Memphis native NLE Choppa (aka Bryson Potts) is known for his energy on the mic, but this week he brought that same passion to a much smaller, much sweeter audience: the young scholars at Porter-Leath South Memphis.
With bright eyes and big smiles all around, Choppa read his brand-new children’s book Cricket Stop Cricking to a room full of preschoolers, sprinkling a little Memphis magic and a whole lot of heart.
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A Book Born from the Studio…and a Cricket on the Wall
Believe it or not, the idea for Cricket Stop Cricking came to Choppa while recording music. A literal cricket was chirping so loud in the studio that it interfered with his vocals.
“I yelled out, ‘Cricket, stop cricking!’” he said with a laugh. “And then I was like… wait. That sounds like a children’s book.”
Now, that spontaneous spark has turned into a meaningful message for kids across the city.
What’s the Message?
The heart of Cricket Stop Cricking is simple but powerful:
“You can disagree, but you have to respect others’ opinions. Never become prideful. Remain humble.”
Choppa believes children’s books are a powerful way to share clear life lessons in a way that sticks. He sees this book as part of his greater purpose — to give back to his community and help guide the next generation with love, humility, and positivity.
A Joyful Day at Porter-Leath
Watching the kids light up during the reading? That was the moment.
“It’s a blessing,” Choppa said. “Just seeing how happy they were, how engaged, even if I had to work to keep their attention. It meant everything.”
He credits children’s stories for their ability to deliver purpose in simple, beautiful ways. And he hopes Cricket Stop Cricking sparks a ripple effect of growth and understanding in classrooms, homes, and hearts across Memphis.
Coming This Summer
While the book hasn’t officially dropped just yet, Choppa says he plans to release Cricket Stop Cricking in August 2025, just in time for back-to-school season. He’s also working on an animated short film and a song to go along with it, because what’s a book from NLE Choppa without a little rhythm?
Even sweeter? His daughter already loves it, and she’ll even make a cameo in a movie he’s working on, where she hears the story before drifting off to sleep.
