Brian’s Story
Honoring his truth. Inspiring ours
This page is a heartfelt tribute to Brian Franklin, a son, brother, and friend whose life left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Through his photos, words, and memories, we honor the person he was and the legacy he continues to inspire.
Brian Franklin was a complex soul, quiet to most, outspoken around few, and fiercely loyal to those who truly knew him. He wasn’t one to seek attention or the spotlight; he preferred to move in silence, keeping his circle small and his thoughts guarded. Around his close friends and family, though, Brian’s true personality showed. He was funny, talkative, and deeply protective of the people he loved.
As a child, Brian found comfort and release through sports. He excelled in both football and basketball, using them as outlets for his energy and emotions. His natural talent and drive made him stand out on the field and court, but as he grew older, that focus began to shift. The same passion that fueled him in sports soon transitioned to the studio, a place where he could be his most comfortable self. The booth became his sanctuary, and he often spent more time recording than he did at home.
From a young age, Brian wrestled with anger and emotions that often left him feeling misunderstood. He carried himself with strength and pride, masking pain with toughness and moving through life with a boldness that few could match. Fear wasn’t a word that described him. If anything, he was fearless. That energy drew people to him, and it made him a natural leader.
In his teenage years, Brian formed a brotherhood with close friends who shared similar experiences and struggles. Together, they built a bond that went beyond friendship, one rooted in loyalty, protection, and survival. They called themselves ApeGang, and Brian was at its center. What began as a tight-knit group of friends evolved into a powerful force, connected through shared pain and purpose.
As Brian grew older, he poured his reality into music. His songs reflected the world around him, raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. He often rapped about his experiences in the streets, the loyalty of his crew, and the emotions that came with living life on his own terms. Music became both his shield and his truth, a space where he could express everything he couldn’t say out loud.
On November 16, 2020, an act of impulse led to Brian’s death by suicide. He was only 21 years old. His passing wasn’t a reflection of weakness, but a heartbreaking reminder of how heavy unspoken battles can become, even for the strongest among us.
Let’s B Frank was created in Brian’s honor, a movement built from truth, not perfection. It’s a space for open conversation, emotional honesty, and healing. Through this work, we carry forward his story, one that reminds us that love, understanding, and mental health awareness must reach every kind of person, not just those who appear to have it all together.
