#TBT Hashtag has been embraced by Pop Culture and it has given us the opportunity to go way back to awesome moments, embarrassing high school photos but most importantly, to get reminded of a special year or milestone in your life; to be able to reflect on how much you have grown or not is always amusing.
I think these photos were taken on February 28 2009, my first SKA Wall Production right on the train tracks somewhere on the East Side of Downtown Los Angeles. And the reason I remember the date correctly now is because we went to Kofie’s Art Show at the 01 Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles after this production. Their theme was Blue and Golds; and as the sun hit the wall, the letters would glow like fire. My love Pryer drove us down from Lancaster, where I was living at the time while attending Junior College. Just look at how thin and young we were!
It was a hot day, early in the morning; I had no idea on how long this was going to take, was not aware that there were steps to this! Its like their own version of a party with cold brews, food and music bumping; it was a good day in L.A. My plan was to tag along while he painted with his buddies and I was going to study for my midterms…ahh…yeah right. Next thing you know, we are all drinking in this damn hot sun, trash talking and listening to them clown each other hard. While the production was going on, some hipsters came with a film crew trying to film them paint without even asking, oh boy did Pryer chase them down the street and demanded respect. I remember him yelling ” this is my family!” After a heated conversation, the guys apologized and Pryer let them film under a few conditions. It was amusing to watch; thinking to myself; oh shit my vato really is a Vato Loko.
After a long hot day, they finally finished and he threw my name in his piece. I have been called Smiley forever in the streets before even knowing him, but they all said it sounded too gangster so he changed my name to “Smile” and shortly after I changed it to “Smiles”. I must admit it was fun to experience this, I still remember it like it was yesterday and will never regret choosing to live in the world of what he loves best. Been thru good times and bad times in this journey, but this day was definitely marked under a good time! To many more years with you my Love Pryer.
mstobon.com 
Leave a Reply