MY STORY (ARTIST BIO)

“To Proxy, to literally speak through me” is the all-in-all of what Proxy represents. Born famous warrior or Lewis Brown, Jr. in 1979 to two musically inclined and God fearing parents, Proxy’s future was just beginning. He would remain in his city of birth: Denver, Colorado and expand his wings in southern California. Returning “home” after many trials, failures, regrets, and very necessary life experiences, Proxy’s life aimed and took direction at purpose. During his prodigal son experience he held tight to the few things that were branded on his heart when he was a child. The first, that God would never leave or forsake him and the second, music.

Through musical influences like The Winans, the Clark Sisters, Darrell Coley, and the many other gospel artists who’s songs rang through his home and in his soul, Proxy’s spirit was fed. He would never forget what being satisfied felt like. Before he knew a break beat, Lewis knew gospel. But the day his mother returned home with a Steven Wiley tape would mark destiny. SFC, Freedom of Soul, the Dynamic Twins, the Tunnel Rats, D-Boy, IDOL King, GRITS, and many others soon became his voice. While countless youth found their identity in the streets, Lewis memorized lyrics. He wrote and re-wrote lyrics, learned to beat box, joined a break dance crew and forged his roots in Holy Hip Hop. No reckless life stint would erase this. His lowest point would prove to be the most important opportunity, but prior to getting there Proxy picked up tools.

The many poisons he ingested that were sure to end his life or kill his potential resulted in strength, passion, understanding, and an undeniable need for God. Because of them he can now connect. Life experiences taught him much about the struggle involved with being a slave to something or someone and the desperation in wanting freedom. While he fell – he grew. He soon hit a place of acknowledgment and his energy was then aimed at the past. But when black history and sociology left questions unanswered, he went back to where he started from: the Bible. As his thirst for God deepened, his passion was reborn and joined with a new sound. The result was Prolife or progressive living, a goal focused – continual pursuit of the One that will never change, forsake or fail anyone.

While this process ensued, the sound that defined his struggle took on a whole new meaning. Hip hop became a medium and Proxy vowed to use it. “I’ll never forget who I was. I thank God for that, but I am so focused on who I can be, Christ-like, it overshadows everything else. My music breathes that.” His ultimate goal: to grab a hand in the dark and point them to the Light. Proxy aims to reach his contemporaries through true lyrics; true to the struggle, true to the need and true to The Answer, Jesus Christ. With conversational and story telling verses, Proxy shapes scenarios, fiction and non, over the most unique sounds resulting in his message. “Be aggressive if your life’s progressive! Let God use you to tell your story and change someone’s future for the better. That’s being a proxy and anyone can do that.” A conduit, tool, ambassador, and echo are Proxy and he will be heard.

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THE MISSION (PROXIMUS ALBUM BIO)

Few words describe the album Proximus better than “the experience”; it is nothing short of just that. What makes this project so unique is that music and lyrics were priority number two; action was priority number one. The Proximus experience began in 2006 with focused – daily service to a specific people group: the young and incarcerated. The result of this service was UNDERSTANDING. I, Proxy, began to identify with young – locked down people as a supporter, not an artist. I began to see the world through their eyes, not mine. I listened and watched. Through continued service, my perspective grew and songs began to take shape. As each song was created, solutions came to heart. Meaning I wrote songs that I planned to re-enforce with sustained action.

During the writing process, I began an intense study of the book of Acts, which details the experiences of young, and in many cases, incarcerated young people as well. Although they were confined for different reasons, this study, along with service, seamlessly resulted in Proximus (tracks 1 through 15). This is extremely important because it implies three key things. First, that each song is truly relatable and transferable, because it’s not written from a single person’s perspective. Second, this album has the potential to shine a light in a dark place for those who have never seen the world from this vantage point. It also brings a new perspective to those who live it everyday. Third, all of the creativity is supported by a real – lasting plan of service, which has and will continue to directly involve me. I am putting walk to my talk. For these reasons Proximus is not being called just an album, but an innovation. And it is the first of many from the new and surprising Group Vigilant.

I hope you take off at track number one and don’t come down until number fifteen. From So Many Reasons, to Make It Pop, I enjoyed every minute of innovation. So without further ado, welcome to the Proximus experience… buckle up!