STRIVIN'

Earlier this month, Yarah Bravo broke the news of her One Self partner and husband DJ Vadim being diagnosed with cancer. Vadim – one of Russia’s top producers, who now resides in NYC- is known for his work with the likes of Vakill and Slug of Atmosphere.

However, another European producer met with a similar fate last year. London’s Sean McCaffrey AKA Quincey Tones, who’s worked with the likes of Lil Wayne, Little Brother, Royce da 5’9″, Apathy and Talib Kweli was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor in his chest that left him battling for his life.

It is his love for Hip-Hop that has kept him alive. Knowing that time may be short and this could be his only chance, Quincey set to work on producing his own album.

On hearing the news of Vadim, Quincey was put in contact with the Russian producer so he could offer him encouragement. Although Quincey wasn’t ready to make his own personal condition public, his manager, Rish Lovic said if he thinks his words can help Vadim, then they should help as many people as possible.

Quincey agreed: “Hip-Hop genuinely saved my life, wanting to make this album gave me something to fight for. That’s why I’m going to do everything I can to help keep Hip Hop alive. Anything I can do to help anyone, I’m down”.

On Vadim’s condition, and anyone else that might be in a similar predicament, Quincey said, “The thing that kept me alive is having something to fight for and having a positive outlook. You’ve got to find something that you love Quincey Tonesfrom the bottom of your heart, focus on it and know that you can’t let it down, whether that’s your child, your significant other, your community, or in my case my family, friends and Hip Hop. Look into Yarah’s eyes and you’ll know you can’t give up. Then no matter how bad it gets, you’ve got to stay positive and know you can beat it”.

Quincey Tones has already started to do his ‘bit’ to fight cancer. Despite still being in remission, he completed this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research. He also explains how this encounter encouraged his future project. “My album was inspired by my illness, and the concept deals with the condition. When it’s completed, hopefully I can find a label that will be willing to donate some of the proceeds to Cancer Research,” Quincey explained. “It’s a horrible disease that put my family and myself through so much pain. I want to do anything I can to help us get closer to beating it once and for all”.

After having listened to so many of Vadim’s beats and even contributing to the same projects, Quincey has formed somewhat of an attachment to the producer and would like to dedicate this beat “Don’t Go Away – An Ode To Vadim” and wish him a full and speedy recovery. “Anyone that knows Vadim is welcome to record on this, as well as any MCs who have an ill loved one. Everybody else, please say a prayer”.

“Don’t Go Away – An Ode To Vadim” [download]

Quincey Tones