Allow me to take a moment to celebrate the man who has helped me along in my career more than any other person in my life; that man is Stan “Substantial“ Robinson, and today, he celebrates another successful circuit around the sun.
Before we became lifelong friends, he and I would pass each other in the halls of Suitland High School, Maryland’s premiere visual and performing arts hub. We were both in the Art Department – I was a mere freshman, and he was already a senior there, and his name was well known even back then. I knew him most from his freestyle ability, and would catch him battling other students in the hallways of the school. You’d think a person like that would have an inflated ego and think himself above everyone else, but that’s not how Stan carried himself. Even as a freshman, he always acknowledged me in passing, and that gave me a confidence that I needed back then. I grew up thinking all seniors were bullies, at least based on the shows I saw, and he quickly dispelled that for me. The impression he made on me in one year stayed with me, even when we reconnected in New York City and became great friends.

From our first musical collaboration in 2005 up until now, he has remained a constant example of consistency and dedication, not just in music, but in all areas of life, so it is only fitting that I take the time to recognize the person that means more to me than he will probably ever know.

Cheers to you, Big Bro, I love you, and celebrate another year of what is sure to be nothing short of amazing! 💝

Purchase tickets for Substantial’s 2nd Annual Think Different Tribute Jam 2026, celebrating 25 years of his debut album To This Union A Sun Was Born and the legacies of producers Nujabes and Monorisick/DJ Deckstream, featuring his band, The Sun’s Hues.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW:

VISIT SUBSTANTIAL’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
https://iamsubstantial.com

SUBSTANTIAL MUSIC ON BANDCAMP:
https://substantial.bandcamp.com