Ashburn rapper sharing his success with others

Carlton Fletcher, The Albany Herald, Ga.
·3 min read

Jul. 31—ASHBURN — American hip-hop artist and songwriter Jakevion Brown, aka StickBaby Juan, recently donated $100,000 to a village in Nigeria.

Brown is from Ashburn.

"My decision to donate is triggered by my childhood background and desire to see others live happily," Brown said. "Growing up with a single mother gave me the sense of what it's like not to be enjoying the same standard of living with others, and that's why I promised myself to put a smile on people's faces whenever I could. To me, money means nothing, especially when it comes to seeing others smile and live happily. Blessing people makes me genuinely happy, so that's why I decided to donate the $100,000 to them."

Brown grew up in the housing projects on the west side of this small community some 30 miles from Albany with two siblings and his single mom. He said he uses his success to tell the kids in similar situations they can aim high and achieve success.

"Everybody has a different story. Mine was just written differently, that's all," Brown said. "Despite my upbringing, I always had the need and the want to what was right. To me, that (the donation) was right, so I did it."

Brown recently returned home to to share the message that success is within everyone's grasp..

"I was there (in Ashburn) about two weeks ago," StickBaby Juan said. "I spoke to the little kids around the rough neighborhood where I'm from. I took everybody to the store and bought everybody whatever they wanted. It takes a village to raise a kid. It starts with the community. If we clean up the community, we clean up just about everything.

"This reminds me of the impact my music has on others. I really appreciate everyone who supports me, including these kids from across the globe. This is a reminder to the kids that you can do it; I am just like you. I had dreams which I'm seeing come to life, and I still get shocked every time something new comes up, a new opportunity or a new display of support from people who listen to my music and enjoy it. This makes me want to get up and go write songs; this is what it's all about. This brought a smile to my face, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You enjoy my music, but I am your fan. I am your support, and I wish nothing than for kids like you to keep going and pushing for whatever it is you want. Dreams do come true."

Since leaving south Georgia to find fame as a performer, Brown said his hometown has made changes.

"As in a good change," he said.

Among the accolades piling up for Brown as he pursues his musical career, Vents Magazine recently wrote, "There is nothing that StickBaby Juan cannot achieve. The young artist is grabbing the attention for his melodic hooks, an artist who has created so much buzz in the industry for his memorable rap style and sound that has already generated a net worth of $2.4 million from his music and brand endorsements. StickBaby Juan derives inspiration from artists such as Tupac Shakur due to the original content in his works. He uses his wit and knowledge to create intelligent and real lyrics for his audience."