Twenty years ago, at 23 years old, I released an instrumental album called Beats For Lovers. This was mid-2000s South Carolina. Crunk ruled the airwaves. Club records dominated. The South was in a very specific sonic pocket, and soulful instrumental hip-hop wasn’t exactly the wave. But I wasn’t chasing what was hot — I was chasing what felt good.

I really appreciate the memories that are attached to the music I make. Each track is like a timestamp—capturing what was happening in my life and what I was feeling while I created it. This project, in particular, brings to mind two friends: Grayson and Rhett. Funny enough, during the span of about a week, I happened to have conversations with both of them. And honestly, it’s never hard to get into a conversation about music with me.