From Runaway to Renaissance Man: The Unstoppable Journey of Josephis Kwamane Wade(AutoBiography - Rough Draft) A Lisa Danise Pollard-Ceesay Tribute

https://www.dopeamen.name

Biography of Josephis Kwamane Wade (DopeAMean)

Josephis Kwamane Wade, known by his stage name DopeAMean, is a multifaceted artist, musician, author, entrepreneur, and IT specialist. Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Josephis has worn many hats throughout his life, carving out a notable career in diverse fields.

Early Life and Military Service

Josephis Kwamane Wade was born Josephis Kwamane Lewis in Columbus, GA, to a single teenage mother, Lisa Denise Pollard-Ceesay. He spent his earliest years living with his grandmother, Ernestine Pollard. Despite familial turbulence, Wade’s early childhood was filled with moments of care and bonding. His mother, Lisa, was a role model, whose passion for writing inspired him at a tender age of four, sparking a lifelong love for storytelling and expression.

Growing up in Columbus and later moving to Atlanta, GA, and Auburn, AL, Josephis developed a deep passion for music and technology. His inventive nature was evident from a young age, whether he was making early attempts at cooking or finding creative ways to entertain himself at his grandmother’s house.

From ages 5 to 10, and again during his runaway years at 16, Wade lived with his mother. During these times, his mother had a boyfriend named Pookie. Their frequent arguments sometimes escalated into violence, with Pookie attempting to hit Lisa. This instilled in Wade a deep disdain for men who hit women. When he was 12 years old, during a visit to his mother’s home, Wade confronted Pookie. They got into a physical altercation, and Wade emerged victorious, a moment that solidified his resolve to stand against domestic violence.

At the same age, while attending Sweetwater Middle/High School in Lilburn, GA, Wade befriended a boy named Shawn. They frequently worked out and went places together. Influenced by Shawn, Wade began stealing candy from local gas stations. Around the same time, Wade’s Aunt Beverly, who worked for CarMax, enlisted his help in setting up her computer when he was just 7 years old. Pretending to be an adult on AOL Chat, he stayed up all night exploring the digital world. Beverly later fed him lists of credit card numbers, and Wade would buy things and give her a cut. At 11, Beverly’s boyfriend, Mark, was involved in significant credit card fraud, obtaining $5,000-$25,000 from local stores. Wade was trusted to set up their safe, but he eventually stole $800, giving $400 to his mom and spending $400 at school to buy ice cream for the cute girls. His teacher discovered this and returned the money to his mom.

At 14, Wade made the difficult decision to leave home, navigating the complexities of life as a runaway. His journey as a runaway led him to Phenix City, Alabama, where he met Xavier, a boy his sister had dated. Initially under the impression that Xavier was a Crip, Wade was introduced to Xavier’s guardian, Mr. Gun. They allowed Wade to stay with them, marking the beginning of a tumultuous period.

Wade and Xavier, known as BabyKrunk in the rap scene, engaged in petty theft to survive, often stealing from stores, hopping out of cabs, and selling Mr. Gun’s weed. It was at Mr. Gun’s house that Wade first got high on weed and smoked a cigarette at the age of 14. One day, Wade and BabyKrunk stole an SUV on the south side of Columbus and drove it to Phenix City, AL, only to find themselves out of gas. They broke into a local Dollar General and stole tip jars to fund their escapade. After returning to Columbus and stealing beer from a liquor store, they were arrested. As a juvenile, Wade was charged with Grand Theft Auto and Minor in Possession of Alcohol, leading to his return to his father, Richard F. Wade. Richard, who had won custody of Josephis at age 11 and changed his last name to Wade without asking, frequently beat Josephis and his wife. This abusive environment was a major reason for Josephis running away.

During his runaway years from ages 15–17, Wade, along with his cousin Man-Man, engaged in entrepreneurial activities by selling Y.B.E. CDs at local gas stations. Wade would burn the CDs, his girlfriend Jaleesa (whose mother was German and father was Black) at the time would write on them, and Man-Man, Lil’Coop, and Wade would sell them. They managed to sell over a million CDs, although they were likely closer to three million given their poor money management skills. The trio became well-known in the city for their rapping and performed two shows: one in the city and another in Lumpkin, GA.

At 16, Wade was staying with his mother in Auburn, AL. She convinced him to get his G.E.D., and he subsequently got a job at the Pizza Hut in Opelika, AL. Although he frequently returned to Columbus, GA, Auburn became his new home. After an argument with his mother, Wade moved in with his co-worker Jam. He started attending Southern Union Community College at 17 but soon fell in with the wrong crowd and began using Xanax bars. Facing the prospect of flunking his second semester, Wade met an Army recruiter who struck up a conversation with him. The recruiter asked if Wade had ever considered joining the Army. Wade explained that he had tried several times but had a record. The recruiter offered to help and accompanied Wade to the courthouse to get his record sealed, setting the stage for him to join the Army as soon as he turned 18.

