Back to the A: A Journey of Pain, Strength, and Redemption
- facethyfear
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Driving through Atlanta after six months of rehab in Savannah was a moment I’ll never forget. With Gunna’s “Back to the A” blasting through my car speakers, I wasn’t just coming home—I was reclaiming my life. The song wasn’t just music; it was my anthem, a reflection of where I’d been, who I’d become, and where I was going.
Atlanta isn’t just a city to me; it’s my soul. I’m from Cascade Road, West End, and Adamsville—true SWATS. I’ve got it tattooed on my left arm, alongside the area codes 678, 404, and 770—a constant reminder of my roots and the pride I carry as someone who’s seen the beauty and struggle of the Southside. Growing up walking around South Atlanta, I saw it all—the Red Dogs stopping drug dealers in their box Chevys, the vibrant culture, and the resilience of my community. Those streets shaped me.
Art, music, and culture were everywhere I turned. I remember seeing Ludacris and Big Boi from OutKast walking around the mall, talking to people like they were family. Listening to their skits on CDs, whether bought by my dad or bootlegged off the block, made me feel seen. OutKast’s album artwork still influences me to this day—it showed me that people who looked like me could create greatness.
That inspiration extended to my own art. I started creating pieces that represented Georgia, my home, and even built a brand called Zone 4. I poured my pride into those works and plan to revisit them someday, bringing the energy of my roots into everything I create today.
But life wasn’t always that inspiring. I found Gunna before that dark day at the park off Flat Shoals and Bouldercrest, but it was that day when his lyrics truly changed for me. I was tripping hard on acid, sitting in the park, feeling suicidal, and searching for something—anything—that could give me hope. Gunna’s music became my lifeline. His lyrics hit differently that day. Tracks like “Livin Wild” felt like they were speaking directly to me, mirroring my struggle and showing me that I wasn’t alone.
I connected to him not just as an artist, but as someone who battles his own demons. Gunna has been open about his struggles with addiction, including lean, and it’s clear he’s fought to rise above it. His resilience inspires me. Like Gunna, I’ve faced the darkness and found a way forward.
When I say Gunna is a rockstar like me, I mean it. His journey through addiction and struggle speaks to my own. I’ve got tattoos, piercings, and even a badass spiky nose ring, all of which represent my defiance and individuality. I embrace my pain, use it as motivation, and walk proudly on the path I’ve chosen.
Driving back to Atlanta after rehab wasn’t just about returning home—it was about transformation. Rehab in Savannah changed my life, teaching me to confront my demons and rebuild myself from the ground up. Songs like “Today I Did Good” remind me that progress is found in the small victories. “Do Better” inspires me to keep pushing forward, striving to grow and evolve. And “Back to the A”—that’s the song that brought it all together, symbolizing the pride, resilience, and strength that Atlanta has instilled in me.
Everything I’ve been through—from the lowest moments to the triumphs—has shaped me into who I am today. I’m a soldier. A real OG. I made it out, and I’m man enough to look life in the eyes and face it head-on. I want my story to inspire others to do the same.
Southwest Atlanta is in my soul, and I’ll carry that pride forever. My pain, my past, and my roots all fuel the work I do now, from FaceThyFear to my art, my music, and beyond. I’m here to remind everyone that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always a way forward. Just look at me—I’m living proof.
About FaceThyFear
FaceThyFear is a brand built on resilience, transformation, and community. From darkness to light, we believe in inspiring others to overcome their fears and embrace life.
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