CHESAPEAKE, Va. — One year after the tragedy at a Chesapeake Walmart, a former employee who survived the store rampage is telling his story through song.
Myles Whitaker, who also goes by the stage name MWheezy, drew from a life-altering experience when he wrote a song entitled "Nov. 22."
Whitaker said it was "because [he] didn't want to just hold everything in".
In 2022, Whitaker worked the overnight shift at the Walmart Supercenter on Sam's Circle. Through his lyrics and the melody, he said he wanted to take listeners on a journey through the night.
"Just so people don't forget that day," said Whitaker.
He recalled when a manager opened fire inside two days before Thanksgiving.
"Dodging bullets was coming from left to right, ducking tables just to stay outta sight."
He recounted finding a way out of the store and running for safety.
"It was cold outside, but still, that ain't stop the sweat. But, as I breathe, it's like I could see my breath."
For Whitaker, the details of the sweat and breath "was like an indication that I'm still alive, I'm still here."
He lives with the traumatic images, but he believes he's here for a bigger purpose.
"There can never be a doubt in my mind that God exists."
"Cherish everybody. Give everybody their flowers while they're still here," said Whitaker. "I didn't want people to just remember that I made it out. I wanted people to remember who didn't make it out."
The six store associates lost in the tragedy were Tyneka Johnson, Brian Pendleton, Randy Blevins, Kellie Pyle, Lorenzo Gamble and Fernando Chavez-Barron.
Whitaker dropped the song and music video on Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting.
WATCH THE FULL MUSIC VIDEO HERE