Meet 2wo | Benjamin Bradford

We had the good fortune of connecting with 2wo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi 2wo, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I remember vague memories as a child when my dad and I would wrestle. Yes, it was not much of a match because of the drastic differences in weight class, but I would not give up throughout the suplexes, body slams, and submission holds. The inner determination had me fighting like a WWE Championship belt was on the line. Many of us have dreams or passions placed inside of us. It can be a business, an invention, or an artistic career; everybody has some vision in them. It is on you to pray & seek what that is and jump in the ring! Now here is where the match or journey truly begins *ding ding*. In whatever you are pursuing, please do not be discouraged by your humble beginnings. Giving up should not be an option. Remember that the towering trees we see every day started as an acorn. Many of us give up on the tree of our destiny while it is in acorn form. We must get out of the instant gratification mindset and realize great things take time! Just go for it and stand firm in the ring, especially when you’re on the ropes and the fight gets rough; that’s a clear sign to stay in there and not give up. Things are only getting rough because you are close… closer than you think. God sent you to do something; find out what it is & don’t stop until you obtain it, and when it gets rough, that could indicate that you are close.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My musical talents and my music career have been a gift from God, but that’s not all. What I’m most excited about at this moment are the food and clothing drives I’m being led to do. I’m glad to reach out to those who are lost or in need, whether through music, an outreach ministry, or just being there and having a conversation with someone.

But I wasn’t who I was and where I am now. It was a journey and a long one that I’m still walking. Professionally, I started hustling and was using that to fund my music career. My first shows were in Atlanta, and I was dedicated to rocking each venue. Coming from out of state, I learned that my music would catch on quickly because of the fresh & different sound. The Atlanta shows led to a connection with radio stations, and we talked about label things, but the independent route was the way for me. More shows began to come in different states, and the buzz started to grow, but I was one foot in the streets and one in the music. It took time, but I had to learn that the streets had to go if you wanted to make it and have longevity. Making that decision, things were changing & my dad brought the idea to start a team of musical creatives and build them along the journey. As it is still an ongoing operation (UOU Productions), a lesson from that is it’s better to grow and develop together. As things were growing, God came in and changed my life, and that changed the trajectory of everything. Immediately, a period of serious trouble came against my life (which you can read here http://voyageatl.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-2wo/ ), but It taught me that it gets the roughest when you are the closest to your destiny or who & where God called you to be. So DONT GIVE UP in those moments because the suffering is only for a while compared to the greatness ahead.

Its not a lost if you learned from it, and through it all, I learned more about my calling, how to handle business, and using everything that’s put into me for the Kingdom.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I’m a homebody, especially with the studio in the crib; my girl is the planner on vacations. But if my brudda wanted to visit, we could probably buss down at a Waffle House, maybe find a place to ride ATVs and chill. Definitely, we would have to get a milkshake from Steak & Shake and maybe hit the court. As this is my first year living in GA, there’s still much to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I must shout out to my Lord Jesus Christ. Who truly changed my ways and thinking, saved me physically & spiritually, and put me in a position to talk about it boldly. My next shoutout would be to my family, who planted the right seeds in me & stayed with me when I was stuck in the streets, dropped out of school, and trying to find my way. One of my biggest supporters from the jump would be my future wife. We’ve been together since high school, and what a blessing she is—growing with each other, supporting each other’s careers and walks of life. When I was broke, she was there; when I was broken, she was there, and while God was and still molding me, she been there and I’ll be there for her. Finally, I will have to shout out to my extended family, which is everyone who has been with me through the journey, and a BIG shoutout to the ones who are streaming my music and supporting the movement!

Website: 2wothepoet.com/music

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tooreal2wo/?hl=en

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/tooreal2wo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081632370746

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmtRAkPmgAy3C4btO-PLpQ