FIGHT ME (2025)

This piece is influenced by Muhammad Ali because I am drawn to the way he told the truth out loud without worrying about how it would land. Like him, I love to talk shit in rhythm. Not just to be funny or loud, but to be clear. His words always meant something, and more importantly, he backed them up.

What really connects for me is that he never separated confidence from responsibility. He believed first, then did the work to match it. That idea sits at the center of this piece. Saying something boldly is easy. Standing behind it is the real commitment.

The text comes from that place. People usually assume my passion is art, but the truth is I have always cared just as much about language. Words are how I process things and how I advocate for my people. If I am going to say something with conviction, the work has to earn it. I do not like empty statements. I like proof.

I also do not feel weird saying it out loud. For me, that is not ego. It is just honesty. Ali was the same way. He said what was true and let time catch up.

Visually, this piece goes back to a sketch I made in 2021. It was an idea for a sculpture that never got executed back then. When I started working in this new style, that sketch felt like the right place to start. The structure was already there. I just finally had the language for it.

This work sits somewhere between talking and doing. Between saying it plainly and letting the execution speak.

Poem:

I’ll fight the whole world before I beat myself up.
I move like I’m the greatest cause I always knew I was
So when I knock you out just know I did it out of love.
It’s not my fault I’m dangerous, blame the man from up above

it takes more than knowing that I have this capability.
I train everyday thats why I move with such agility.
There’s only ever been a few that doubted my ability,
And I bet if they fought me in the ring, their friends would bet on me

cause I float like a butterfly
I sting like a bee
and nobody really gets it but Muhammad Ali

there was only one of him and now I only got me
This is a two player sport and it’s me versus me.

I might sound a little cocky until you go and check my stats.
I’m not the one that said it. I am really like that
if you don’t believe me check my comments then come back

You’re in the presence of a legend. Show some respect take off your hat.

I’m good at everything because I really love myself.
I know ill never lose because I really trust myself.
I will always eat because I make the food myself.
And I know just where I’m headed cause I paved the way myself,

God sat me down to prove to me that I could do it.
I had nothing but my gifts and he showed me how to use them.
I got God on my team so I know I’m never losing.
I got faith of a mustard seed them mountains really moving

now just cause I’m preaching. Don’t confuse me for no preacher.
I’ve been plotting on your girlfriend since the first nice to meet you.
I’ve made people learn lessons and ain’t ever been no teacher.
I love me an atheist. I love me a believer

I play how I want because regardless I still win.
And it makes some people mad when you’re not afraid of sin.
My life’s not governed by the rules and words of men.
& God still is here from beginning to the end

the alpha the omega
the first and the last

So if it don’t add up to you
It cause we’re using different math

I went a different way

Because I chose a different path

I don’t fear for the future
Cause I learned from the past

I’ll fight the whole world before I beat myself up.
I know that I’m the greatest cause God told me that I was
and now that you believe me thank the man from up above

You just met God’s gift to earth
I am the chosen one.

It's Bria Gladney nigga.

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