You’ve no doubt heard about the drug dealing or gang member pasts of the biggest names in Hip Hop music – whether their tales of violent street life and crime are 100% authentic or mostly made up for the street cred hype, it’s rarely been portrayed as something to overcome or turn away from, yet that is exactly what California-based Hip Hop artist Elliott Niezel has done. His rocky past and violent, destructive ways aren’t a point of pride or a source of bragging for Niezel. No, his past was sad and messed up. His life was going nowhere until he did something about it, and he wants others to do what he has done – to rise above it and live a better life. “Gangs, violence, and destruction made all my musical ambitions kinda sink to the wayside,” Niezel says. “I didn't have any aspirations to start writing music and making real records until I escaped that lifestyle and my personal addictions and demons. I was addicted to every substance under the sun, and now I am addicted to music.” Niezel’s current healthy addiction to all things music began when he was just a kid in Santa Barbara, his hometown. As a product of poverty and a broken home, Niezel was a quick study and natural fit for the selfish and destructive lifestyle of the streets. Even though all his time and attention went to drugs, alcohol and gang living, Niezel says music never left his side, just his dreams.