"Are you living life? Or simply just living?" Fres Thao is an advocate for the Arts; believing Art is direct energy from the soul. As a Hip Hop pioneer of the Hmong American community, he has been an active lyricist, performer, producer and mentor since the early 90’s. Founding member of nationally dispersed Hip Hop group, Illegoaliens and Twin Cities based collective, Pupils of the Storm, Fres has released numerous albums, mixtapes and compilations including his recent full length album Mind Full Of. He was a recipient of the 2011 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative grant, accessing funds to create his "Mind Full Of" vinyl project; the first full length Hmong Hip Hop vinyl record album. He is in the process of writing an illustrated children's poetry book. Fres is also the founder of Figure Eight Loops Media, and the Executive Director for the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent, the first and only multidisciplinary Hmong arts organization in the world. Fres currently sits on the board of Springboard for the Arts, and the Frogtown Neighborhood Association (District 7), and freelances as a creative writing instructor, arts consultant and mentor for organizations such as Soullections, Essential Sessions Studios and the Loft Literary Center. Through his struggles, aspirations, accomplishments and principles, he aims to nurture the pursuit, support, and valuing of the arts. “This album exemplifies continuous refined musical skill and talent. The collaborations definitely take it to the next level of Fres’s music. Dare I say, this may be his best work yet?” – Lyncy Fres Thao’s music has been played in St. Paul/Minneapolis 90.3/106.7fm KFAI, Milwaukee, 91.7fm WMSE, V100fm WKKV, and Oshkosh, 90.3fm WRST. Fres has performed alongside artists such as Toki Wright, Blue Scholars, Dumbfoundead, Dj Qbert and more, and has been privileged to perform at legendary venues such as First Ave, Fine Line, The Rave, Loring Park and more.