Tony Wilson may just be the definition of a modern day renaissance man. Not only is the musician and rapper an outspoken advocate in the world of mental health awareness, but he’s also a father and husband who has a children’s project called Gelly’s Playground (under the moniker of G&B Family). Inspired by his six years of experience as a social studies teacher in New Orleans schools, Wilson noticed children did not have strong conflict resolution or community building skills. So he and his wife Guenevere teamed up on Gelly’s Playground, with the aim to teach social and emotional skills to children and parents in the realm of using I-statements, conflict resolution, community building and stress management.
The music video for the kid-centric project speaks to Tony Wilson’s experience in meditation and stress management. It’s an animated skit that shows happy families in the area enjoying time and space with one another.
However, the work Tony produces solo, under the name of IAMTONYWILSON, is more personal. He has released another video, with the same animation flair of his work in Gelly’s Playground, but delving more into his past.
Wilson cites Black Thought, Joe, John Mayer, and Tupac as his main influences. He began rapping in college . “I would zone out during my classes and I would write raps instead of paying attention to the lessons. I began taking it seriously in 2012 when I self published a book of poetry and immersed myself in the New Orleans spoken word scene. I did spoken word solely for about a year and a half, but quickly realized I was a better rapper than a poet,” he says.
While many artists stick to the New Orleans scene, Wilson branched out overseas, pursuing music in London and Paris. “[I] initially went to London because I was not getting the exposure I was hoping for and wanted to broaden my horizons. I got myself booked at a showcase in London and Paris and went on a ten day mini tour with the intentions of connecting with other artists, collectives and organizations. I linked in with a nonprofit that allowed me to record at their facilities with their in-house producers, I also taught performance master classes through this organization. Outside of that I linked with tons of artists who got me plugged into other shows.”
Wilson would go back and forth every several months for recording, performances, and master classes. “I linked with a very talented producer and educator named Hector Miles and we completed a dope project called Wilson Miles – The Golden Handshake. We were able to have spot dates in London, Amsterdam and we sold out the famous First Avenue in Minneapolis. London did so much for me as it gave me life long collaborators like Lalya Pars (who he worked with on his latest video) who I adore so much, and to be able to experience a new culture really helped the creative juices. London taught me to always be steps ahead of the game, for example, Drill music was popping in 2014 in London, now in 2021 US rappers are doing Drill music using London producers. It was a truly amazing experience and I believe that there’s still more to come for me in London.”
The track “Face These Demons” was inspired by the rapper’s 2019 experience of being diagnosed with PTSD, a result of childhood trauma. As an adult, Wilson struggled with drug and alcohol abuse as a result of his past.
“Once I began going to therapy I realized the deep issues that Black men face in America that lead to violence, drug abuse and so much more. In July of 2020 I began a virtual men’s support group called Rize of the Kings, where we had over 30 adult Black men sign up and we work on trauma, relationships, social and emotional development and coping mechanisms overall,” he explains.
When asked up the recent passing of rapper DMX, who struggled with his own mental illness in a seemingly unsupportive music industry, Wilson states: “[S]ome of my friends wrote to me and noted the interesting connection between me releasing this song and DMX, who has had a long battle with these issues, falling fatally to them. All I can say to his situation is you have a few dynamics at play, a circle of people who want what’s best for you, combined with an industry that promotes substance abuse amongst Black men. I believe he had support but he also had enablers. Now bringing that to society as a whole, Black men are made to feel that they must be tough and ENDURE their problems, its almost as if we begin to believe we deserve these curses. It is my goal to change the stigma, to change the narrative that we can be healthy, and that we deserve it! It does not make us weak even though society may tell us that health and wellness doesn’t exist for us or isn’t attainable.”
According to statistics reported from the Boris Henson Foundation (founded by actress Taraji Henson, whose own father grappled with mental illness), one in five Americans suffer from mental illness. African-Americans are the least likely population to seek treatment. The organization states: “We were taught to hold our problems close to the vest out of fear of being labeled and further demonized as inapt, weak, and/or inadequate. African-Americans also have a history of being misdiagnosed, so there is mistrust associated with therapy.”
Family liaison Tatum Carter, MA of Eating Recovery Center in Dallas spoke to OffBeat about the mental wellness Tony Wilson so passionately advocates for.
“Current times are showcasing a shift in mental wellness. Awareness and needs are changing in all communities and particularly in communities of color. The pandemic has opened the door while politics, systemic racism and social movements have pushed many beyond their capacity. My advice to someone seeking help for the first time would be [that] there is nothing wrong with going to the doctor when you have a sore throat and there is absolutely nothing wrong with going when you have a sore spirit. It is very important to treat your mental, emotional and psychological wellbeing just like you do the rest of your body. Get mental wellness checkups regularly, see a professional when something “feels off” and share with your circle that you are doing it and why you are doing. No one is successful alone, it takes a circle of supporters to flourish. Find a provider that you vibe with to ensure that your circle of supporters is connected to the beat of your heart, and that may not be the first one you meet, because we are not all the same.”
She adds, “It is time to take away the stigma, teach and show one another and find support within your circle and beyond instead of just masking it.”
For more information on mental health resources in the community, visit the National Alliance for Mental Health, New Orleans page here.
Stream Tony Wilson on Apple Music here.
