13 Years in L.A. — A Testament to Growth, Grit, and Mental Awareness

Highlife Marketing Ent.- Broke Boys Studio - Frankie Baby Fantastic: Our collective success depends on our ability to support one another.

Thirteen years ago, I packed my dreams and left Trenton, New Jersey, to build something real in Los Angeles, California. No handouts. No shortcuts. Just hustle, heart, and a whole lot of faith. And today, I’m proud to say — I’ve supported myself every step of the way. I’ve used my own money. My own energy. My own vision. And I’m still standing.

But let me be real — I expected more support when I moved out here, especially from my hometown. I really thought folks who knew me would be the first to cheer me on. I was wrong.

Social media is funny. You can post some nonsense, some drama, something messy — and everybody’s tuned in. But post your business, your growth, your wins, your purpose? Crickets. Minimal engagement. And yes, I understand the game: friends are not your target demographic. I know that. But many of those very friends? I’ve supported. I’ve shown up. I’ve given, without hesitation.

I’ve come to learn that when you’re moving in the dirt, when you’re wilding out, you’ll have a whole crowd behind you. But when you start evolving, when you grow up, when you start walking with intention and clarity? It gets lonely. That’s what they mean when they say it’s lonely at the top.

And for a while, I was angry about that. Bitter, even. But I’ve let that go. Because it’s not really anger anymore — it’s clarity. It’s understanding. I’ve come to feel empathy for those who haven’t yet tapped into the mindset of collective support, of elevation. It’s not that they don’t care — it’s that they don’t know. Their mindset hasn’t caught up yet. Their fear, scarcity, and ego are louder than their ability to love and uplift.

I’ve been about community since day one. Since I was 12 years old, part of the Nation of Gods and Earths, I’ve believed in building together, in us being our own industry. That’s why I’ve gone out of my way to support so many of you. If you’re a friend of mine, you already know — I’ve helped you in some way. It wasn’t about keeping score. It was about us.

But not everyone reciprocates. And now, I understand that’s okay.

Because some people won’t get it until 10 years from now. Some of y’all are just now doing what I did a decade ago — and that’s fine. The only thing I ask is: when you do get it, remember this moment. Remember the people you ignored. Remember the ones you silently watched but never supported.

To the folks out in L.A., especially those who were part of Ladies of Entertainment and Distinction — you know who you are. I saw the potential in what we could build together. And again, minimal support. But now, I see that for what it is. It’s a mindset.

Some people don’t want you to win unless they’re right there next to you. Some can’t even hit a share button because deep down, they’re battling thoughts of inadequacy, jealousy, or just pure misunderstanding of the bigger picture. And to that I say: do the work. Get your mental health in check. Start with self-awareness. Because this isn’t a game.

This is a movement. This is We R the Industry. We’ve always been the culture. So when you promote every Netflix show, every mainstream club night, every celebrity gossip reel — ask yourself why you can’t bring that same energy to your people, your friends, your community.

Let me be clear: I don’t want support from haters. I don’t need anyone around me who secretly resents my shine. Keep that energy far away. I want builders. Creators. Healers. Supporters. Even if you’re not where I am yet mentally, be on your journey. Be real about it.

Ask yourself: Why don’t I support the people I claim to care about? Is it jealousy? Is it ego? Is it fear of being left behind?

Because let me tell you — I’ve been that person who looked at someone doing something powerful and thought, Damn, I want to do that. But instead of hating, I supported them. I asked questions. I learned. I gave them their flowers.

And to those of you who’ve been riding with me — publicly, consistently, and without condition — I see you. I thank you. You’re the ones who repost, who buy, who promote me like I’m already “mainstream.” That’s love. That’s tribe. That’s legacy.

So this is my message to the rest: wake up. It’s deeper than likes and comments. It’s about real connection. It’s about mental health. It’s about spiritual growth. And it’s about us, A.D.O.S— American Descendants of Slaves — knowing that our collective success depends on our ability to support one another.

I stand 10 toes down in that truth.

If you’ve been silently watching and wondering what’s next — keep watching. The best is yet to come. And if you’re praying for my downfall?

Well… keep your eyes open. You don’t want to miss this.

—Frankie Baby Fantastic - Ras A'sia - Yolanda Benning

Los Angeles, CA13 Years Strong 💪🏽We R The Industry.

-Our collective success depends on our ability to support one another.

We R the Industry. We’ve always been the culture. A Testament to Growth, Grit, and Mental Awareness