Following his arrest, Josephis was sentenced to three months in a marine juvenile boot camp in Slavonia, GA. During his time there, he often taught other juveniles in a closet, did push-ups, and worked out. One night, Josephis challenged a cool, savvy Marine sergeant, a C.O., to a fight. The sergeant asked, “Oh, you wanna fight, Wade?” Josephis said yes, and the sergeant led him to the basketball court. They stood face to face, and Josephis took his best shot, but the sergeant caught him. He said, “Let’s go again,” and this time he got Josephis even quicker. They went for a third round, and just when Josephis thought he had him, he slipped. This encounter exemplified Josephis’s relentless spirit, even in the face of authority.

Driven by a sense of duty and patriotism, Wade enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, and was subsequently stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, when not deployed. In June 2009, he was deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. His military service instilled in him discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who defend our freedoms. He separated from service on December 29, 2012.

Music Career

DopeAMean started his music career in 2004 as a member of the rap group Young Black Entrepreneurs (Y.B.E). His unique blend of African-American and Native American heritage, combined with his Southern upbringing, gave his music a distinctive edge. Over the years, he has released numerous tracks and albums, gaining a loyal following on platforms like SoundCloud, Apple Music, and Spotify. His works, such as “Rest Ya Neck” and “Slagging Rocks,” showcase his lyrical prowess and versatility.

Known for his dynamic presence and authentic storytelling, DopeAMean’s music channels his creativity and experiences into art, using it as a platform for self-expression and social commentary. His journey in music continues to inspire many, reflecting the diverse influences and life experiences that shape his artistic vision.

Entrepreneurship

Beyond music, Josephis ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. Armed with an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology — Networking from Purdue University Global, he founded InfiniTec LLC, a cutting-edge science and technology startup, in July 2024. InfiniTec aims to drive innovation and create technologies that empower future generations.

His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to establish EveryThing Dope LLC, a company focused on diverse creative projects and content creation. His ventures include roles such as CEO of Ranger Fair Tax & Accounting and leadership in the record labels Y.N.E. and EveryThing Dope Records. He is also one of the three founders of the fraternity and non-profit Kratos Elementa.

Social Influence and Content Creation

In addition to his musical and entrepreneurial pursuits, Josephis is a social influencer and content creator. He actively shares his artistic journey, entrepreneurial insights, and personal experiences on various social media platforms, engaging with a broad audience. His influence extends to platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram (dopeamean1), and Twitter (dopeamean2022).

Personal Life

Josephis resides in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where he continues to pursue his passions despite the challenges he has faced, including health struggles. In 2022, he confronted and continues to battle a fentanyl addiction, a testament to his resilience and determination.

On a personal note, Josephis has navigated significant life events, including marriages and relocations, with courage and clarity. Following his military service, he lived in Riverdale, GA, and Auburn, AL, before moving to Colorado in 2016 with his current wife, Mary E. Wade.

A Heart for Service

Wade’s commitment to community and social impact is woven into the fabric of his life. An ordained minister through the Universal Life Church, he actively participates in numerous organizations, including the National Honor Society, SALUTE Veterans Honor Society, the Honor Society for Leaders & Collegic Scholars, Engineers Without Borders (EWB), and the NAACP. His proficiency in multiple coding languages underscores his dedication to leveraging technology for positive change.

A Tribute to Lisa D. Pollard-Ceesay

On February 10, 2018, Josephis’s life was deeply impacted by the passing of his beloved mother, Lisa Denise Pollard-Ceesay. She was a pillar of strength and an enduring source of inspiration. Wade’s heartfelt tribute captures the essence of their profound bond: “You were my first love, my first teacher, and my first everything. No matter where you are in this universe, you are the one I will always love. We didn’t agree on everything, we had our differences, but we always carried the deepest conversations. I will miss you, my mother, until the day we meet again. Thank you for giving me the best gift that can be given, life itself. As I reflect on your memories, you are still here with me.” Her legacy of resilience and love continues to guide him in his journey.

A Life of Purpose

Josephis Kwamane Wade’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, the pursuit of knowledge, and the unwavering belief in one’s potential. From a troubled past to a present filled with purpose and impact, he embodies the spirit of the renaissance man, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to make a difference. He openly shares his struggles and triumphs, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail.

Call to Action

Wade’s story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and overcome adversity. His journey reminds us that our past does not define our future, and that with determination, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge, we can achieve extraordinary things.