How it feels to be on the cover of a magazine.

Have you ever been so cool that you make the cover of a magazine? Me neither. But, I have somehow managed to make a cover anyway. Walker Magazine dropped their new Spring issue this week, and for some reason, they put my ugly ass on the cover.

Walker Magazine is a newer publication from Jasper, Alabama, that showcases a wide variety of people from our surrounding area. For some reason, somebody thought it was a good idea to put my ugly mug on the front of that thing for the Spring issue.

James Phillips is THE MAN at the Daily Mountain Eagle here in Jasper. He started Walker Magazine and has done his best to shine positive light on a struggling community that is plagued with addiction and poverty. Which leads me back to this: Why did he put me on the cover?

I sat down with James at Five Loaves Bakery in downtown Jasper. We sat and talked for an hour or so, and I completely forgot we were doing an interview. It was such a laid back setting that the Q&A just seemed natural. He got the best out of me, and did a great job telling my story accurately.

Next, I got with my guy, Scott Day, and we did a photo shoot. Its not often that people my size are asked to pose for pictures, but here we are. I have an easier time standing in front of a thousand or so people playing music more so than standing in front of a camera. Scott crushed it and made me feel comfortable, and did an even better job when he made me not look super fat.

I played a show in Jasper the week between the interview and the photoshoot for my good friends at Old 64. I got to see James show up in a throw back Milwaukee Bucks jersey, and dance his ass off to the 90s themed playlist I procured for the event. Not to mention, Scott knew every word to the old school rap music I played, rapping every lyric from Wu-Tang to Sugar Ray. That's when it clicked...

Walker Magazine is doing something in my community that I am so proud to be apart of. It's incredible to know that these people appreciate something I've worked my ass off to obtain, and they just wanted to showcase that. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

I've never been so overwhelmed with the support I've received from the community since the magazine came out. The phone calls, text message, and comments on social media have made me very proud to tell people, "I am from Jasper." Our community is doing everything it can to rise from the ashes like the beautiful Phoenix it is.

The issue is available at stands around the county, and is accessible online. It includes feature pieces on local musician Eric Johnson, my good friend/incredible umpire Doug Kennedy, and some pictures of me looking like I need a haircut.

I have embedded the link below if you guys want to check it out. I appreciate yall's support, phone calls, and text messages showing love. I wouldn't be shit without you guys...

Preciate yall coming out,

Barry Bangerz