E.L.I.
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E.L.I.

Jackson, Mississippi, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014

Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Established on Jan, 2014
Solo Hip Hop R&B

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"E.L.I. Puts Mississippi Back On The Map With "Jealous" Featuring Vice"

In a state where several rappers like David Banner, Big K.R.I.T. and Tito Lopez have found success, Jackson, Mississippi rapper E.L.I. (Empowering.Live.Instruments) looks to continue the trend with a poignant take on life in his slow Mississippi town.

His latest record is a shot at those that are jealous of his impending success.

“If I’m going to try to hide who I am in my music, then there’s no reason for me to do it,” the rapper said. “I can be the player, but I can also be the person who got played–and that’s something everyone can relate to. Everybody tries to act like they’re only a player and that’s not true. I feel like being vulnerable is a good chance for people to be like, ‘He’s real.’ Right now, people want to hear real music and people want to hear what’s real. Everyone has their trials and tribulations, and I can’t say that I started from the bottom of all bottoms, but I’m definitely not a rich kid.” E.L.I. explained. “That’s my inspiration, I don’t know how to write about something that I don’t know. I consider myself an emcee because I tell stories, I like to tell people how I feel.”

“Jealous” boasts one of the toughest beats we’ve heard in a while, paired with E.L.I.’s unique sound and quick-witted punchlines. Take a listen and let us know what you think. - The Source


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

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Bio

E.L.I.

Empowering Live Instruments

Art thrives on new voices. Music, in
particular, tends to take major steps forward when emerging acts arrive
on the scene with a fresh perspective. Emerging from Jackson,
Mississippi is a 23-year-old rapper wise beyond his years, whose fresh,
positive, and inspiring outlook on life provides the basis for a
soundtrack with a remarkable vibrancy.


“It’s a young world,” E.L.I. says. “It’s
about being young and enjoying life. Right now, our world is so down
and so negative because of what’s going on. My world is the opposite of
that. In my world, everything is on the up and up. I am appreciative of
everything that I have and everything that I’ve gone through in order to
make it to where I am today. The world needs an outlet and the kids
need an outlet to be happy. I feel like I can do that with my music.”


With new music coming out this fall,
E.L.I. feels his new project, Harry the Pothead and The Sorcerer Stoned
will provide his fans with an inside look to the feelings and
experiences that he has undergone.


Although, many rappers are unwilling to
put their personal pain, frustration, and anger on display, E.L.I.
believes that doing so makes him a more genuine artist. “If I’m going to
try to hide who I am in my music, then there’s no reason for me to do
it,” he says. “I can be the player, but I can also be the person who got
played – and that’s something everyone can relate to. Everybody tries
to act like they’re only a player and that’s not true. I feel like being
vulnerable is a good chance for people to be like, ‘He’s real.’ Right
now, people want to hear real music and people want to hear what’s
real.”

By bridging the gap between the urban, funk, and hip-hop worlds, E.L.I.
is indeed set to conquer all three realms. In fact, he imagines himself
following in the footsteps of another trailblazing artist whose
distinctive style has led him to his success. “I look at myself as a
modern day MOS Def,” E.L.I. says. “When MOS Def came out in New York, he
was different from the normal New York sound, but he fit in perfectly.
Everybody loved him. He was a real lyricist. That is what he
represented. I feel like I can do the same thing.”


E.L.I.’s intelligence, verbal skill, and
keen eye for social observation has made him a future spokesman of the
new hip-hop generation who appeals to people from all walks of life.


My work is a reflection of the human
condition,” E.L.I. says. “I don’t want to hurt anybody. I don’t want to
mislead people. I want to tell the truth. All my songs are not happy,
some of them are even aggressive—some may say they’re ‘mean’ but we all
experience these feelings in life. I’m just being honest about what I
feel and what sounds and ideas were motivating me at the time.”


E.L.I. says his passion is simply to
make good ass music and to convey a message (whatever that message may
be) through his music.


Band Members