Today we’d like to introduce you to Abraham Brown.
Hi Abraham, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, there are a few places we can start. I began doing music around 1996. I started off as a music producer, hanging around a lot of rappers who were older than me at the time. All I wanted to do was follow in the footsteps of my cousin — him and his friends were the rappers, and with me being three years younger, I really looked up to them.
Eventually, my friend and I started rapping, and over the years, I often played the background role. I’ve always been a leader, so it was easy for me to branch out and do my own thing. I linked up with another friend, and together we started a record label called Twizted Heat in 2004. It was a group of friends putting out music, doing shows, and chasing the dream.
Eventually, that chapter came to an end, and I began focusing on my solo work — still creating music, singing, rapping, and helping others in the process. Over the years, I’ve opened and operated three different studios.
My newest venture, though, has been with my wife. Together, we opened a firearm accessory store at 7928 Troost, called R&A Accessories. I got into the firearm business by helping a friend who was already in it. I became intrigued, started learning more, and along the way, I fell in love with it. As I grew in the business, my wife joined me on the journey, and we’ve been building it together ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
So far, it’s been up and down as far as business goes. Of course, it started off very well, but everyone knows that in retail, you have slow seasons. With me becoming fully self-employed, it definitely can be a struggle because this is my main source of income. What people don’t tell you is that when you work for yourself, you actually work more—and you work harder. My wife is very encouraging and always keeps my head above water, because there are many times when I think about going back to corporate America.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m mostly known for helping others—especially when it comes to music. I love working with creatives, particularly the underdogs. There are so many things I want to do, but the ideas I have in my head take a lot of money to bring to life.
I try to put on small shows as often as possible, but the challenge is that I usually do them for myself. The money never really matters when it should—because I should be treating it as a business. Still, I just love giving opportunities. Helping others is my passion, though it can also be a curse, because people will take advantage of that. And honestly, I’ve been used quite a few times.
I’m the kind of person who’s going to tell you the truth—I don’t sugarcoat anything. I think that’s what people love about me. I might come off a bit aggressive with the things I say, but not everyone likes a “yes-man.” People appreciate honesty and the fact that, in a way, they can get a little free therapy from me—lol.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that the city is growing, and even though some people may not see the progress, I definitely do. Personally, I think the Chiefs—or should I say Patrick Mahomes—have brought a lot of money and attention to the city. We’re becoming a place people actually want to visit.
Every city has its issues, especially with crime, but I believe if we can get control of our youth, we can get control of the city. I’ve lived in a few different places, but I was born and raised right here in Kansas City. This is home, and I love it to death.
I do think we need more of a nightlife, though.
