User:Klientelethakingpin

Lavelle Thomas, aka: Klientele Tha Kingpin has been in and out recording studios since the age 15. Although starting out writing poetry at age 10, KTK decided it would be more beneficial to start writing music. Influenced by artists such as nwa, ghetto boyz and other reality/gangsta rappers, KTK decided that was the genre he could call his own. Throughout high school known as K-smoov, short for Klientele Smoov, KTK performed in countless talent shows and was well known for his lyrical prowess. In 1993 he signed a record deal with a local record label known as eastside records. spawning hits such as the southern Illinois street anthem: Welcome 2 tha ghetto and the club banger:  Gettin' my sex on. In the spring of 1994 he started a rap group called Playerz Faculty in which consisted of friends and family who could freestyle. KTK then tried to get his group signed to the label but after realizing the label owner was shady, he decided to fulfill his two year contract and did not renew his contract with the label. In the spring of 1996, two members of his rap group Playerz Faculty converted him to gospel rap. Under the group name: Army Of Christ, they performed at countless churches and talent shows. After having differences of opinion on where the group was headed as a whole, KTK decided to go solo. After many ups and downs weather to continue gospel or go back secular, KTK decided in order for him to focus whole heartedly on gospel rap, he would have to go secular in order to clean out the remaining demons he had within himself. In 2003, his brother Bronell " Fatality" Thomas introduced him to fellow rap artist Jeffery "Pooh Corleone" Parker and they started the rap group M.I.S.G.U.I.D.E.D. (mistreated in society guided under illtruths deliberately enslaved daily). KTK later changed the name of the group to Gameface Click because it had a more catchy street appeal. In the spring of 2009, KTK began studying the music business and began recording his solo debut entitled: BORN HATED. He then decided to start a record label by the name of ARMED & GAMEGEROUS ENTERTAINMENT® to catalogue his music. Locally, Born Hated was certified classic but KTK decided he wanted to take his music onto a broader scale. Before even landing a distribution deal, KTK already had his cd in four mom and pop chains between the Midwest and the dirty south. KTK is probably one of the few artists in hip hop who believes in taking his skill past that of being just an artist. alongside producing and recording, KTK takes time to study and better understand the shifting sands of the music business. knowing that many artists are just that and nothing more, KTK likes to compare himself to the little red hen in the classic childrens stories. "When its time to put in work and make investments, almost no one is willing to help you. But when its time to reap the blessings of that work, it is then that everyone claims to be your friend."