Born in Naples, Florida and raised in a neighbourhood called Golden Gate by a Haitian single mother, Terry Presume has overcome more than most with music providing a source of survival and healing. He grew up surrounded by Haitian Kompa music that his mother played for him and the sounds of 50 Cent, Eminem and classic R&B that lined his community. At just 8 years old and a deeply shy kid, Terry wrote his first poem, and by the age of 11 he taught himself to write and produce music – both of which he excelled in and used as a medium to navigate the different cultures and worlds that he straddled.
Following a tumultuous escape to Los Angeles with nothing but a dream of “success” and $200 in his pocket, he ultimately doubled down on his music and his own sense of self, resulting in a body of work that is led by his emotions and lived experiences rather than genres.
Despite calling Nashville, Tennessee his home today, Terry has gifted us with a guide to some of the most important music from around his hometown of Naples in South Florida.
Follow Terry Presume here for more and check out his guide to the South Florida scene below.