I found myself digging through the record collection at the old house on Lyman. This day I discovered a cache of reggae, calypso, and world music vinyl that belonged to my father. Originally from Trinidad & Tobago, he was a traveler, businessman, visionary type who married and had 4 kids, me being the youngest. He passed when I was 5, and I hardly knew him. But then when I played his music, I felt like I got a little bit closer to who he was. To this day, I have those records, and play those records. That’s the basis for this project, ‘MightyCasa’.

The word ‘Mighty’ implies a certain strength and courage, something he had when he came to this foreign land. I believe I share some of those qualities. Mighty also has a certain hold over TnT, and more importantly, the musical histories that have come to define what TnT is about. It is in reference and an ode to those great musicians to refer to myself as ‘Mighty’.

‘Casa’ implies a home, finding a spot to call your own. That’s achieved both literally and figuratively, through the shelter myself and loved ones share, but also the comfort that music provides. ‘Homegrown' has also been my stage name since day 1, so I view it as an evolution through many facets including, musically and emotionally.

Fast forward to a summer night in Chicago, 2013. I had just returned from my first visit to the islands as an adult. Fresh with perspective and a notebook full of names, quotes, thoughts, raps, recipes, and sketches, I knew I had to get to work on a project. That led me to Azarias, naturally. With a similar mixed background, his stemming from Brazil and Italy, and sonic skills unmatched, we set out to make a record. The meet up was in front of the Double Door, after a soul night had let out. I biked up with a messenger bag full of my dads vinyl and made the drop. It felt heavy, because it was. Over the next few months, I’d get emails from him with beats, some works in progress, some that haven’t changed since he sent them. The project itself took nearly 5 years to feel ready to release, so here it is. #mightycasa.