1rawskillz

Raw was born in Dallas,TX in the neighborhood know as Oakcliff. Raw was drawn like so many before him by the allure of the streets. Even with venturing in a career of boxing couldn't overcome the temptations of the streets. “I never wanted to be a gangsta," he says."Sometimes your environment can make you guilty by association". As time progressed on Raw realized he had an ear for music. Unfortunately with no financial backing and no knowledge of the music industry it was just another wild dr...

Raw was born in Dallas,TX in the neighborhood know as Oakcliff. Raw was drawn like so many before him by the allure of the streets. Even with venturing in a career of boxing couldn't overcome the temptations of the streets. “I never wanted to be a gangsta," he says."Sometimes your environment can make you guilty by association". As time progressed on Raw realized he had an ear for music. Unfortunately with no financial backing and no knowledge of the music industry it was just another wild dream. At the age of 20 Raw put his dream on hold and joined the United States Navy. Stationed in Chicago, IL then Norfolk, VA he found himself concentrating more on his military career than on his music. Awakened by Scareface cd "My Balls My Word" inspired him to pick up the pen. "Man all I would do is freestyle no pen no paper just dome bustin'." He replies. It was then that Raw knew he had a love for music. Being from Dallas a though a lot of peopled doubted Raw because the only place in Texas that was making noise was Houston. While in Chicago Raw hooked up with his cousin Mark who opened his ears to versatility. After being stationed in Chicago for a year Raw was transferred to Norfolk, VA. It wasn't until then that he gained the name Raw from his lyrical content by his partner in crime Lil-Woe (aka Cornell Harrison) from the Big Easy (New Orleans,LA). The two hooked up and started the label Out Tha Gutta Records and worked on projects together. Then it came time for Raw to leave Virginia. After a three-year sea tour Raw was back in Houston with a new attitude and skills to show off. With the drive and the heart to make it happen Raw hooked up with a man by the name of Carlos Ward aka Tha K in the later part of 2002 in Dallas,Tx. "Tha K made me a monster," he says. Meanwhile the 27- year old has plenty to keep him busy, including running his own record label (OTGFAM) and being a father to his three children. "When I was young the opportunity to make music and record a song wasn't as accessible like it is now," Raw recalls. "It's like everybody and their mommy has a home studio.Still I consider that a blessing because it makes it that easier to be heard and brings you closer to your dream".