Cover 2 Resources
Cover 2 Resources
Ep. 149 – Smile Now, Cry Later: Freddy Negrete, Hollywood Studio Artist
Ep. 149 – Smile Now, Cry Later: Freddy Negrete, Hollywood Studio Artist
Ep. 149 – Smile Now, Cry Later: Freddy Negrete, Hollywood Studio Artist
Saturday 9th December 2017
Freddy Negrete discusses his transformation from gang life and addiction to becoming a famous tattoo artist on Cover2 Resources.
29 minutes
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Get the buttons here!Freddy Negrete: From Gang Life to Renowned Tattoo Artist
My younger teenage years, I was really, you know, against heroin and I thought I would never ever put a needle in my arm and use it. So my first experience with it was kind of negative, you know, yeah. Yeah, you think you know, because, uh, you know, I didn't want to have a jones. But, uh, so you think you can kind of control it and do it on special occasions, but eventually it's going to get you.
Picture a young boy in Los Angeles, surrounded by gang culture and chaos, who discovers a talent that changes his life. That’s the story of Freddy Negrete, a Hollywood studio artist and co-author of 'Smile Now, Cry Later'. In this episode of the Cover2 Resources podcast, host Greg McNeil sits down with Freddy to explore his tumultuous journey from gang life and substance abuse to becoming one of the most respected tattoo artists in the world.
Freddy’s early years were anything but easy. With parents deeply involved in gang activities and incarcerated when he was just a toddler, Freddy found himself drawn to the same lifestyle. His youth was marred by frequent stints in juvenile detention centers and prisons. It was during one of these incarcerations that he discovered his gift for tattooing—a skill that would later catapult him to fame. Tattoos played a significant role in Freddy's life, especially within Chicano culture.
They were more than just body art; they were symbols of identity and belonging. Freddy shares how this art form connected him to his heritage and provided a sense of community amid the chaos. However, Freddy's path wasn't without its dark moments. He struggled with heroin addiction for many years, finding himself in a vicious cycle of substance abuse. In the podcast, he candidly discusses the challenges he faced and the turning points that led him toward recovery.
Methadone played a crucial role in his battle against heroin, offering him a lifeline when he needed it most. Faith also became a cornerstone of Freddy's recovery journey. After earning a degree in biblical literature from Azusa Pacific University, he became a minister, using his experiences to help others find their way out of addiction. His story is not just one of personal triumph but also of giving back to the community.
This episode is a raw and inspiring look at Freddy Negrete's life—a testament to resilience and transformation. Whether you're struggling with addiction or seeking inspiration, Freddy's journey offers hope and insight into overcoming life's toughest challenges.