UPDATED WITH INTERVIEW: TeeLow times two

ouriel@sanduskyregister.comNORWALKTeeLow just released a remix in his evolving music video series — and, in terms of popularity, it's already outperformed his first smash hit.Milan resident Antonio Lopez, under the moniker TeeLow, debuted "Dear Norwalk" earlier this week to highlight the Maple City's drug epidemic.As of Friday, almost 40,000 people have viewed the video, making it Lopez's second viral sensation in as many months.Like his "Dear Sandusky" piece, which received about 28,000 views, Lopez rhythmically verbalizes his resent toward drugs, alcohol and other addictive substances ravaging a community he loves.Images of noteworthy city staples — Norwalk High School, Summit Motorsports Park and historic uptown— overlay the lyrics he wrote and recites."I always felt a part of Norwalk, especially with family living there," said Lopez, a Firelands Regional Medical Center dietary cook and aspiring musician. "It was important that I included (Norwalk in my video series) because it's where I first heard about heroin and how bad it was."Lopez explained the reasoning behind his "Dear" video series."People told me if a young person is speaking to other young people in a way they can accept and listen to, via rap, it could be more relatable to them, and they could pick up on what I am saying," he said. "Life is a beautiful thing, and it's too beautiful to throw away. Anyone can change. Your best days will forever be ahead of you. You don't have to look behind." The lyrics to "Dear Norwalk" by Antonio "TeeLow" LopezDear Norwalk,I heard from a few people you were feeling excluded,But I knew you needed help before you did.Not much violence or B&E's,But none the less you're still dealing with the OD's. Your town is where I heard it first.Between Willard and Shelby, that you were the worst.That was 10 years ago, when I didn't know how to help you,Now your example has had an effect on your little sister Bellevue. Your bad habits have went from isolated to spreading out,Can't escape the cloud there's no getting out.Everywhere I go, I'm reminded of your sickness,And it doesn't make sense cause your limits still have a lot of business. There's a lot of production and jobs to have,But maybe perhaps that's what got you bad.Young kids with cash and no where else to spend it,The bars play the same music and going out of town's expensive. Not to mention they're hurting for something more,We all gotta walk the path, what are you running for?Don't speed up your fate. Enjoy the ride,But somehow inside, figured they'd enjoy the high. Sad state of affairs, and I hate to witness,But the community is good, they want to fix this.With two schools that the town fully supports,And not to mention aren't too bad at sports. It's sad to see that after school, kids take this course,They should be in college, taking a course.But I suppose college isn't a cure all,I've seen people on top of the world have the worst fall. Just know that it doesn't have to be,This drug war doesn't need another casualty.Dear Norwalk I love you for giving me a place to grow,But you gotta grow with me, these drugs have got to go.Antonio "TeeLow" Lopez recently dropped "Dear Norwalk" which highlights the rampant use of drugs, alcohol and other addictive substances ravaging the community. A month ago, Lopez came out with a similar video entitled "Dear Sandusky."