The last time we spoke to author and artist T’no Lucian we had a chance to highlight his entrepreneurial spirit and talk about all of his artistic ventures. Just 17 months later and T’No Lucian is back with a new book and EP. However, this time around he has an entirely new aura and spirit about him.
What is so different about T’no Lucian this time around? Well, we’ll let you be the judge of that….
The last time we spoke was March 2021. What has happened in your life since then?
Wow! A LOT has transpired within the last year. For starters, I discovered that my whole life had been a complete fabrication. Literally, everything that I thought was real just simply wasn’t. I learned that the man who had raised me was not my biological father, and I found out who my real father was. I also released and published my new book, “Tiu-Loo: The Street Law” and it was published by my father, Phil Griggs. The irony of this whole situation is a movie in itself.
You mentioned that you went on a journey that led you to find your biological father. How has that experience changed and affected you?
The experience of finding my real father has affected me greatly, far more positively than negatively though. These particular situations can be a bit delicate, especially if people aren’t living their lives honestly. Finding my father put everything into perspective for me. They way I talk, move, act, sound, all of those things are him. Genetics don’t lie, and I can honestly say that a lot of my intelligence and even my appetite for sweets and junk food definitely come from him. I’ve bonded a whole lot with my father, brothers, and extended family. The unfortunate aspect is that me and the man who raised me are no longer in contact. I don’t take anything away from him. He raised me and I think he did a pretty decent job. However, my life was a lie and that still doesn’t make it right. I wish nothing but health and happiness for him. I went on my journey to find my truth, and I’m never looking back. When I found my father, I truly found myself.
How does it feel to meet your biological father later on in life?
It actually feels great to have met my father later in life. Of course I wonder how things would’ve been if I had been raised by him, but I can only focus on the present and our future memories together. Many of the questions that had plagued me for years have finally been answered. I now overstand why I’m a writer and critical thinker. One of my proudest moments will always be the fact that I had the courage to reach out and seek the truth. So many people are kept in the dark about their true identity by the very ones who are supposed to love and protect them. I have no idea why I wasn’t told the truth early on, but it was definitely my mission to end this brutal and vicious cycle that plagues many individuals in my community! I move, walk, and look just like my biological father, yet my mother told another man that I was his son, which is a bit comical to me. My mother would tell me at times that I should do some “soul searching” and I’ll be damned, for once I took her advice. Consequently, the advice she gave me eventually backfired on her, because all of her secrets and lies were ultimately exposed.
You have a new EP called “Whyte Lezbian.” Would you mind telling us why you chose that title name?
Haha, sure. “Whyte Lezbian” is a play on the words and climate of today’s society. Apparently, we can all wake up and “identify” as anything we want or choose to be. Obviously I’m a black man, but when the cops pull me over, I simply tell them that I identify as white. Also with the feminist movement and many other organizations around the world, I try to stay in my lane and out of the way. I hear women when they say they don’t need a man for anything and that they are independent. So I side with them and tell them not to ask me for any type of help, because I am a white lesbian, hence the title of my new EP.
What can listeners expect to hear on your new EP?
People can expect to hear a mixture of Hip-Hop and Reggae on the new E.P. I love the new songs I’ve recorded and I’m hoping my fans and listeners will as well.
In addition to your new EP, you also have a new book called ‘The Street Law.’ What is it about?
Yes, my new book “Tiu-Loo: The Street Law” Is the sequel to the first one. It chronicles the protagonist as he faces new obstacles after returning to his old stomping grounds in Miami, Florida. He has matured immensely since the first book, having gotten married with a son. However, chaos erupts as he realizes that the people closest to him are plotting to betray him. The reviews have been great so far.
What is next for T’no Lucian?
Next for me is a personal project that I’m working on that will capture the soul and essence of the city where I’m from, Memphis, Tennessee. I’m thinking of doing a couple of collaborations but for now, I’m focused on spending more time with my new found family and father. I’ve already put in the proper documents to change my last name officially to GRIGGS, and I’m looking forward to that. ♦
Listen to T’no Lucian’s new EP and purchase his new book here.
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