It would probably be easier if we told you what Hopsin doesn't do, but Hop is an MC, producer, director, actor and editor. And his journey has been anything but painless.Like many kids, Hopsin wanted to be “cool” and bang clueless women.

But as hard as he tried, he never graduated past being that “weird black kid” that rode around on a skateboard. He tried to get attention by making people laugh, but he always ended up being the butt of the joke.

He wrote songs for girls to get them to like him, but got no love.Stuck in special education classes, Hopsin did not see much of a future. His teachers did nothing but reinforce the feelings that he wouldn’t amount to anything; especially if he continued to waste his time attending classes where nothing was actually being taught.

So with no money and only a few real friends, Hopsin dropped out of school in 2004.Despite the lack of support from anyone but himself, Hopsin knew that his raw talent to rhyme would one day allow him to spit in the face of all of his critics.

In the meantime, however, he had to find a way to make money. He thought his goofiness would translate to an acting career so he auditioned for several roles. The only role that he was ever able to obtain was as a “day player” on Disney’s That’s So Raven.

He thought things were looking up from there, but nothing seemed to come through after that.Still determined to be one of the best Youtube rappers, he bought an $8 microphone from Wal-Mart, installed Fruity Loops on his computer, and locked himself in the basement.

Not only did he spend countless hours perfecting his own craft, he also studied the careers of artists to better understand what has made them successful. As time went by he knew that his lyrics and production had surpassed what he was hearing on the radio.

He combined his skills with a new image and emerged from the basement as a complete artist. In 2007, Hopsin signed a major record deal with Ruthless Records/Sony.Hopsin gets his inspiration from all types of music, from The Notorious B.

I.G. & Alicia Keyes to the All American Rejects. His creativity and raw energy come from all the people in his life that have told him that he didn’t have a future. At times his lyrics can be dark and grimy, but they only reflect all of the negativity that he has had to endure in order to get to where he is today.

Hopsin founded Funk Volume to share his story, spread his message, and display his many talents. He has been on a long journey to hone his skills, and to get comfortable being who he is. Now that he has the confidence there is no one and nothing that can stop him.

He has come too far and been through too much. Funk Volume represents what has made Hopsin successful…real pain, real passion, real music.You can reach him at [email protected].