Never Give Up, the Kenneth Walker III Story, a children’s book about the life of former Kennedy High graduate and star football player, now has a soundtrack filled with local hip hop talent and presents songs specifically geared to children.
We told you last year about how Walker’s cousin, Richmond native and veteran teacher Stephen Ashford and Bobby Mardis, partnered to craft an inspiring book about how Walker was able to overcome various challenges, both in school and in sport, in part through hard work and dedication.
Walker starred as a star in football and track Kennedy High and UCLA, played briefly for the Jacksonville Jaguars and is currently playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
The 13-song soundtrack to the book about Walker’s life, which became available June 7 on all streaming services and in stores, was put together by Ashford and features Mistah Fab, Yukmouth, San Quinn, Laroo and others.
One of the album’s first singles, Educate, explores the reasons why kids should “stay in school, don’t be late, get those As, educate.”
In the lively track, “Keep On,” advises, “Even when it gets hard, keep pushing. Can’t find a way to get it done? Keep looking.” That track is produced by McLaren and features Mistah Fab, Do Or Die, San Quinn and D.C. legend Nonchalant, plus Kontac and Bobby Maris.
Check out one of the first-released singles from the album, which is currently available on all streaming services.
