We were lucky to catch up with Tony Redd recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
So 2004, somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Which one ? The one closest to Iraq! Yup standing on the flight deck a day before the ships talent show ! Tired and dirty, I was honestly sick of the Navy! I was 20 years old, no children, girlfriend or any real responsibilities! Anyway performing in this talent show would be my first time displaying my skills in front of people and I was nervous beyond belief. Sucked it up and the next day I killed the show! About 4000 people screaming my name! Ive been chasing that feeling since then! At first it was alot of trial and error, unnessecary spending! Time lost with family and friends! Man Ive risked relationships with the very people I love because I signed on to a journey that at the time I didnt know was a lifetime commitment. Over time I regained those relationships (some of them) but at the same time Ive done so many other things in my life just by sticking to what I believed in. Ive accomplished real goals for myself because I honestly needed to prove to myself that I am capable of working hard, being disciplined over ones self! Risk are nessacary to manuever threw this life!! Eliminate distractions, head down and grind!!! Get your 10,000 hours in without 10,000 excuses!!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Tony Redd, well Ive been writing my whole life! Started with current events and small stories to winning 2nd place in the 1997 Baltimore city youth writing competition!! Nowadays Im still writing! I own Okay Forever publishing! Ive put out 4 projects in the last 5 years! Tony Redd presents No Love: A grown man love story(2019) Tony Redd presents No Love 2: Balance on Lifes Greasy Floor(2020) Tony Redd FLA(mixtape youtube) and now a series of singles that include features like Bruno Mali Kidd, Young Cash, Shaunte Daurice and Jenee Taylor! (The Vaccine). I also have my first fiction book in development and will be available everywhere first quarter 2023. Busy right! Im also joining The Dozha Told Ya podcast as a on air personality only available on the Mxlr. app. Instagram: tony_redd904 Facebook: Tony Redd Youtube: Tony Redd, As far as my brand! I just wanna be myself. Create something new, resist the erge to be complacent in the now! Also common sense is cool! so is helping your people!
Have you ever had to pivot?
2019 I recieved a call in Febuary from a promoter that a tour slot was available! May came and I was on the road but alone! My brother a month earlier was sent to prison for 3 years! I ended up doing ten cities performing for members of the WuTang clan, Savage Life ent. and also Atlantic records!! A few months later Im home in Jacksonville when Covid hits. So for the next two years my career was halted, I almost died myself, losing 50 pounds! I recovered after a long fight, rebuilt my strength and got back to work!! It took a while but the momentum has started again!!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
So my whole life has been a struggle. I know a lot of people that come from similar backgrounds and may have similar stories, I just want to give an energy that brings people together, inspire and motivate fans that may feel like theres no hope. I want to create jobs in my community, buy my community! Establish multiple companies in multiple industries! Show my children a better example than I was shown!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/tonyredd?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=150925c4-8286-4944-b6d5-b6687636243d
- Instagram: tony_redd904
- Facebook: tharealtonyredd904
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_EwNMbo32uVAxjckb60Qw
Image Credits
these photos were all taken by me of family no credits needed