Hip Hop artist and member of Tupac’s Outlawz, E.D.I Mean has released the lead single for his upcoming project. The music video for “Roses” pays tribute to the late great Kobe Bryant.

As he gets ready to drop his latest project titled “O.G. Part 2: Classics In Sessions”, EDI drops the heartfelt single “Roses”. The music video is dedicated to one of EDI’s favorite sports figure of all time, Kobe Bryant.

“Like the rest of the world, I was and still am devastated by the news of Kobe Bryant’s untimely demise. Added with that pain, was the realization that he had one of his daughters with him on that tragic day. As a father of daughters, I just simply cannot imagine,” EDI tells O4L Online.

EDI is no stranger in watching greatness. Just as Kobe did in 1996, EDI found himself starting off his career in the music industry alongside Tupac Shakur. Not only working with Tupac to produce some of Hip Hop‘s most iconic songs of all time, EDI also grew up with Tupac as they had a strong bond since childhood.

Also read: The Night Kobe Bryant Met Tupac Shakur At The House Of Blues

Unfortunately for EDI, he never met Kobe Bryant, although the two were at the same place at the same time. Back on August 11, 1996 at the House of Blues Tupac Shakur would meet a young 17-year old Kobe Bryant.

EDI in attendance with the Outlawz on that very night did not speak to Kobe, not knowing at the time who Kobe Bryant was. “Although I’ve never met him personally, I am grateful I got a chance to witness his greatness on many occasions. My sincere condolences to his family and the families of all the other victims,” says EDI.

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Just as Tupac has inspired EDI, Kobe also inspired him as well. “He was the greatest athlete I’ve seen in my lifetime, period. His will and determination was a source of inspiration for me for the 20 year span of his career. I want to thank and honor his spirit.”

The video for “Roses” was directed by VMD Productions, while the song was produced by Local Astronauts.