To: Young Gabe, From: Lou

What it is, lil homie?

I hope you doing well,

I been with & within you thru this journey

if you couldn't tell

after God,

I had picked you up

them times you fell,

& I’m the gangsta in you

planting dreams,

but I don’t sell

I’m knowing how you feeling

and I know just what you been through,

folk

ain’t gon always keep it real as you,

... I thought you been knew

it sucks you had to learn

through all the hardship

that you been through,

& ignorance sent you things

you had no business

getting into

I’m knowing what you’re into

and I pray that you ain’t misuse

your talents, passions,

& the trials

this life would mold YOU into

ever since a youngin’,

you been dealt a wild hand,

might’ve took you a bit long

to catch on [but]

I understand

I’m saying tho,

the way you play your hand

makes you a man,

& though you from bottom,

trust,

I KNOW that you ain’t staying

you got a masterplan,

with diligence, just follow through,

grind to get that crib for moms

& Forgis on your coupe

Ima keep this short, lil bro,

I’m thankful that you’re here,

you could’ve gave up many times

‘cause this journey wasn’t clear

you could’ve turned back &

had your future kiss your rear,

& just so you know,

ain’t nothing soft

bout shedding couple tears

“Friends” that do not benefit you,

leave em in the dust,

& keep it real with others at all times, kid

that’s a must

any competition, make sure that their a**,

you BUST

keep a bad one on standby,

love women,

but don’t fully trust

having kids,

still a possibility,

don’t doubt your luck,

just be the dad you didn’t have

to your kids growing up

as long as you don’t give up, bro

the runway, God’ll make clear,

but for now,

take a seat back homie,

I’ll take it from here.

Love,

LOU.