She Work

The road to becoming a responsible, productive, amazing, and inspiring father may be a scenic route to some, but for others, it’s not always a pretty one. This is the story of an abused child of a single mother, growing up in a world of hurt, pain, and strife. Yes, it’s my story; I’ve endured things no child should ever have to experience. Although my measly means echoed nothing less than being impoverished and the crime-riddled backdrop of my story isn’t a glorious one, I can yet say, by sheer will and determination, along with a dose of mercy and grace, I’ve become a symbol of victory!

Most people have various things they had to overcome during the course of their lives. Some dealt with harsh realities and others not so much. But what is considered hell to some could also be straight-up heaven to others. Each individual has their God-given right to express or tell their story in whatever way they choose. One way for me to express my story is through the platform of music.

The genesis of my childhood was definitely not heaven. My mother worked whatever odd jobs she could find to provide for my brother and me. She worked long hours, and to deal with the pressures of life and disappointments, she self-medicated with pain pills and alcohol. A mother, by nature, fiercely protects her child or children. In my case, my mother constantly beat me. Again, it wasn’t a pleasant home life. Although she beat my brother as well, I seemed to have become the object of her venting. Her anger towards others, including my father, or whatever boyfriend she was dating at the time, was taken out on me, an innocent child whose only mistake was being available to be on the receiving end of her brutality.

If she was having a bad day, I was in danger of being physically abused…AGAIN! It started with belts, then hangers, phone cords, and fists. The beatings became more intense as I got older. I tried to mentally rationalize the abuse I suffered at the hands of my mother by convincing myself that all kids get whippings from their parents. “That’s just what parents do!” From an early age, I thought my name was “Motherfucker”! Why? Because that’s what I was referred to so many times, that’s who I thought I was.

My brother, I thought, was one lucky guy. One day his dad came and got custody of him. You can say it was lucky for him, but bad for me. Now I had no one to share the beatings with. So naturally, I was punished more and severely. My living environment was so unstable that I was shuttled from home to home nine different times. Then one day, my dad, whom I hardly knew, came to my rescue and I ended up moving in with him.

Finally, I had the father I always wanted and needed. My father had fought in the Vietnam War, and it had definitely taken a toll on him mentally. I soon was discovering more about my dad; he was a substance abuser, too! To my dismay, my hopes and dreams of having a stable home and great father in my life were short-lived. And even though it was rough, I respect my mother for raising my brother and me. She tried to do her best with what she had and knew.

The Bible tells us to honor our mother and father, and I lived by that. I had to learn how to come to terms with the blows life dealt me, and I used those experiences to break the cycle of abuse and raise some amazing children of my own. They have been trained to be their best. They have never been abused. They have been taught values, great social skills, and most importantly, how to love and treat others. From the ashes of the personal hell of my youth, I was able to rise up above my circumstances and become a great musician, producer, and successful businessman.

Yes, this is my story and a story that is relatable to many others. Single mothers are the backbone of the family structure and our communities. I salute all single mothers who used their power within to overcome the impossible!

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW1JWWxe-dY&feature=youtu.be” thumbnail=”https://img.youtube.com/vi/zW1JWWxe/0.jpg” title=”ROC O STAR – SHE WORK (OFFICIAL 2020 VIDEO ) Re-Release” description=”New Single From Alternative Rock Artist Roc O Star RE – RELEASE ” upload_date=”2017-12-29″ duration=”3M47S” /]

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About the Author | M. B.

Beyond the superficial, and yet often unadorned musical offerings that are so associated with emerging artists of today, Roc O Star offers something different. Roc O Star is the synergistic result of talent meeting rock music and a realistic story. He is a true testament of coming from nothing, with nothing, armed with nothing except a love for music, and determination. This was enough to aid him in overcoming many of the traps of his dilapidated surroundings and chaotic ills of the streets. He now directs all of his energies into being the best version of himself that he can be.

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33 comments to "She Work"

  • Barbara...

