Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Roberson.
Xavier, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In the music industry, I go by the name of “Obe Noir” \obee nwar\. After releasing my anticipated album in 2017 titled Longway, I decided to brand the word, Longway. I started to hashtag the word well before the release of my album, but after I continued to market and brand. I created a logo myself & stamped in on my hats & tees until people started to notice. Longway meaning the difference from where you started to where you at now in life. Coming from section 8 project public housing to playing professional basketball overseas to talking to labels & major figures in the music industry, I feel like I’m already a Champion of the Trenches even if the world hasn’t given me my flowers yet. I choose to do everything Independent and for me, things are more difficult than others. It requires a lot of networking, promo, money, and relationships to become successful in anything and I knew for me it was going to be a long journey but I’m willing to take that route because it comes with a lot of benefits.
Ownership has always been a huge part of my why and staying independent using free platforms like IG Facebook Twitter YouTube was the best way for me to do that. I could have soul my soul for some money and fame taking the easy quick way and give up my ownership but my purpose bigger than that. My story motivates the hood and everybody who grew up in the projects. For the children who grew up with parents incarcerated or in the cemetery or just no hope or guidance in the world. This brand speaks in general to those who started doing something they love not knowing how they were going to make it to their destination, but embraced the journey or hardships and took the Longway to success. “Longway”.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some of the struggles along the way for me was having the proper funding, right connections to help my brand grow & a major Platform for a promo. I literally started with little to no support and now I’m up to almost 10.4 thousand followers but it wasn’t easy. I noticed when I started to share what I was doing none of my closest friends supported it was discouraging but that’s when I’m at my best.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Longway story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m an Artist from Houston, Texas who makes story-telling rap music based on true-life stories. My clothing brand correlates directly with my life story and speaks to my struggles. I’ve grown a following over seven different countries with the benefit from playing basketball overseas. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve stayed true to myself and embraced my purpose instead of trying to copy someone else’s success. What sets me apart from others is that I don’t make music for the clubs or radios I make music and merchandise for the people who relate. It’s not all about the money I actually value spreading my struggles to help others overcome or get through whatever adversity they run across.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Every year clothing is evolving. Someone is always thinking of new ideas but trends always seem to recycle. I can remember at one point before my time people were wearing skinny jeans tight fit clothes. I can also remember a time where big tees and jeans were in style and if you wore tight fitted clothing, you were probably at the gym. That time has come again were clothing are fitted but the brands who continue to grow be creative, original and adjust with time stick around for a long time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thelongwaytmf.com
- Phone: 7138516694
- Email: longwaymerch@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Obenoir
- Facebook: @officialobenoir
- Twitter: @obenoir
- Other: Youtube: Official Obe Noir
Image Credit:
Photos shot by: Sneediewonderproductions
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