Willy J "The Prisoner of Hope" 7,565

Growing up in an urban area didn’t seep into the mindset of Willy. He was different than most guys; he kept to himself and was overall a very quiet person. However in silence Will battled depression, self hate, cutting and eventually he found himself battling with suicide. He tried to take his life on 5 separate occasions between 2000 – 2008. In his constant battles Will did have one outlet he always turned to: music. Will found solace in listening to music that fit his emotions. It wasn’t until 2005 Willy was introduced to Christian rap through a mixed CD of rapper T-Bone & in being a member of a Spanish church with a youth group Will was constantly introduced to local artists. After High School Will immediately began to write what was a first poems and converted them to rap lyrics. He has worked tirelessly on his Freshman album “Ashes” which he written, produced and engineered all on his own. Will has a story-telling style infused with unique instrumentals that carry his “musical letters to the world from a prison hope”. Willy calls himself “The Prisoner Of Hope” based of the scripture in Zechariah 9:12. Will is also an active member in his local church where he serves as a minister, teacher and youth leader.