    Inspiring video

  • Reginald Raphael

    Without Test there’s no Testimony. This was amazing!

  • Meli

    Wow, truly amazing and inspiring.

  • Michael

    Very powerful story and video. Thanks for sharing your personal life and happy to see that you turned a negative into positive for you and your family.

  • ELisa

    You’re an amazing person and my family is so blessed to know you. You are so talented and truly are an inspiration to all!

  • Bo Da Truth

    I Dig what u doing over there champ. Dope video keep that ish coming..

  • Nia

    This is amazing Dad ! You’re amazing !

  • Deanne

    Thank you for sharing your story and your talent, Mel! You’re inspiring and such an awesome Father. I wish you continued success and blessings!

  • Dawn

    Much Love cuz 😘

  • R

    ….waiting on the screenplay and soundtrack
    You continue the progression and to stay awesome.

  • J

    Inspiring story…and one that so many people can relate to. Props to creating your own (more positive) path for your kids!

  • JS

    Creative and real . .. Your song is heartfelt and thought provoking . Your lyrics touches the soul .. but more importantly you rose from it all .. and became that man that you are !

  • Steph

    Such a great song and amazing story.

  • Carol, Michael and Alexander

    What an amazing victory!!! You inspire me to be a better mom. Thank you for sharing your story. I love your music and the message it shares with us.

  • Michael Brown

    Wooow Mel I am like a brother to you in our adult lives and you to me and our boys mason and Coco are like cousins …. and even still I did not know the depths of how much you were abused …. for you to be where you are from where you came can only be God and your unbelievable resolve and determination… Mel I love you brother and Coco is blessed to have you as his father …

  • Manny

    It shows how being determined to fight against all odds can lead to success. Keep working Mel! Very proud of you

  • Randy

    Power Story, With A Powerful Message.
    Often The Most Amazing Thing’s Can Come From Adversity. Grow through it, Like The Rose That Grew From Concrete~
    Well Done!

  • UNCLE

    NEPHEW………………BRING IT………….NEVER STOP…….TELL THE STORY

  • Jasmine

    As a single mom I can really relate to your story. This is a very touching story I can relate to your story on so many levels. The world is such a huge place to get lost in that it is awesome to see when a person over comes their personal issues and decides to break the vicious cycle and make a change to better themselves as well as the people in their circle. Keep up the good work!!

    -Jasz

  • C C

    Amazing story , thank for sharing.

  • Devyn Johnson

    Great work. So very humbled by the story!!

  • Christopher Roker

    Love it!!!!

  • Dave H

    Powerful message. Great work

  • Coach Troy

    U r very right bro, this is the story of many. And yet each and every time it’s still hard to read. Being able to relate to this story is probably one of the reasons we connect. I understand you and your drive! God is good. Your family, just as we all are, is blessed to have you. You are definitely an inspiration and motivation to me! And I thank you for sharing your story and your life with us. Means a lot bro. See you soon!

  • Nikki Reynolds

    Awesome I Love This Story And The Fact That It’s True.Keep Up The Awesome Job You Do.

  • Chuck

    Great song with a powerful message. It’s a hit!

  • Marco

    Put tears in my eyes , amazing story .

  • Kenny A

    I was in tears bro -Dope video

  • Marisol

    Thank you for sharing your story and your talent Mel. Very powerful story and message.
    “The True beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we the musicians are the messengers”. -Roy Ayers

  • Laura

    Great video! The many challenges single mothers go through is one thing, but the children also experience the other side of the results. Thanks for putting it into prospective.

  • LALA

    VERY NICE LOVE THE MESSAGE!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯

  • Kemi

    Thank you for sharing and really powerful and you’re amazing father.

  • Arman

    I got to know M.B better today as he shared his life experiences… it was great to see his depth & warmth.. Tough looking, but a passionate guy.. I enjoyed your music, it’s got a great vibe. Keep giving out that energy.👊