The album takes its title from an unlikely source – the tragic deaths of his two brothers, which occurred just 11 days apart in September of 2006, due to gun violence.
“Wayne Molio'o and Michael Miller were their names,” Tautua explains. “Wayne was a teenager that my family took in and adopted at the time and he was shot and killed at Southcenter mall. He died on September 10th, 2006. Michael "Mikey" Miller died in my home (and in our room) by an accidental gunshot on September 21st, 2006. Wayne is buried at Bonney Watson Memorial Cemetery in SeaTac, and Mikey is buried at Greenwood Memorial, hence the name Bonnie In Greenwood. This is also why the album is coming out on September 21. This entire album and everything I do through music is dedicated to my two brothers. They taught me how to be strong, how to stand up for myself, and how to be fearless. I NEED their memory to live on forever.”
Although he never participated in gangs – choosing instead to express himself through music – the songs on Bonnie In Greenwood deal with what Tautua describes as the “unhealthy coping mechanisms” he saw growing up on the gritty streets of White Center, but are counter-balanced by themes of reconciliation, faith, family and community.
On album opener “Woah,” Tautua relates in near confessional tones what it was like for him growing up poor - with his Mom working two jobs at the old White Center Albertsons and Taco Bell just to keep the family clothed and fed - while never losing sight of his faith:
“Feeling like a Monday on a Saturday. Two jobs don't get my mama paid. Feel like stealing is the only way, cause I'm hungry, and I'm bummy, every Sunday send us to the church to praise."