Biography
"Boom, boom, tap, boom, boom, tap…" are the only sounds running through the mind of a young musician by the name of M. Island prior to running on a nightclub stage, to perform. In front of roaring fans, with sweating palms and the support of his determination, Island quickly remembers all the obstacles he overcame to get there. In a flash, he remembers his "nomadic and masked" childhood that led him to his reality of being an emcee. He remembers the dark nights sleeping on a small cot on the kitchen floor- forcing him to dream and too embarrassed to invite friends over to a basement- in which he called home. He remembers his grandmother passing away in his arms.One lesson learned was: that the show must go on. He had to perform. "My dream of inspiring, influencing, and affecting people lives positively through my music, my brand, and being just who I am, has come true…" says the New York native. "I have things to say that could be therapeutic for me, and inspire others at the same time- whether it is to feel better, be themselves, or to get through the pain."
Since 2000, Melvin Eiland (pronounced "Island") has been known in the city of New York as "M. Island" and to friends and family as an inspiration. With an upbringing in Atlanta, GA, Mt. Vernon, NY, Harlem (USA) and the Bronx, NY, Island took the childhood divorce of his parents and his financially unstable past as motivation to graduate from Syracuse University.
Without a backpack and cardboard, lectures on "real hip-hop" and gimmicks designed to exploit artistry, the environmentally inspired musician is dedicated to projecting confidence, integrity and quality music. He is the culture in the flesh, the epitome of a writer and a refreshing sound of the genus. At the end of each day, the lead role in Nas' video "Thief's Theme," and featured artist on BET’s Rap City, Island still commits to positive messages and enlightment. M. Island has taken his talents and created a global buzz- in both music and pop-culture.
The emotionally electrifying emcee has appeared in Trace Magazine, Black Beat, HipHopDX.com, HipHopPalace.com, HipHopGame.com and Wrapcritic.com. Not only has he been featured in international publications but also heard in urban radio in New York (Hot 107.9) and throughout the metropolitan Virginia area (103 Jamz). As a product of an eclectic background, ranging from the eastern fields of Georgia to the cold winters in the northern Tri-state area- M. Island is a fusion between the basic fundamentals of urban sound, and the progression of global music.
As music lovers, we know that every so often in the genre of hip-hop, listeners are fortunate enough to experience a Christopher Wallace, a Tupac Shakur or a Rakim Allah- an emcee not only known for their poetic rhyme schemes, but their passion and ability to convey their creative, yet cordial thoughts. Every so often, you find an artist who matters- an artist you can’t do without. Without a doubt, the native New Yorker, M. lsland is a reflection of the legendary passions of emcees prior and the promising future of the somewhat tarnished, endangered culture.
"You don’t have to love hip hop," says the nomadic rapper. "All it takes is for you to be human… and I have something for you."