TEF XL

YOU ARE NOW ENTERING DUVAL COUNTY

Hip hop music has provided listeners a road map to urban locals from coast to coast, and throughout the world. Many artists dedicate at least one track to highlight their hometown better than any tour guide. Rap has ventured from Hollis to Compton, and we’ve learned where to go, where not to go, and why you don’t go their. Jacksonville, Fl. is no different, it has the good, the bad, and the hood. Therefore buckle up, keep your minds open, as you are now entering Duval County, home of TEF XL.

As a young MC, TEF XL first appeared on the music scene performing with several
main stream artists, and featured on several underground mix tapes. But with
bills to pay, and a passion for success TEF XL found himself mired in the
criminal underworld, a life he had known since the age of 14.
His frequent encounters with law enforcement constantly landed him in juvenile
detention. His competitive passion for entrepreneurship, kept him involved in
various money making schemes. By the age of sixteen, he was heavily involved in
the street life, experiencing near death shooting experiences, and tragic loss of several close friends. After frequent encounters with law enforcement and near death experiences, TEF XL made a promise to himself, his daughter and the game, that he would acclaim higher achievements and give documentation to the streets from which he came. To accomplish such a task TEF XL revamped his outlook on life and pioneered a street hustle to accumulate money to attend college, and then pursue his music career. When asked why he chose to attend college, TEF explains "I didn't want my daughter to use me as an excuse for not pursuing a higher education. In fact, I didn't want her to take education lightly. So I figured I would lead by example."

The following songs are a mere sample of the abilities of TEF XL. This project is an introduction to the world on what’s in store for the future. “I Got Spit” is an abrasive, to the point expression on why he dedicates time, and effort to grind and entertain. “Bounce” is a laid back, head bobbin track that gives you an up close view of TEF XL, and Duval County.

For many of us hip hop music is more than entertainment, it is a way of life.
It’s the voice of ordinary people speaking by means of artistic expression, on
controversial issues such as oppression and discrimination, drugs and violence,
or social injustice. Since its inception, hip hop has played the platform for
depicting stories of humble individuals who have overcome adversity, and found
voice for us all. TEF XL is one of those voices to not only entertain, but enlighten.