“God or Guns: The Controversial Name For A Clothing Brand That’s Taking the Nation by Storm”

In a world where violence and gun ownership are much-debated topics in which we have to choose between relying on a higher power or arming oneself, it can be a challenging decision. Tyree Lewis, the owner of God or Guns Clothing, has firsthand experience with this dilemma. After his father’s murder, he found himself torn between seeking revenge with his guns and following the signs from God. In this thought-provoking interview, Lewis shares his story and the inspiration behind his brand’s name and logo. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation about faith, firearms, and the blurred lines between them.

Shelly Shell:  What inspired you to start God or Guns Clothing, and what is the significance of the name and logo?

God or Guns:  It’s several things that inspired me to create the brand. In 2010, my father was murdered, and when it came out who was responsible, I found myself making a plan to retaliate and have his killers feel the pain that I felt at the moment. I was cleaning my legally purchased guns and was prepared to make headlines the next day with what I was planning to do. I was so sad, angry, hurt, and restless and really needed some sleep, and eventually, I dosed off, and that’s when God sent me a dream showing me that if I killed this man, I would be hurting my family and then I woke up. Even with that dream coming to me, I asked myself, do I go with the signs God sent me, or do I use my gun? That kind of brings me to my next point Nas is one of my favorite lyricists, and in one of his songs, he asks the question, “God or Guns, Which is Better Protection?” and that coincided with my thoughts.

With the way things are right now in the world, I wanted to do something to help this generation find their way; I just happen to be doing it in a non-conventional way of spreading positivity through a fashion line. God or Guns represents the people that believe in God but struggle with their choices. If you take a close look at the logo and the word “God,” you’ll see that it’s spelled out of Faith, Hope, Love, Patience, and Forgiveness, while “Guns” are spelled out Violence, Anger, Struggle, Hurt. So, in a moment of adversity, what are you choosing, God or Guns? Both words are used as metaphors. 

Shelly Shell:  Can you tell us about your childhood experiences growing up in West Philadelphia and how they influenced your outlook on life?

 

God or Guns:  I grew up on 54th and Wyalusing, where a gang of kids always surrounded the playground, ready for a game of hide-n-seek, manhunt, wall ball, or football. It was tons of fun, and occasional fights would pop off when emotions got too involved. We would throw hands and get right back to playing. I learned that good times can be spoiled when emotions get too involved and not to let anyone take away from your happiness. Plans sometimes get derailed but stay focused and never take your eye off the prize.

Shelly Shell:  How did the loss of your brother and other loved ones to gun violence impact you and shape your worldview?

 God or Guns:  When my brother was murdered, it was pretty scary, you know, because I was only 11 or 12 and only knew of or heard about killings on television or in movies. Not that I was sheltered or anything, but violence just wasn’t around how it is nowadays, where folks are desensitized to the killings. My brother was a college student who loved his family, and then he was gunned down. You know that saying, “the good die young?” Well, I started thinking that I was next, and nerves, along with my anxiety, started getting bad.

However, when my father was murdered, it taught me to spend more time with loved ones and stop putting off today to do something tomorrow. Let me back up… My pop and I had been talking about starting a business and working for ourselves. Well, the night of his death, I had the idea of cleaning carpets since I just did my living room and dining room, and they came out fresh. I wanted to call him and tell him the plan, but it was like 10:00 pm, and I said I would just wait to tell him in the morning, but that moment never came. He was pronounced hours later.

Sad thing is, I was on the same block as his job earlier that day but didn’t stop because I wasn’t in some new gear, so I kept driving. I get so frustrated thinking about that because I walk around looking unkempt for the most part nowadays, and here I didn’t want to stop and say hi because my clothes weren’t fresh. How stupid? Needless to say, I stopped giving a shit about my appearance and will do whatever needs to be done however I am dressed. I lost my love for shooting pool as that was our sport, but I will serve anyone reading this if challenged (just saying, lol). Lastly, I was reminded that making it home is a blessing and to be mindful of how you end a conversation. Luckily, my last words to my pop were “I love you” as we departed from our family trip to the beach a week prior.

Shelly Shell:  You mentioned being raised in the church but later chose to make decisions that could have led to trouble. Can you talk about that decision-making process and how it led you to where you are now?

 God or Guns:  It’s crazy because I had a lot of mentors growing up, from my mom and dad to my brother and the mentor I had from a school program, but as a typical boy transitioning into adulthood, I wanted to make some of my own decisions and that sometimes went against what was actually being taught. I had friends lose their lives from being involved in the streets, folks that got hooked on drugs, to homies that had sat (in prison) for decades. I’m not built for none of that, so as I watched their lives change, it changed mine too. You got to understand people don’t need to be in a classroom to be a great Teacher, so I used life lessons (whether mine or other people’s) to mold me and help guide me. I got two degrees, work a solid gig, and have clothing that can change lives, so I think I learned some key things to help me focus. I still struggle with things, but my mom kept us in church every Sunday, and there I learned about the power of prayer. Let me tell you, what I ask for is received in abundance. 

Shelly Shell:  The name of your company raises a controversial question: “Which Is Better Protection, God or Guns?” How do you respond to those who may see the two as incompatible or even contradictory?

God or Guns:  So, I’ll set the record straight for anyone that may be confused or even misunderstand the messaging of the brand. I’m not comparing the two because there’s no comparison. However, the question is simply making people think about their choices. When you do that deep dive and look into the words inside of the words, you should have a better understanding that there are options or choices in life. I simply want people to think about their choices before making a decision that could change their lives forever. 

Shelly Shell:  What are some future plans or goals for God or Guns Clothing, and how do you see the brand evolving over time?

 God or Guns:  God or Guns will be featured in an upcoming film, “A Complicated Affair” by Jimmy DaSaint, and we’re pretty excited about it. I’m currently working on a documentary, but I can’t speak too much on that just yet. However, I am finalizing a mentorship program that creates a safe space community for the youth. I plan on sharing my story and changing lives one day at a time. I plan to see my clothes being sold internationally in various outlets, but for starters, I will continue to make my mark in the states; we have made sales in over 20 states from the east to the west coast. Lastly, I want to see more people speak about going down the wrong but being able to change course and stick around for their loved ones and being the strength that their families need to see. Life’s about choices; make the right one, as it could change your life and everyone around you. Be wise. 

For more information, please email info@godorguns.com or visit www.godorguns.com