Styk Phiga...I was dubbed by female classmates, decided to flip it and use it. Growing up in Chicagoland, music was a big part of my life. Being a band member from middle school till graduation from high school, expanded my appreciation of music and performing. Later I started writing lyrics and making beats in my dad’s home studio. It was then that I began to develop a love for hip hop. I kept a notebook and portable recorder close at hand and captured rhymes, subject matter and rhythms that popped into my head. Frequently I practiced recording my raps and worked tirelessly on freestyling. Working individually and with friends, I broadened my horizons by producing, arranging and mixing music to make hot catchy beats. After high school I relocated to the Rio Grand Valley, in deep south Texas near the Mexican border. I joined a Hip Hop R&B group, initially we called ourselves ATM (All In The Mix). During the later stages we changed the name to Dem ATM Boyz. This was a turning point for me, I spent countless hours working on songs and beats. We practiced a lot and marketed ourselves to get shows around town. I also had the opportunity to work with some local recording engineers to achieve the sound that brought us to the forefront of the valley music scene. Some of our songs were in regular rotation on our local radio station, Wild 104.1. Our performances included local clubs, high schools, spring break concerts at South Padre Island and neighborhood festivals. At that time, we were working with a local inde label and opened for artists including Akon, Frankie J, Paul Wall, Lil Rob, Trae, Pitbull, etc. We recorded a CD entitled DEM ATM BOYZ. I wrote most of the songs and did the producing, mixing arranging and composing. Currently, I have gone solo to experience working with other artists and I just finished a CD titled Area 51. I am very proud and excited about this CD which is a reflection of my personal growth in several aspects of music. It features some local artists--male and female, songs in English and Spanish; rap, freestyle and R&B. Currently my performances include night clubs, festivals, private parties and a local T.V. show “Living the Beat.” I have also opened for Soulja boy, Cherish and Lil Flip at local clubs.