Squallé is a multifaceted artist, coach and leader in the community. Born and raised in Athens, Squallé went on to attend Alabama State University, where he received a Bachelor’s in Engineering while playing basketball. Upon returning to Athens after college, Squallé immersed himself in the world of youth sports, coaching basketball, track, and stepping. Around the same time, he began writing, recording and performing music, which would become a central part of his life.
In 2020, he founded the League of Step, an organization that teaches young people the art of stepping and gives them opportunities to compete in regional and national competitions. The League’s Annual Step Resurgence has grown into a premier event, now spanning two days and hosting over 50 teams from across the country.
In addition to League of Step, Squallé is the head basketball coach for the Barrow Elementary girls’ team, and an assistant coach for the boys’ team at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School.
As an artist, Squallé has released over ten projects, toured across multiple states, and collaborated with a wide range of artists. His music often reflects his Athens roots, with albums like Uptown Baby inspired by his upbringing on Athens’ West Side. Today, he lives off North Avenue, enjoying the peace and quiet of solo-living.
What do you love most about the work you do?
It’s very twofold. As an artist, I love the impact that the music leaves on people. A lot of times I get “I heard your song and it changed my life” or “Your music motivated me to do (XYZ).” That for me is the most rewarding part– to be respected for your art, and your art having an effect on people that know you and a lot of people that don’t know you. I have always thought that music is at the epicenter of culture. Race, upbringing, religious views, you name it, most differences can be solved with music. So the fact that my music has had the opportunity to be that for people is probably the most rewarding part for me.
As a coach and mentor, I’ve gotten so connected with kids. Even after they grow up and graduate, I still get DMs and phone calls from parents saying things like “Hey, you pushed my child to go to college” or “Because of you, my kid wants to create art.” To do that for our kids feels big because when I was growing up, we didn’t have that. If we did, I wasn’t exposed to it. So being someone who lived in that space. I now have the opportunity to be able to relate to how they grew up, and where they grew up! Seeing them walk away from that with positive connotations, due to my impact is the biggest reward.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do in and around Athens?
My first passion ever in life was basketball. When I’m not coaching basketball, I’m playing basketball, watching it on TV, or doing something related to it. That’s my original passion. I play at Lay Park, East Athens, and Bishop Park. Anywhere with a basketball goal, I’ll play. Athens has a lot of courts. I often just go by myself and play five on five by myself, which sounds really crazy, but I’ve done it since I was a kid. It lets me relax and clear my head. I’m also a movie junkie. I love to watch movies– specifically sports and action movies, but occasionally comedy. Anything that doesn’t leave me crying at the end of it. I love writing music. I don’t consider writing music as work, so its also a stress reliever for me.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
Egypt. I’m so infatuated with Egypt, it’s almost an obsession. At one point I was trying to learn how to interpret the hieroglyphs, that’s how deep into it I am. I love the symbology, the history, and the roots to my people! it’s all very deep and scientific and there’s so many layers to it. There’s so many questions that I like to try and answer because I like to think I’m some sort of archaeologist or Egyptologist. After Egypt, I’d probably go somewhere beautiful like Jamaica. Although I know that I am not getting in the water, I just want to look at it [laughs].
If you could see any musical artist, anywhere at any time, who would it be and where?
I think I would’ve really loved to see Michael Jackson. It doesn’t matter where. You’ve seen the clip where he’s just standing there on the stage for like, 10 minutes, and the crowd is going crazy and passing out? I would’ve loved to just be there and see that. But man, Michael Jackson, or James Brown, or Prince. God, I would’ve loved to see Prince live. I saw Frankie Beverly and Maze live, back in college, and I’d love to see them again. Hip-Hop wise… I’ve seen J. Cole once and would love to see him again. Mainly because he’s one of my favorite artist. I’ve Never seen Kendrick Lamar live but that would be amazing as well. Lastly, if I were to go old school– I’d say Rakim, KRS-One, LL Cool J, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, Tupac, or DMX! I would’ve loved to see those guys live on stage. I’m really a “GOLDEN ERA” Hip-Hop junkie. Honestly I’d love to see anyone from that era live on stage.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust yourself. Stay true to who you are. For a time there, I kind of lost that over the past years, and I’ve been getting back to me. I would definitely tell my younger self to just be comfortable, trust who you are, and be grateful for those who appreciate you for who you are, rather than trying to chase and impress those who are not. By being your most genuine self, it helps you to create your most genuine art. The people that gravitate to that will be all you need. You don’t need a million fans to achieve success with your art. When I was younger, I didn’t understand that. I was searching for the accolades. I’ve learned through my life’s experiences that it’s not about that, it’s about what your art can do for somebody else.
Do you have a favorite book, or one you find yourself rereading or referencing?
I really like The Mis-Education of the Negro. Published in 1933 and written by Dr. Carter G Woodson. It’s a very deep book. Definitely love The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. I’m also really into astronomy and I really enjoyed the book that Interstellar was based on, Black Holes and Time Warps.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I have favorite movies in every genre. My favorite sports movie of all time would probably be Coach Carter. It reminds me of my basketball team in high school, and the coach that Samuel L. Jackson plays reminds me of myself now. My favorite funny movie is Life, with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. I love that movie, I can watch it over and over and laugh. Action-wise, my favorite is probably Bad Boys II. My favorite chick-flick is He’s Just Not That Into You. I don’t know why, that movie is amazing to me. My favorite stand-up special would probably be Katt Williams’ Priceless: Afterlife. Favorite sci-fi is Interstellar. I could watch that one over and over, too.
If you could put any message on a billboard, what would it say?
It’s the mantra that I live by, which is “Always be a Dope Soul.” A dope soul is a person that is just unapologetically yourself, who pursues your passions 100%, and you don’t allow people to deter you from those passions. You stand on what you believe in and you defend it.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and where?
Mohammed Ali. He’s probably one of my favorite athletes of all time. It would be between him or Michael Jordan. I really don’t care where we go, I’d just be so grateful to be in their presence. If they came to Athens I’d take ‘em to Texas Roadhouse, that’s my favorite.
What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word home?
Oof. That’s deep…I’d say: Traumatic; Inspiring; Discovery.
