What You Need To Know
- IMG Academy special education teacher Marlon Woods has been writing songs for years
- He raps inspiration for people dealing with life's ups and downs
- Woods intentionally avoids profanity in his lyrics so kids can listen
When Marlon Wood is not in the classroom helping students with special needs, you can find him in the recording studio.
Before his music video went viral, the IMG Academy teacher had been writing songs for years.
"Making music and writing my thoughts out instead of holding it in — It helps me alot," he said.
Wood's songs have been played just about everywhere in Tampa, including at Raymond James Stadium and on local radio.
He says most of his songs are inspired by conversations with his father, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Richard 'Batman' Wood.
"In college, getting hurt, injured playing football. I had an opportunity to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It didn't work out, so going through that process of what am I going to do next," he said.
Woods doesn't use profanity in his lyrics. He says that's an intentional decision because he hopes his children will listen to his music someday.
He wants to inspire others to be true to themselves.
"I know that my experience with music and songwriting may help one individual."