I sat here a long time ago trying to articulate what I felt the Ape Empire brand is. It finally came to me in a rush. I grew up realizing that the soundtrack to my life was different than most around me. Whether it was the music I listened to, the books I read or who I chose as friends, it was always left of center. I remember all the funny looks as I carved out my own space in the world. It took a while, but I finally embraced my differences and committed to being me. I’ve never been one to follow the masses, blindly swept up in what the world deems cool or acceptable. I choose to be an individual. I choose to blaze my own trail and march to the beat of my own drum. I choose to be me. So be a lion. Be an eagle. Be a gorilla. Be anything, but sheep. So this is for the biker and the skateboarder. That single-minded athlete. Every girl in a band. The corporate type with a full sleeve tattoo under his or her tailored suit. The kid from the inner city who reads Sun Tzu. For those who can hear Hendrix and those who debate the Mt. Rushmore of hip-hop at their neighborhood barbershop. This..is..for..you. And the ape? It was just me being me. I related. A lot of people identify with lions. Some identify with eagles or bulls. That would be too easy. Me? It’s ALWAYS been gorillas.. Ape Empire!