About a week ago my dear friend asked me to write a testimonial. I procrastinated and prolonged the writing, not because he’s unworthy of my immediate attention and not because I didn’t have the time but because I knew it would be the easiest piece of literature I’d ever write.

I met Stephen “Eagle E” Ellis exactly twenty seven years ago, at that time we were on two separate missions: I was developing an artist who is now respected as a soul diva in the eyes of many and he was already working with a legend (those names will remain anonymous). The impression that I walked away with still remains with me to this day. I saw a young man who was daring enough to approach a superstar because he believed that he had something valuable to bring to the tables, a man who was not afraid of a great challenge. About a week later I was in the next room when played his proposed song now with vocals and I remember thinking ‘this guy is a professional producer and an excellent songwriter.’ Eventually I moved back to America, met my wife and focused on raising a family.

It would be approximately twenty years before our paths crossed again vicariously through a mutual friend named JR. I reached out to Stephen one morning and asked if he remembered me; to which he replied, yes I do. I told him that I always admired him and was happy to see that he was still doing things at a high level. I also shared that ‘I wanted to work with him back then but I wasn’t ready.’ That’s when Stephen invited me to London to work on the, That Ain’t Right Video for Ayi Jihu featuring Movemakers. It was so much fun. A few month later he invited me to Brazil to work on another project and I think it was then that he began to truly believe in me.

Today, I know Stephen very well and I can say honestly that, not only do I admire his works but I love him earnestly. If you’re trying to get over he’s not the guy you want to meet but if you’re trying to bring something to the table he will prepare a feast. Stephen has a heart of gold, he’s a warrior but he’s also a comforter. He’s strong for you when he sees that you need support and he’ll breathe life into your dreams when they need CPR if you are real.

The following statement is something most people will never see manifested and that is this, though he may appear to be Superman, he’s only human and capable of shedding a tear. He experiences highs and lows burdened with trials and tribulations just like you and I.

I’m proud to know that he comes to me first when he needs help, it tells me that he knows that I’m there for him and I know that he’s there for me.