Bam Bam

Born Jelani K. Waheed, was born on February 25, 1986 at the Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised by Alan Williams, a single father who resided in Roxbury, a borough of Boston. Without a mother figure in his life, BamBam had limited guidance in making decisions that would place him on the right path. At a young age, he began to face the harsh realities of life. Alan was a responsible father, holding a steady job throughout BamBam's transition into a young adult. He was also a very political man, though he was involved in the street life, often having to hustle to help provide for his family. In 1992, BamBam began creating his own rhymes and free-styling pieces from industry instrumentals, inspired by Kriss Kross and their hit "Jump". When he was just 7, while playing around with a cassette recorder and a plug-in microphone, he realized he had a real gift for composing rhymes. Soon, he started writing his own songs. While growing up in an urban community, he was introduced to the "real world" and he found that music was the only thing that really associated with his struggle. Alan did not approve. He believed that rap music encouraged bad behavior in children and was a negative influence. He was very unsupportive of the whole music scene that BamBam was now living in, and he believed nothing good would ever come from it, but this wouldn't deter his son at all. His love for music was indestructible. A self motivated and vibrant individual, BamBam was inspired by the early recordings of Sam Cook, Bob Marley, 2pac, Radiohead, and Jaheim. Molded and shaped by street life, ghetto trials and tribulations, BamBam wanted to transcend from the "hood". He wanted to be something that many aspire to be but seldom achieve: A REAL N*GGA. Inspired by rap in the 90's and real life suffering, BamBam continued writing flows and poetry. In 1999, BamBam served time in Juvenile Hillside, a Juvenile Detention Facility, and was later released on 6 months probation. His father was so upset with his behavior that he kicked him out onto the streets. This only made BamBam more motivated to succeed, working harder to reach his goals. Later that year, BamBam performed at his first show "Spontaneous Celebrations" in Jamaica Plain, Boston. Still struggling with life on the streets, he was charged with Armed Robbery at Roxbury District Court in 2000. He was sentenced to serve 8-12 months in a second juvenile facility. While serving his time, he maintained his writing skills by writing about his own life trials, stories, and their punch lines. By 2002, BamBam was released, only to be re-incarcerated for the same charges three months later. Shortly after completing his sentence, he was released, this time on a 2 year probation. His writing style continued to develop through these experiences. Being on the streets, BamBam participated in many rap battles, which gave him the recognition that he needed. He was recruited by Venom Ent., which included other local rappers such as Ev, Mizzo, Rick, and G.O.D. Father. That year, BamBam and the group released their first mix tape "Welcome 2 Venom City". He earned the opening slot with his solo track. Promoting themselves and performing began to fill their time. The group performed at many nightclubs including Vertigo, High Bar, and Progressions. In 2003, BamBam was introduced through a mutual friend to Lou Armstrong, under HitmakerzEnt. BamBam recorded 3 tracks on what was now his 2nd mix tape "They Ignored the Warnings" Volume 6, which was hosted by Big Mike. He scored a cameo shot for Armstrong's video "When it's All Gone End". Later that year, BamBam and Hitmakerz performed at several other nightclubs including 185 Club, Salisbury Beach Club, Cache's, and Club Lido. They even opened a show for Jim Jones. In 2004, BamBam was featured on his first ever volume of Spotlight-DVD, created by Roy Martin. Being more driven than ever, BamBam started his own rap group called "Hoodfellaz/Hitmakerz", which was hosted by PeterBeatz. In 2006, BamBam made consistent hits while working on 3 different projects; HitmakerzEnt, Hoodfellaz, and Ragz2Riches, alongside other local hard hitters. Still struggling to survive on the streets, BamBam was charged with 6 counts of Identity Fraud in 2007. He was sentenced to serve 6 months at South Bay House of Corrections. While serving his time, he perfected his style and flawless rhymes, now on a much deeper level. As soon as he was released, he began working on his first album. Being as talented as he was in music industry, BamBam and the Hitmakerz quickly premiered at the "Hip Hop Awards" at the John Hancock Building in Boston. He was then featured in his first magazine "Street Confinement" in 2008. Trying to see the positive aspects in what would normally seem like a negative situation, BamBam finally broke away from the "street life" in Boston and headed for a new challenge in Las Vegas. With this new beginning, he decided to start a project that wa