Music Blog: Like Father, Like Son

Growing up in Union City, my friends and I would spend days playing pick up baseball at Hall Ranch field on Dyer Street. That was about ten years ago. Now, most of us have parted ways and are embarking on different paths with the ultimate goal of success.

Through the years, my friends and I have discovered much about ourselves — our styles, likes and dislikes, what makes us tick. But most of all, we discovered that we are all talented.

One of my closest friends, Saafir Gibson, discovered his niche for writing rhymes. Being the son of Bay Area rap legend Saafir, music was in his blood from the jump. 

"Being raised in a house where my father was a recording artist, I can recall those weekends as a little kid where I would wake up to my dad blasting music, reciting his verses for a new song, and spending long days and nights locked away in his studio making beats," says the younger Gibson, who has released two mixtapes under the alias "Junior."

Music became Gibson's catharsis.

"Growing up as the man of my house helping my mom raise my younger brother, I have a deeper story to tell than what meets the eye," he says. "I might make a song or two where I just have fun on the track, then switch it up and drop a song that really helps you to understand what it's like to be in my shoes." 

What sets Gibson apart from many other up and coming rappers is a distinct drive for success. He has a fire about him that others can feel. He knows how to connect with his audience and how to network with fellow artists. He understands that music is more than just saying words over a beat, but a delicate craft that must be molded into something special.

I, for one, am honored to be a fan of my friend.

Download Saafir Gibson's mixtapes here and watch his latest video, "Teen Spirit," above. (Note: the video may contain profanity.)