Nominate Yourself | Past Spotlights

June's Local Artist Spotlight

Name: Eighty 6

From: Orlando, Palm Beach

Latest Single: Play Money

Album: Gunz N Gold Pt.2 & Unity For Currency

Website: www.myspace.com/eighty6music

Few people know more about defying the odds than Eighty6. The intriguing life of the Boynton Beach, Florida native is deep with details, starting from his father’s arrival on American soil, followed by his childhood upbringing, and presently his illustrious rap career.

“I’m the son of a Haitian immigrant, who back in the early 80’s set sail with about 102 Haitians onboard, only Eighty6 survived and my dad was one of them,” he states. The history of his father’s triumph is not only an inspiration to succeed by any means necessary; it’s also the blueprint he uses to survive the rough and rugged terrain of the music industry.

“Anything I put my mind to I’ll 86 it,” he says offering an explanation for his unique name. “I was also born in 12/09/1986, coincidence or not. I began using the term Eighty6 in context to finishing any short or long-term goal. Whenever the goal was accomplished, I would say ‘I 86’d that.’” He further states, "86 became a term me and my click started to use as we finished putting our Chevys together and in general any problems we resolved."

Rapping became Eighty6’s main goal after being incarcerated in 2006 and realizing life had more to offer him. There was no one who believed in Eighty6 more than the CEO of NonStop Ridahz, Skinner 'Big Nova' Louis. He stated the following about Eighty6, "I let him know straight up while he was locked-up that as soon as he jumped he'd have to hit the ground running because we lost alot time and that he was the missing piece for the movement." It’s been a non-stop endeavor ever since. Now at the threshold of becoming Hip-Hop’s next national artist, Eighty6 understands the importance of his mission and knows his artistry must resonate with listeners.

“My sounds are many and they come from my ability to relate to everyday people, folks in the struggle, young, old, rich, poor, black or white,” he states. “It comes from the soul, my music reflects my ability to make you think, make you dance, or induce passion and even a relaxed state of mind. It sounds like what Hip-Hop should be,” he continues.

The influences of everyone from 2Pac, Biggie, and Soulja Slim to Nas, Scarface, and Trick Daddy provided the soundtrack of Eighty6’s life. Verse by verse the lyrical giant strives to deliver material just as strong as his predecessors. On the introspective single “All I Got,” Eighty6 talks about overcoming the personal adversities that shaped his life, including losing a close friend. He also demonstrates his mainstream marketability with club anthems like “Gorilla Block” and the smash hit “Play Money,” not to mention his cross over radio single “Ya Ya.”

After dropping consecutive mixtapes such as Gunz N Gold and Gunz N Gold 2: Unity 4 Currency, the buzz from the streets validated what he knew all along – he was poised to lead a movement that will take the industry by storm his grass roots approach has caught on like a wildfire burning out of control and has already touched tens of thousands in Florida. There's no way Eighty6 can lose as he is backed by the business savvy co-founders of NonStop Ridahz, Skinner "Big Nova" Louis and Brad "Big Bang" Fertil. In addition, the founders have joined forces with in-house Grammy nominated producer, King Daddy Train, along with rising star beat maker, Skufl (Renaissance Muzik) to complete a powerhouse team. They also have recruited the talented Grammy nominated engineer Tito Vasquez. Eighty6 is ready to solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with in an industry always searching for new talent. Along with his management team and entertainment lawyer (Bernie Resnick), Eighty6 is poised and prepared for major label support that promises to be a solid high yield investment.