Emerging originally out of Brooklyn, New York,  Sebastian Francis has graced the hearts and minds of artists and music enthusiasts alike. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Quincy Jones, Kanye West, and Jdilla, Sebastian has an understanding how his music can change the lives of people. His sole purpose for pursuing a career in music is to “create opportunities for those who want to create opportunities for others”. His dedication to his craft is less about achieving super-stardom (although) and more about living his life as a testament that success is attainable no matter the circumstances you are given.

I met Sebastian as he attended Columbia College Chicago majoring in Music Business Management and eventually dropped out. Even still, it was at Columbia where he gained a plethora of experience by working with various local artists in Chicago and learning the ins and outs of the business thanks to his instructors. 

Potent, persistent, and ambitious, Sebastian Francis has conquered many fears which could have crippled him and some which could have ended his life. He lost his mother at the tender age of 11 which forced him to be self-sufficient very early on. He is the epitome of a nomad. He has lived in 6 different states in the past ten years. Some people don’t leave their county, let alone their street. Although it has benefited him and his sound, the path has been everything but easy. Before rooming with his fellow Newminati Nieman, Sebastian was homeless and sleeping on the streets and trains while still maintaining a fulltime job. His desire to be successful and his faith in God has kept him alive and focused on becoming one of the greatest musicians of all time.  We are happy to have Sebastian as an Artist in Residence for The Brainiac Project and look forward to helping his music to have a platform to shine.

 https://thisisrhymesandreasons.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/naledge-evans/

Rhymes and Reasons is a series of interviews with hip-hop heads who talk about their lives in the context of songs that matter to them.​  Click the link above to listen to my interview with Ed Vogel on Chicago's Southside.  We talk about everything from my childhood in Chicago, my transition to social entrepreneurship, admiration for Common, how I started rhyming and my many failed attempts to rap Twista lyrics with friends.  Check it out!

NALEDGE IS POWER!
DATE(S):Tuesday, October 6 from 6 - 10 pm

By housing a top-flight recording studio in the Grand Crossing area of Chicago, GBK Recording Studio helps the revitalization of a disadvantaged neighborhood through combining urban planning and art practices. The studio, my recording home for The Brainiac Project, helps combat violence in Chicago by engaging previous perpetrators & potential victims. Ultimately, this studio aims to have a global impact by serving as a beacon of hope and network of influence for youth who would otherwise not have access to a professional work resources. The open studio will showcase the newest collaboration album from me and our artist in residence, Lenell "Good Boy" Davis. Additionally, popular Chicago rap blogger Andrew Barber (FakeShoreDrive) will serve as host for the event and will lead a conversation about the making of the album. Light food and refreshments will be served.  This event is a featured program as a part of the City of Chicago's Annual Artist Month.  This year's series is entitled "The City as a Studio."  For more information visit chicagoartistsmonth.org.

September 10, 2015 was not only my birthday celebration but also the official launch of my nonprofit organization, The Brainiac Project. The Event was hosted by my friend and former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah. Photos were taken by 10photos. Click Link To Full Gallery Below