Two Young Lives STOLEN From Their Families, Their Communities, The World! We Will Miss You!
As many of you know, I recently attended the funeral of Robert Alexander! He was celebrating his 33rd birthday with some friends, and was brutally injured in an altercation at the club. Robert unfortunately died from his injuries, leaving his family, his business, his friends, and his community devastated! He was a young, successful, peace-loving, ambitious individual who will be forever missed for his determination, wisdom and friendship!
Well a few hours ago, I was given the shocking news that Robert’s best friend, brother, and 2nd half of the rap group UnDisputed, Anthony Alls was also brutally murdered; reportedly gunned down while leaving the barbershop! Full details and motive of Anthony’s death is at this time unknown; of course speculations abound; but I don’t want to go into that at this time! I just want to remember two good brothers, who were taken from us much too early!
I first met the group, UnDisputed, while working with Nu-House Records. Everyone knew the group members as King Baloo (Robert) and Nomad (Anthony)! Both of these brothers were already popular in their neighborhood and very much loved. At the time, I knew they would be successful in whatever they did, be it with Nu-House, or whatever else they wanted to do! My first assignment with UnDisputed was to give them a portfolio of pictures to choose from for their promo packages. I met them at my makeshift studio on the west side of Detroit. I didn’t really know what to expect, or even know what we would be able to accomplish since they were one of the first rap groups I had worked with as a photography! But believe me, these brothers had it together! They knew what they were looking to do, how they wanted to do it, what image they wanted to portray and they just took over the photo shoot! It made my job that much easier, and we had a great time, making a great portfolio and eventually designing their first album and single covers.
After some years of trying to make it big in the music business, the original artists of Nu-House eventually disbanded and unfortunately most of us lost contact over the past 3 to 5 years. But of course at some point or another we would run into one another. I was blessed with the chance to run into UnDisputed while hanging out at a club in Detroit! They were having a great time, I noticed Robert, and when I saw Anthony, I immediately knew we had a Nu-House reunion going on! After walking out of the club, promising to see each other soon, I just knew I would see them again. Unfortunately, that next time was at Robert’s funeral! After the funeral, I shook hands with Anthony, gave him a hug, and told him that everything would be alright, and we just had to remember the good times! He told me that he appreciated that, and that he wished that we didn’t have to reunite the Nu-House family because of tragedy. Well, once again, due to tragedy, our Nu-House family will be reuniting again to mourn the loss, but celebrate the life of anther fallen friend. It hurts my heart to see good people senselessly lose their lives. Especially when it doesn’t have to end this way. I don’t know why people no longer have respect for life out here in these streets, but I do know that we all need to reach out to our GOD. No matter what God you praise, be it Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, whoever, just get your faith up and start living it! This life is not waiting on anyone. We all have to get it together now, because tomorrow is never promised. Tell those around you, and not around you that you love them. Hug everybody, make them know you care, and never miss a chance to spend time with those you care about. Because the next you see them, or they see you, may not be the way you want! Well, once again, RIP to my friends, UnDisputed, you will forever be in my heart and my memories! See you on the other side! HOLLA!
Robert Alexander & Anthony Alls (UnDisputed)
