2025 (3/6)

I got to meet Peter Greene through Jay, & he couldn’t have been more humble or friendly with me. Soft-spoken energy, but you could feel the intensity underneath. At the time he was developing a movie idea with Jay, & when he talked about it you could see the focus in his eyes. Very passionate guy, the kind of creative presence that fills a room without needing to raise their voice. It hit me in a nostalgic way too, because he was the villain in The Mask, a movie I saw with my mom growing up. One of those simple childhood memories that sticks forever. Rest in Peace Peter. It truly was an honor meeting you in your final weeks. Brilliant man, brilliant actor, & a memorable encounter I’ll always carry.

As you scroll down you’ll see a photo of Lilo from A Bronx Tale holding up the Illest shirt, which honestly sums up the organic nature of this whole brand. Friends, supporters, creatives crossing paths naturally. Nothing forced, nothing manufactured. That authenticity is something I’m proud of, & it’s a big part of why the brand has had real longevity. I’ve always just been myself. A natural-born art hustler, but not in any negative sense. More like someone committed enough to talent & vision to take the harder road instead of the easier one.

Truthfully, choosing the difficult path often plants the seeds for staying power. It builds roots, story, character. That’s the kind of foundation that gives something a shot at still being around 50, even 100 years from now. Legacy doesn’t usually come from shortcuts. It comes from consistency, belief, & putting in the reps even when nobody’s watching.