JL, 17, and I-C, 15, make up the group LLAVAD; two brothers out of the NY/VA area with a clear intention and objective.
"They are the celebrated anticipation of Hip-Hop" boast Yusef Assaan, CEO of Black Cree Music. JL and I-C serve as a walking, practicing homage to the glorious era of Hip-Hop/Street music. The two Brooklyn natives have been honing their skills since their preteen years. Equipped with an arsenal of gritty rhymes, up-close and personal street testimonies, melodic hooks, corner rhyme cipher muscle and to top it off.... the ability to sing; they embody the once honored "well rounded" artist.
JL and ICE come from a life of NYC and Virginia shelter housing. Despite the reality/stigma of the inopportune living arrangement they've been held victim to since their infant years their predetermined paths of prosperity are unmistakable and nurtured by a loving Father and Mother.
Despite their ongoing tussle with the same machine that has turned neighborhoods into ghettos, their compositions remains unadulterated, sincere, and uncolored.
"LLAVAD symbolize the struggle of many. They, like leaders of our past, own the spirit, foresight, and compassion to lead a movement of a forgotten population of individuals who find themselves, for whatever reason, without residence and feel the pains of being forced voiceless and misunderstood to a place of stability and liberation. LLAVADs struggle is real. And the love and devotion they have for their family and community is the realest." says, Assaan.
One would think that two boys from the "ghetto" whove experienced the lives that JL and I-C have would feel entitled and justified to follow suit with the trends of todays misogynistic, degrading, fairytale/obtainment based "music"; instead these two opt to talk about the pitfalls of unprotected sex, partying going, lyrical prowess, spirituality, the struggle of the homeless, and issues that affect two developing teenage boys.
"First and for most I like to thank god for giving my gift; my Father and Mother for encouraging us to do music and pursuing it" beams JL.
"BIGGIE inspired us to rap. Church inspired us to sing" I-C proudly confesses.
Now signed to Black Cree Music they're sure to take their art to a place that is beyond category.
"Yusef Assaan has given us the green light to explore and develop our sound to the fullest. Look out for our coming mix tapes and our soon to be released project. One Life!"
Performances: Lamb Theater, Uptown Comedy Club, Club Leviticus, Apollo,
Jude feast, (VA) Talent shows from New York, to Va. Broadway, Lion King
(Played leading roll as Simba).
Numerous churches along the East Coast.
Block Parties: 125th, 59th, 42nd, 34th, and 116th.
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