Ron Artist

Raised by his mother, Ron Artist showed signs of talent and passion for the hip-hop movement at a very young age. Walking Avenue St. John in the heart of New York's South Bronx, Ron ran the playground listening to the expressions of hip-hop on his Sony walkman. Only 4 or 5 at the time, Ron's love and dedication to the hip-hop subculture was evident in his obsession with the sounds and lyrics of his childhood favorite, Kris Kross - whose cassette he listened to till it popped.

Hoping to avoid a troubled lifestyle and offer her son a better life with his father, Ron's mother moved their small family of two to Springfield, MA. At the age of 9, Ron found himself detached from the culture of his city. However, after listening to Mase's - Harlem World, Ron soon realized his ability to keep in tune to the sounds of the South Bronx, finding writing as his restoration.

Ron's first songs were reflections of a novice lyricist - featuring his cousin, with rough cuts of his own rapping and supplementary vocals. In the 8th grade, Ron brought his music to the public-cutting his first demo at the age of 14. Distributing his CD's to students and teachers at his school, Ron reached a wide range of listeners who recognized his talent, playing his music over PA systems and gym class stereos.

"I quickly knew that I could do this thing...I was the only one people looked for"

Ron exchanged his childhood fights for teenage battles (rap cyphers). The most sought out competition, Ron knew how to please crowds-catering his lyrics to the tastes and interests of his peers. Insulting the best and impressing the cutest, Ron attracted crowds whose listeners climbed on tables and chairs to hear the ammo he spewed.

At 15, he collaborated with producer and business partner, Rome Jenkins, producing his first CD - "First Quarter". Although Ron considered rap his pastime, he began to reap the benefits of his art. Earning recognition and respect through PR at local schools, the public began to recognize Ron as an artist.

At 16, Ron went on the road - introducing his music at a radio talent show in neighboring Connecticut. Winning the contest, Ron expanded his fan base, while networking with top A&R's. Meeting with Young Buck's managers soon after, Ron realized the possibility of transforming his passion into a career. Over the years, he continued to find inspiration through other artists, including Big Sean - a fellow artist who Ron was able to sit down with for an in depth conversation on the music game today and the last artist to influence Ron's drive and ambition before his incarceration.

"And so here we are"

Faced with drug charges, Ron's music career came to an unfortunate halt in 2009. That wasn't to say it stopped him from writing and producing music while behind bars, for Ron it paved a new path and better understanding of the world around him, thus, making his passion and motivation for music that much stronger.

Recently having completed his 2-year penitentiary sentence, Ron again finds restoration through his lyrics - producing his most recent work "Back to Art Class", which dropped October 31st, 2011. Ron proves till this day just how far his talent can exceed others and will keep pushing until the name, Ron Artist, becomes an iconic name in music history.