"530 area code rap scene in northern California has scarcely anything to offer. If truth be told no rapper has ever bubbled from this region. Those who are indeed recording something are doing their thing in a strict underground and cannot impress you with a wide discography. It is probably due to the fact that small cities, far from being labeled as metropolises, dominate in the mentioned area. Latin rap fans may have heard of such artists as Nimfo or Carillo (R.I.P.). Hopefully W.I.L.L. hailing from Redding will make a change. He debuted in his independent label Ritten Reality Records back in 2005. "It's hard to tell solely by the cover that "While I Live Life (415-530)" is a rap cd, therefore it's easy to miss it. In actual fact it's hard to miss something that underground, as this album is only available locally and in selected on-line spots. W.I.L.L.'s debut is more of a product that you look for on purpose. And I encourage you to do so, because he's a talented artist with a lot to offer. This white rapper more often than not smoothly flows on the served beats and leaves behind a solid dose of emotional verses, whose lyrics definitely stand out from typical patterns. W.I.L.L. is not a gangsta, street thug or a pimp, so don't expect to hear yet another portion of braggings or stories of how many women were hit. Instead you'll learn more about problems ("Issues") of a young and ordinary citizen who tries to make ends meet ("Tryin 2 Make Endz Meet") in a supposedly beautiful - due to lakes and surrounding mountains - but also dark and vicious town of Redding ("Like This..."). Generally the cd is soaked with personal stories and feelings of the host. The large number of solo tracks serve the purpose, as featured guests appeared only on 6 cuts out of 18. Rapper also deals with haters, weak MCs and disses the hell out of the local police in the great "Ask Me No ?'s". We are accompanied by a gloomy, depressing and sorrowful production that creates a peculiar mixture of anger, helplessness and irritation. My top picks are the ones composed by Young Hanabal, 9 overall. Other than that you'll get beats done by Grahve (6), DJ On The One (2) and Pretty Tone. Please note though, that music has a slight underground feel to it. In other words it's not crystal clear and one can hear a couple of flaws. However it also has its charm and you will stumble upon such perfect tracks as the mentioned above "Tryin 2 Make Endz Meet", "Ask Me No ?'s" or "Give It 2'em" as well as "Sorry". On the other hand the very end of the album turns out to be a little disappointing (nothing really stands out) and I always feel a little hunger then. Moreover I completely didn't feel the "Best Of Me" that has an irritating east coast vibe. All in all "While I Live Life..." is a very decent and at the same time promising project. Underground rap fans should lay their hands on it; what is more, W.I.L.L. won't keep you waiting for too long and is going to release more quality material in the nearby future." - Khameni Bayundaground.com W.I.L.L. (While I Live Life) William “W.I.L.L.” Bowen, was born and raised in Mill Valley, Ca. which is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge (the SF Bay) in the county of Marin. He grew up listening to his father play the drums day in and day out, so it was no surprise that he fell in love w/ music @ an early age. While attending the local middle school, he became fascinated with hip-hop, and began composing lyrics while in the 6th grade. At the age of 18, W.I.L.L. moved to Redding, Ca. Shortly after his move to Redding, in 2002, he clicked up w/ two other artists in the area and formed Poverty Flat Records, releasing an album entitled “MENTAL HEALTH”. The company split up in 2004, due to business differences. After leaving P.F.R., W.I.L.L. decided to found his own company. In early 2005, he created “Ritten Reality Records, which he owns and operates. W.I.L.L. (While I Live Life) blew up the hip-hop scene in his area after dropping his first solo project, entitled: “415-530”. Now, in 2006, he has just released his 3rd project, a group called, “The Ruggles Brothers”. In which he gives a tribute to two of Shasta County’s most famous outlaws, who were wrongfully hung back in 1892. Overcoming many of life’s trials and tribulations, W.I.L.L. continues to hold his head high. From being incarcerated in juvi, and eventually the state pen, to becoming a respectable/successful musician and businessman. He has proven to respectfully overcome every obstacle in his life to make him-self a well known, & honest name, amongst his community. He continues to “give back” to his community by helping other artists in the area (who just need a little leg up to get where they’re going, because they are all very talented). He is one of the founders of The Co-Op (a hip hop venue held once a month @ The Sports Bar in Redding, that encourages new acts to come thru). Added to that, he writes about what goes on around him in his environment. He’s not afraid to speak what he feels, regarding a lot of the issues in Redding. His lyrics express 100% of his emotions and heart. Music is his life. Don’t miss out on this cat… W.I.L.L., is lyrically vicious and astoundingly raw. If you don’t believe me, just listen for yourself. His album sales have proven to be one of the highest of any artist in the Shasta County area… Peep game… if you haven’t already.