Scott Monk was born and raised in the Comox Valley. At seven years old, he received a cassette of EminemB次元官网网址檚 The Marshall Mathers LP, marking his introduction to hip-hop music. This single experience would go on to forever change the life of the now 32-year-old man, sparking his dream to become a prolific rapper.

However, one major obstacle would hinder him from achieving this goal for nearly two decades.

Despite having "a good upbringing," Monk struggled with addiction from his early teens to his late twenties. 

At the age of 10, he started hanging out with what he described as B次元官网网址渁n unhealthy crowd.B次元官网网址� Three years later, he tried hard drugs for the first time after running away from home and relocating to Campbell River.

B次元官网网址淚 ended up having a girlfriend out there and her mother offered me hard drugs,B次元官网网址� said Monk. B次元官网网址淚 remember saying no when I got in the house, but when I was leaving she asked again (and) I said yes.B次元官网网址�

Two years later, he returned to the Valley with the goal in mind to pursue music. However, drug use would deter the teenager from his pursuit. 

B次元官网网址淚 was back in Courtenay when I started recording my own songs and making music,B次元官网网址� said Monk. B次元官网网址淏ut at that time, I was stuck in addiction and it progressed. It didn't really bother me back then because I thought that was the lifestyle I was meant to live. I thought that was what I was gonna do for the rest of my life and I was okay with it.B次元官网网址�

Unable to fully commit to his dream, the young manB次元官网网址檚 life would take a turn for the worse a few years later following his separation from the mother of his child.

B次元官网网址淎ddiction was still very much active in my life. Although it was progressing, it didn't get to the point where I felt completely helpless until a few years later,B次元官网网址� Monk recalled. B次元官网网址淎fter my daughter was born, it got really bad. I used to be very angry my whole life and I had no particular direction.B次元官网网址�

It was while reaching the lowest point in his life, battling ongoing addiction, that the young man met a group that would change his life forever.

B次元官网网址淚 found this one community that gave me a bit of hope that maybe I could live without using drugs. It didn't stick at first, but (they) planted the seed of hope in my mind,B次元官网网址� he said. 

Although he continued using for a little while, Monk remained resolute in bringing about change in his life.

B次元官网网址淓ventually it got to a point where I needed to do something about this and I didn't think it was possible. In my heart, I thought that I had to use drugs. I didn't see any other way out,B次元官网网址� Monk explained. B次元官网网址淚 had to go to somewhere where (I could) focus on recovery and that was the best decision I ever made.B次元官网网址�

After entering a recovery centre, Monk spent the next nine months of his life there. It was during this time that the seed of hope, planted years earlier, began to sprout, marking the beginning of his path to sobriety.

B次元官网网址淚 was sitting there all timid, filled with guilt and shame, hating my life and who I was,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut when I listened to these people share some of their stories, everything switched. I remember thinking B次元官网网址極h this guy is sharing my story right now.B次元官网网址� I identified with those people.

B次元官网网址淚 started thinking that if this person used to be where I was in addiction and now they're living this life, maybe I can do that too.B次元官网网址�

Fresh out of recovery and with a newfound community, the young man returned to the world and turned his life around.

From adopting a healthier lifestyle to changing his circle of friends from his past life, Monk found a new motivation to live.

Having celebrated two years of sobriety last April, the artist now has a unique outlook on life. 

B次元官网网址淚 think there's so much stigma and negative views around people with addiction, especially in our city right now, and I get it,B次元官网网址� Monk mentioned. B次元官网网址淭o the outside person looking in, it may seem like these peopleB次元官网网址� are hopeless.B次元官网网址�

Rather than judging those battling substance use, Monk emphasized the importance of offering them help.

B次元官网网址淚 think for some who don't understand (addiction) they will think that they're not good people and that they can't get better,B次元官网网址� the man said. B次元官网网址淏ut these people are sick and there is a way to get better and healthier. We should have compassion for people instead of hatred.B次元官网网址�

Now drug-free and laser-focused on his music career, Monk has turned this dark period of his life into a driving creative force, imbuing his songs with meaning, resilience, and hope.

B次元官网网址淭he life of addiction and recovery is a big part of my story,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎ddiction is a progressive disease (that) gets worse and worse if you aren't able to do anything about it. 

B次元官网网址淣ow I try to incorporate recovery into my music because I remember how inspired I would feel by certain songs when I was young. I've had people reach out and tell me that my songs have helped them get through a tough time.B次元官网网址�

Recently back from a tour across B.C. with his friend and fellow rising Surrey rapper Merkules, Monk continues to release songs week after week.

Believing that consistency is the key in the industry, the rapper stays dedicated to his craft and has begun to reap the fruits of his labour.

With his streaming numbers on the rise, Monk recently sold out his first venue at CourtenayB次元官网网址檚 Whistle Stop, attracting a crowd of 130 people. 

Though the rapper is now steadily gaining recognition, he remains down to earth, living day by day, focusing on his sobriety while navigating this new chapter of his life.

B次元官网网址淚'm first and foremost able to be a healthy father now,B次元官网网址� said Monk. B次元官网网址淟uckily I was never out of my daughter's life and IB次元官网网址檓 now able to be present and teach her right from wrong in the way that I should. I'm also able to be a healthy son now. My mom and dad don't have to worry anymore. I'm able to be part of my family's life again.B次元官网网址�

Although the life of an artist remains uncertain, Monk mentioned that if he could share one lesson his journey has taught him, it would be one of hope.

B次元官网网址淧eople can get healthier and people can change,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e see a lot of sick people (across the province) and I think a lot of people think that they're bad people or that they're never going to change, but we do change and we do get healthy. I've seen it numerous times.B次元官网网址�

To learn more about Scott Monk's career, follow the artist on , stream his music on , and visit his .

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