Los Angeles hip-hop artist Presidentrj, aka Street Priest, is bringing the reality of life in the streets to the rap industry with his 2020 release. One extended length project, STREET PRIEST, and a handful of singles scattered throughout the year have allowed for the young rap hopeful to display both his tactical hip-hop skills in the studio, as well as his natural, smooth, eccentric persona. The rapper who stands before us all today is not the same person he was two years ago. It was only after a period of trial and tribulation that Presidentrj established a sound that was all his own.
Born and raised in the south-central area of LA, Presidentrj began his pursuit for success in the rap industry back in 2018. Connecting early with his now frequent collaborator, Atlanta producer Kutta Beats, Presidentrj established himself as a force in the city’s underground scene with his natural storytelling ability and melodic style of rapping. However, all of the rapper’s promise was put on hold when he faced eviction from his LA apartment in March of 2019. “A lot of sleepless nights; a lot of wondering if I would make it home,” the young artist shares of his life after eviction. Struggling to make ends meet, Presidentrj focused more on his writing ability, as he could not afford beats and studio time. The work he was able to put on paper during that time, though, would turn into what is now the already released STREET PRIEST and the soon-to-be-released STREET PRIEST II.
“I want people to give themself a chance in life. I want them to understand the process I took to get where I am at today.” This is what Presidentrj shares the mission he was for his music is. After the success of STREET PRIEST, Presidentrj became a recognizable and sought-after name in the LA underground rap scene. Hoping to build on that success with STREET PRIEST II, Presidentrj has homed in his skills and reached out for some help from his new friends as well. The first single to be released from the project is due out at the turn of the year and will feature fellow LA rapper Slime Life Shawty. This project may just be the push Presidentrj needs to break out of the underground scene and into mainstream hip-hop.
To hear Presidentrj’s music, check out his Spotify and follow him on Instagram for updates on STREET PRIEST II.
