Letter From Raleigh: For Onyx

Editor's Note: In a media ecosystem dominated by unreliable and sketchy algorithms, the best way for us to share quality NC hip-hop journalism with readers is through good old-fashioned email — which is why most of our articles require a (free) email subscription to read. However, some stories don't feel right to put behind a wall, free or not. This is one of them. To help us publish even more in the future, I hope you'll consider signing up anyway.

Jooselord Benefit Show
The Pour House | Raleigh, NC
Feb. 25, 2025

In May of 2020, my wife & I drove our then four year old son to the emergency room at Wake Med hospital. For the next full week our resting place would be an uncomfortable hospital room filled with doubt, anxiety and the fear of being a rather new parent who was just shoved into a wall of “what the f*** is happening?” 

What happened was an unexplained bacterial infection had transformed my son into a shell of his typical, energetic self. As my wife and I traded shifts at the hospital — passing each other like soldiers reporting for duty, briefing each other on the most recent reports — we found ourselves in every parent’s nightmare. No parent wants to see their child hurting.  

Tonight, I went to the Pour House to attend a benefit for the son of my fellow NC hip-hop brother, Jooselord. Joose’s son, Onyx (also 4), was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Again: “What the f*** is happening?”

Sometimes the shittiest situations have a way of bringing out the most beauty. The Pour House was packed, with an eclectic group of loving humans pooled together to rally behind a man who needs some help carrying his load right now. The performances by Lord Fess, BrassiousMonk and Shame Gang all delivered a much needed energy that the crowd was more than willing to reciprocate. Weight was being lifted. Love was in the room. You could feel it.

Eventually, Joose would take the mic himself. He spoke to the crowd and offered his sincere appreciation before going into an impromptu set that allowed him to release a fraction of the stress and uncertainty he must be feeling. Knowing what he’s dealing with made his music feel more poignant than ever. It was urgent. Cathartic. Present.

In our case (my wife and I), our son responded to antibiotics and he was able to come home after a grueling week. I pray with every fiber of my being that Onyx goes into remission, that he is healed, and that Joose and his family can get that sense of relief we were fortunate enough to feel. As I made my exit from the venue, I happened to run into Joose before I left. We stopped, gave each other a hug, and I told him I loved him and I’m praying for him and Onyx.  

Tonight is what I always envisioned for NC hip-hop (and the music scene in general). A community of artists and participants who have each other’s backs. No egos, just support. Imagine what we could do with the talent we have if we all rally behind one another.  

We love you Joose. We love you Onyx. You got this.

And we got you.

To the bands later in the night — Babe Haven, Pie Face Girls & Brutal Jr. — whose presence testified to Joose's profound impact even beyond the hip-hop scene: thank you for your contribution to an amazing night, and sorry I couldn't see your sets.

I had to leave early. I’m old.  

NOTE: A GoFundMe has been organized to help pay for Onyx's radiation treatment. You can find it here — any amount of financial support makes a difference.

Tab One is a member of NC hip-hop group Kooley High. He writes rhymes, snaps photos and can be found beyond the realms of reason. You can also find him at tab-one.bandcamp.com.