Published: Friday - December 9, 2005
Words by Ruben Diaz
Al Gator (Photo: Street Sweeperz Management)
Al Gator's background stems stems from being hip-hop fan that later saw himself indulging into the production side of things, and eventually landing in Ludacris' DTP click, which was then called Playaz Circle. A short time after that, Al broke out his pen & pad, and started crafting his own lyrics and has since become doubled-threat with skills as a producer/rapper.
"I offer individuality; You can't place me. Independently, we are pushing our tapes and I got nothing but pure heat on those." When asked what the most important things he's learned thus far in the game, Al offers, "Loyalty, respect and hard work. That will take you anywhere and get you whatever."
Al has grinded heavily on the streets of Atlanta, getting out his mixtape series Da Free Agent (vol. 1 did extremely well, moving some 3,000 some odd units), and has two mixtape albums on the way -- The Journey and The Underboss, as well as an all-West Coast mixtape with former Cali Untouchable DJs own Dow Jones.
"I gotta eat! Karma is a bitch though; take from my pockets [and] someone will take from yours! I will always give my fans free sh-- to download though, that's my way of saying thanks for buying. You have to give a little to gain a lot sometimes."
The rapper has also garnered the attention of major label A&Rs from Def Jam, So So Def and Aftermath Entertainment, among others. However, Al's holding out for the most beneficial situation and until then, is steadily knocking material out in the lab.
The fairly unknown emcee boasts an impressive resume thus far, working with the likes of producers such as Focus (Aftermath/a.Fam Records), The Alchemist, Rick Rock, Midi Mafia and Organized Noize.
With mixtape albums on deck and a strong team behind him, Al is poised to keep flooding the streets and abroad with his catalog of mixtapes, which boast A-list production from renowned names in the industry.
Scouting Report
With a slew of current ATLiens bum-rushing the present hip-hop show, Al Gator is a potential contender to join the legacy which recent newcomers such as Young Jeezy and T.I. already started, however with Al's twist on it, and not necessarily based on the "trap" rhetoric.
Already proving he's capable of moving units independently, as well as bulking up his Rolodex with important industry contacts, Al's got a bubbling buzz in the South and doors seem to be opening for him in 2006. Dubbing himself as the "New Mouthpiece of The South," Mr. Gator may not be lying with that moniker as he closes out 2005 with a strong outing.
Contact
MySpace - Myspace.com/AlGator Site - Streetsweeperz.net
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