Adrian “A.C. Cruell

 Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Adrian “A.C.” Cruell personifies the motto “music is my savior”.  Adrian grew up with his mother, brother, and sister in Greenville’s Piney Mountain community. Adrian was a very smart student in school but unfortunately he was equally street smart.  By the time Adrian reach 10th grade it was obvious that he was living double life. Adrian could no longer carry the burdens of both worlds. This eventually led to Adrian being kicked out of school for 2 months.

Adrian’s removal from school proved to be one of the most emotionally trying and challenging times of his life.  Adrian succumbed to the pressures of the street and began selling drugs for money.  Deep inside Adrian knew that this was wrong. Adrian was ready for a change. He thought about his family and realized that he wanted more out of life. Adrian left the street life. However Adrian was still angry and confused and need a way to express his feelings in a positive manner. Adrian always had a way with words and as a result turned to “free styling” as a coping skill.

As fate would have it Adrian was given a second chance and allowed back into school.  This along with his new coping skill of “free styling” provided Adrian the motivation and focus needed to take his love of music to the next level. One day after listening to a “Lil Wayne” track Adrian decided to go and record a song of his own. Adrian went through the recording process effortlessly and began making tracks nonstop.  Adrian moved to Crossroads after leaving the Piney Mountain community. This is where he reunited with fellow rapper and middle school friend Young Tomb. The two formed a rap group called Movement ENT. This also marked the birth of Adrian’s alter ego “A.C.”.

The group became a local hit and also created a buzz on the internet. However due to creative differences the group split. Adrian persevered and began proclaiming himself as the “King of S.C.”. Adrian rededicated himself to the art of the “freestyle” and vowed never to write any of his songs. Instead Adrian chooses to recite the words from memory just like his influences rap artists Jay-z and Lil Wayne. With heart, passion, determination, and the swagger of a man who has made it through the storms of life; the world better brace itself for this rising star.