Illest Records’ frontrunner Hype Pacino has created an impressive resume since emerging into the southern rap industry over the last couple of years. Raised in Greene County, North Carolina, he began rapping under a previous name before trademarking the moniker “Hype Pacino,” and later developed a concrete business plan under the guidance of Illest Records. Since then, Hype and his label have quickly built a foundation with consistent power moves, including alliances with some of the most sought-after names in his genre. Having already worked with 2 Chainz, Young Scooter, Young Buck, Tech 9, Young Dolph, Alley Boy, Zaytoven, Drumma Boy and others, Hype Pacino is steadily gaining an audience drawn to his realistic approach. “I’m big on loyalty and honesty,” he says. “I never talk about false things to sound more appealing – as long as you speak the truth, people can relate.”