The Race
Does it hurt?
It all really makes sense when it’s you and your guys winning. But how exactly does it feel when your friends are leveling up and you’re still trying to make ends meet? It hits even harder when you’re all grinding in the same field.
Today, I was scrolling through TikTok and stumbled on a page. What caught my eye was a video from a blog showing a fan who travelled all the way from Nasarawa to Lagos, then to Abuja—just to meet Peller. This guy stayed by the gate of the apartment where Peller was lodged in Abuja… for six days, just so he could show him a framed portrait of Peller and Jarvis that he had made.
But that’s not even the main gist.
Out of curiosity, I checked the blog’s page and went through some more videos. Then I saw one of Jo Blaq—a TikToker who, from what people say, was either Peller’s best friend or used to be. According to many, Jo Blaq was actually the one who brought Peller to TikTok, showed him the ropes and helped him navigate the platform. But somehow, Peller blew past him in fame and fortune, and the story changed.
Now to the part that struck me: Jo Blaq was on a tour of a zoo somewhere (don’t ask me the state, I no know abeg 😅). He said something along the lines of, “If I had money, I’d love to tour the UK with Zinoleesky.” Then he read a fan’s comment: “Why aren’t you always with Peller anymore?”
His response? “Peller is more active than I am.”
On the surface, that just means Peller is richer, more consistent, more famous. But as the professional overthinker that I am, I saw more. There was pain in his face and voice. He couldn’t hold eye contact with the camera. And as I scrolled through the comments, I realized I wasn’t the only one who noticed.
Yes, he said Peller’s drive motivates him to keep pushing, but the truth still stung: How does it really feel to watch someone you brought into the game surpass you?
It’s a question many people are too afraid to ask aloud.
But here’s what I’ll say:
Stay happy. Stay consistent. Keep doing what you do.
The race is always the race. But getting to the destination — your own destination — is what truly matters.
Love and light to every hustler out there. 💐❤️