KOOLADE CHRONICLES

2Chainz + Larry June + The Alchemist + Bmike

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Rochester, NY, 104 WDKX was the station — the one that played all the jams. When it was freezing outside, the right song could warm you up. When it was scorching, music could cool you down. It’s a universal power, and I’m grateful for it.

My father taught me how to read music in preparation for playing the trumpet when I was five. “Every Good Boy Does Fine” for the lines, “FACE” for the spaces to remember the notes. He played trumpet, and naturally I wanted to follow his path. Learning to count music was one of the things that made me fall in love with math, and that early love of numbers became a foundation that helped carry me to Harvard.

As an entrepreneur, I lean on music constantly — for motivation, inspiration, to disconnect, and to reconnect. Sometimes it’s just about vibing and hyping myself up; other times it’s about storytelling and vulnerability. Music is a companion when I’m feeling alone.

With KOOLADE, music has been a source of courage. There’s something about how vulnerable musicians are — especially on stage — that strengthens me in my own moments of doubt. I felt that for the first time at the first concert I ever went to: a week after my birthday freshman year of college. My homie Brandon got us tickets to see Nas at Avalon, a nightclub in Boston. When he performed One Mic, the energy was electric. I got goosebumps. You could feel the connection between him and the crowd — full, free expression that everyone in the room craved.

I felt that again seeing 2 Chainz at SXSW in 2016. I liked his music before, but seeing his presence live made me a true fan. His confidence was illuminating.

Life Is Beautiful Album Art

My favorite album of 2025 is Life is Beautiful by Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist. It’s refreshing. It’s cool. It fits exactly where I am in life right now. “Life is beautiful” has been my mantra this year. I have to remind myself sometimes, but I’ve been more consistent about recognizing the blessings in my life. I’ve worked hard. Things aren’t perfect, but I’ve stepped back and started appreciating my wins. I’m learning that reflection and celebration are necessary parts of the journey. Presence is where my joy is. Drifting into the past or the future is not the move for me.

So I’m using this album — the song titles and the lyrics — as a framework to write a series of posts about the things that matter most to me.

KOOLADE Chronicles.