Handson

Hand$-on, Cellous Barnes or just plain ol' Marcellous (known amongst family and friends) was born in the state of two up and two down(Virginia) Norfolk to be exact. He's the oldest of five children and has been a part of hip hop ever since he could remember. From the crush groove area, Beat Street to auto tune... Hand$-on has evolved from a rapper's rapper to an Emcee. "I've watched music change a lot which is great for the over all market, but as far as substance I think Hip-Hop should be kept in its original form". "Growing up in the city was hard enough not to mention the unstableness of living with different family members" says Hand$-on. "That's where I learned to hone my social skills from moving from place to place, school to school I was always the new kid so it was either get along or fight". Though becoming a socialite was not all Hand$ had to offer to the world it was at this time that he understood his gift of relating to people. The Street(s) does have its pros and cons and Hand$-on found this out quickly in 1998. "I was the youngest hustler in my gang when I got pinched after my 18th birthday". Quickly making bond on criminal charges Hand$-on hit the corner even harder before hitting the wall three months later to the date on the New Jersey turnpike with yet another offfense only this time it was for transporting C.D.S. After incarceration in New Jersey then expeidited back to Virginia to serve a consecutive sentence, Hand$-on became an advocate for the Stop the Violence movement, a mentor for the youth and the people's champ for local lyricists. Hand$-on started out performing at talent shows for his local boys and girls club, open venues such as open mic, dance halls and graduated to live auditions for national acts, fashion shows, a 2005 opening act appearance at the Blendzville Awards with QSL whom won Best Independent Label in Hampton Roads and a 2008 appearance in Norfolk,VA own AFRAM FEST(a tribute to African culture and heritage) before the Source Unsigned Hype Tour came calling. Personal reasons kept him from keeping his promise of claiming VA's Unsigned Hype which burdens him to date, but that didn't stop him from keeping his buzz in the 757 Area (Southside Hampton roads). "I couldn't stop cause I got a lot of people who support me and believe that with the right contacts and timing I can be as good or better as any new artist heard on the radio". The Hand$-on Xperience was the first volume of music in his edition which was never released due to sample clearing, poor promotion and band dismemberment. His second album "Work in Progress" is steadily gaining steam nearing its completion and already has an intro considering heavy rotation with DJ Jack of Spade(103Jamz) on his VA's Spotlight every Sunday at 9 pm. If asked what's to be expected next from Hand$ you can bet that quality music is at the top of his agenda " I compare myself to a few rookies in the game now when I want to see where I measure up and right now all I'm lacking is commercial success". Now, adding on to that fire is his third and most anticipated album to date... "Hard Work No Stimulus". Already in its early stages... is catching the attention of record labels. "I know my album is ready to be sold nationally its just a waiting game right now and we aren't born to wait were born to do". I'll believe Hip-Hop is about to open many doors for Hand$-on, then its up to him to show the world how experienced he is. Also be on the lookout for Background Check...(the story of my life) coming soon !!!