WACO, TX — The creative mind behind some of music's biggest stars sat down with 25 News to talk about life, music and growing up in Waco.
Symbolyc One is best known as Larry Griffin, Jr. to his classmates.
"Waco, Texas, was the foundation, and I think that played a part. I was blessed to grow up in a two-parent household and had a wonderful childhood. Just the things my parents instilled in me helped in my journey," said S1.
S1 discovered hip-hop and a group of like-minded musicians at McLennan Community College.
"We were encouraging each other. We were pushing each other, kind of pushing the envelope in the city," he said.
Their group, "Third Eye Militia" performed on the legendary Texas Music Cafe stage.
"It's a feeling that you get. I like to say the speakers never lie. Once you press play, it's frequencies that resonate with your body, mind and soul that makes you feel a certain way," said S1.
He didn't sprint to stardom. His path was paved with hard work, perseverance and the support of a loving family.
"I always say failures lead you to where you need to be," he said.
Many times the producer pushed through the set backs to find success.
"Beyonce flying me out to New York to work with her. Her telling me that I don't need any more songs. I already have 75 songs for my album. In that moment, me doubting myself. How am I going to beat 75 songs? But throughout that process, I wind up on the album but producing her second single "Best Thing I Never Had,"" he said.
S1 won two Grammy Awards and was just nominated again the category of "Best Gospel Album" for his work with Kirk Franklin. He is the creative mind behind collaborations with Kayne West, Gladys Knight, Madonna, Eminem, Drake and many more. "Hip Hop means everything. I always ask, "What would I be doing if hip hop didn't exist?" That's a question that tells me how important it is to me to this day. It's served as a kind of therapy. I like to call it a heaven away from home, a spot I can go to to have my peace. Whether I'm creating it or listening to it, there's a certain peace to it," said S1.
His motto: Pray, Focus, Plan Execute. It's the title for his new memoir coming out in January of 2020.
"My purpose was always to encourage, motivate and inspire others," he said.
S1's new book is now available. Click here to purchase.
