ActDaFoolTheArtist

Actdafooltheartist
CEO/Music Producer/Rapper/Songwriter/Singer
Willard Anthony Givens was born November 16, raised in South Central Los Angeles to a large
family of 13 siblings. Surrounded by music throughout his young life, Artists such a Zapp &
Rogers, Marvin Gaye, The O’Jays, Kool and the Gang and much more played a huge role in
motivating and inspiring him to pick up rapping at the age of 10. Within time he adopted the
name, ActDaFoolTheArtist and it stuck. He began performing at churches and various events
within Los Angeles. By the time he turned 16, his hard work got him recognized and
ActDaFoolTheArtist signed his 1st record deal with Ruff City Records. His 1st Single, "The
Bombay" Featuring Mr. Tan, Gonzo & Prince Ital Joe opened doors to talents that he respected
such as Tupac, DMX, E-40, Dogg Pound, Nelly, Busta Rhymes & Spliff Star, and JadaKiss. The
passion, ambition, and dedication ActDaFoolTheArtist posseses for his art gained him approval
by his older cousins Rated R and Macadoscious of Tupac’s group, ThugLife. Within time he
started producing and rapping with them and formed the group, TheYoungGunzRyders which
was scheduled to come out after TheOutlawz. Unfortunately due to a late night studio session
with the Doggpound and TheRealest from Death row, ActDaFoolTheArtist was shot. This came
to be known as the biggest studio shooting in Los Angeles. After years of dealing with the dark
side of the rap industry, he got back in the studio. He then Executive Produced his 2nd album “A
Hard Act to Follow”. While promoting and hustling the album he built his street credibility and
gained greater understanding of the industry. A year later, with the help of Willie Brown, he
produced and dropped his 3rd album,”No Pain No Gain” which he sold 20,000 albums
independently. This got him recognized by Rodney King and ActDaFoolTheArtist immediately
signed to his record label, Straight Al-Ta-Pazz Records. He collaborated with the duo group
Stranded and was featured on their song, “Let’s Go Back”. He went on a 6 month state to state
tour with Stranded where he performed and created a new fan following. Due to his knowledge
of the industry, the success of the tour kept him humble and disciplined. Excited with his new
found success, ActDaFoolTheArtist was even more eager to get in the studio. With the help of
J-Rock of BackHouse Productions and many other producers he started on his next album, “A
Hard Act to Follow” which he featured his newly formed rap group, The Headquarters who
eventually signed with Ruff Ryder's West Coast. He again hit the studio and created another
album, “Self Made Millionaire” which he sold over 10,000 albums. While promoting
independently in pursuit of a solo career, ActDaFoolTheArtist was discovered and signed to
Bernheim Music Group 50/50 Konvict Musik. This again opened new doors for
ActDaFoolTheArtist as he remastered his album and launched digitally to iTunes/CD baby. He
also released a book LAKingz which was a major success in the UK. He created and is CEO to
True2Life Records and has signed Thug Ms. and Gucciano. With the many experiences
ActDaFoolTheArtist has gone through, he prioritizes his time in handling all facets of his
company. Whether it is contract negotiations, Artist development, or going on promotional tours
ActDaFoolTheArtist is 100% involved in his company. He has reevaluated himself and his art to
captivate and inspire the next generations. ActDaFoolTheArtist is currently working on various
projects such as 2 new albums called Love, Pain & Respect and Real Stand Alone, a new book,
an independent movie, and creating a non-profit community facility.