| About REALIFE RECORDS | When he entered the world on ?/?/? at Pittsburgh Mercy Hospital, RAW sealed his first victory by overcoming pneumonia. His innate strength and initial victory prepared him for a life of adversity where music was and continues to be his refuge. Living with a drug addicted mother in his single digit childhood, RAW loved sports but lacked the family support needed at such a tender age to get involved. At school, RAW fit into the "troubled youth" model constantly getting kicked off the bus. A detention regular who was bold enough to play the "dog ate my homework" card. Music became a mother figure for RAW- filling the void he felt with her comforting melodies and endless possibilities. Michael Jackson and Prince provided musical refuge from the constant custody wars between RAW's parents. RAW knew music was his number one but in constant shuffle between family members, RAW didn't have the stability to foster the self esteem or drive needed to pursue such dreams. Finally, RAW was saved from the chaos when his loving grandmother took him in. Whether he was playing Jesus Christ in church plays or admiring Michael Jackson, RAW proved early on he was a natural performer with an inner sponge that dripped of creativity and "raw" talent. David Bowie and Hall & Oates also proved to RAW that his mother music was like a chameleon that could also allow him to adapt and influence without regard to color. While RAW was drafted to play basketball at NC State, his early instability was reflected in his grades. As a result, he attended St Augustine College where he was on the Dean's List, tutored, and was active in the community. When his grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, RAW drew on his innate strength to nurse her. He massaged and walked with her never losing faith that she would be healed. Once again, RAW proved victorious in his unrelenting efforts as his grandmother beat the cancer. A bad choice led to a brief stint in jail but, music continued to show him infinite possibilities for his life with influences like LL Cool J, NWA, Notorious Big, Wutang Clan, Outkast, and Mobb Deep. While not knowing his next move, one thing was clear to RAW: it didn't matter where he had been or what he had done . He was determined to succeed against all odds and always had the ability to turn any situation into an unforgettable experience to whoever was present. RAW met Funky at McDonald's over breakfast. Cool and smooth, RAW knew Funky was important and could further his musical evolution. RAW stayed in touch with Funky and received a position as a retail salesman. Funky began mentoring "the young phenom" . He gave RAW wisdom that unleashed the drive to finally pursue his dreams. Funky presented the resources to get to the infinite possibilities that music had long ago told RAW existed. With a new job, a new attitude, RAW was strapped for success. Funky enlisted an all time great who had influenced RAW early on, LL Cool J. He called the RAW and mentored him about how to make it in the music industry and what it truly means to be a superstar. Looking back at the obstacles he had overcome in his life, this showed him the true meaning of love and the stability of his business manager, Funky. The RAW is on the come up… |
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