From South Carolina to L.A.: A Story of Brotherhood, Faith, and Success on “The Rest Is History”
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April 26, 2024

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From South Carolina to L.A.: A Story of Brotherhood, Faith, and Success on “The Rest Is History”

South Carolina to L.A.: A Story of Brotherhood, Faith, and Success
J. Chris Rouse, Ar’Darius Stewart, and Samuel A. Smoot in “The Rest Is History: Friendship Edition”

In a bustling city like Los Angeles, it’s easy to feel lost amid the glitz and glamour. But for three best friends, it’s a different story. J. Chris Rouse, Samuel A. Smoot, and Ar’Darius Stewart, who are all featured on Black Love’s “The Rest Is History: Friendship Edition,” met in South Carolina and individually made their way to L.A., each chasing a dream. What they found was not just success, but a bond of brotherhood, faith, and community that continues to thrive.

Their journey began with fraternity roots. J. Chris and Sam are brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., while Ar’Darius belongs to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Although they met at different times and places, they shared a common bond of values, faith, and a deep sense of accountability toward one another. As God-fearing men, they believed in supporting each other through thick and thin.

South Carolina Connection

In 2017, J. Chris was new to the world of entertainment. While preparing for the International Modeling & Talent Association convention in New York, J. Chris met Ar’Darius, a theater major, in Charleston, South Carolina. Ar’Darius vividly recalls watching J. Chris perform a monologue from The Great Debaters and being amazed by his performance. 

“The first thing I remember about him is seeing him do the Denzel Washington monologue,” Ar’Darius says in “The Rest Is History.” “I remember seeing it and I’m like, ‘Man, this guy has something special.’ He’s a natural, and I just remember being blown away by his talent.” 

Three years earlier, J. Chris and Sam crossed paths at Omega Psi Phi events around the city. The two began hanging out, eventually attending each other’s homecomings. 

Move to L.A.

Chris was the first to move to California in 2018. Sam followed in 2020, announcing his move to J. Chris when he was only an hour away from his house. 

“If anybody invites you into their home, that is one of the most beautiful [things],” Sam says in The Rest Is History.” [It’s a] rite of passage, because not everybody gets invited to the home, especially in the South. Like, you stay on the porch. You don’t come inside the door.” 

 

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Ar’Darius got a manager in March 2021, prompting his move to LA, where he immediately reached out to J. Chris, who invited him to Bible study. 

“I’m getting chills thinking about it because I wouldn’t be in LA if it weren’t for God,” Ar’Darius says. “But God called me out here, and this man [J. Chris] — for God to speak through this man, you know, and say come to Bible study. I’m thankful for you, bro. Because I wouldn’t be here, bro. I knew I was supposed to be beside you, brother.” 

Sam and Ar’Darius, who was interning at the time, connected that year at a Bible study. Ar’Darius recalls being immediately drawn to Sam’s serenity, wisdom, and positivity, which radiated throughout the room. It was a warm reunion, and the trio have been inseparable ever since.

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In a city where many feel the need to fit in to thrive, these friends stayed true to themselves. Their authenticity and light-hearted nature helped them maintain their bond while fostering new relationships. For them, community and friendship are paramount. They often say, “We are not meant to live this life alone” and believe that “love is vulnerability.” This spirit guides their interactions, whether they’re hosting gatherings, cooking on the grill, or rocking out to music.

 

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True Brotherhood

Each friend brings something unique to their group. J. Chris is the grill master, always whipping up something delicious. Sam is the DJ, setting the perfect vibe with his music. Ar’Darius is the life of the party, bringing energy and enthusiasm wherever he goes. Together, they make a dynamic team that’s all about supporting each other and being a blessing to those around them as witnessed in Black Love’s “The Rest Is History: Friendship Edition.”

One of their funniest moments happened on a cruise. Ar’Darius, in his usual energetic style, was dancing and accidentally bumped into a stranger, causing some tension. But he knew he could count on J. Chris and Sam. As he put it, “in the name of Jesus, it was gon’ go down” — meaning they had his back, no matter what!

Despite the challenges of moving to a new city and pursuing their careers, these best friends turned brothers are grateful for their friendship. They know that their journey is just beginning, and they are excited about the future, both in their careers and in their personal relationships with each other. Their story is a testament to the power of brotherhood, faith, and staying true to who you are. As they continue to flourish in LA, they carry with them the lessons learned in South Carolina and the knowledge that they’re not walking this journey alone.

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