "pockets". A guy by the name of Lazerbeak saved my life with his music. I am a strong Black man who has survived extreme circumstances. My voice will be heard. My determination is unparalleled. One mic. One stage. One fan. One experience. One love. Believe. Peace sign way up, F.Stokes www.myspace.com/fstokesmusic Death Of A Handsome Bride. Own it.