User:RIP THE RIPPA

est.1985 in Miami, FL, born in Miami Jackson Hospital. Ever since the day RIP AKA THE RIPPA(ROBERT MARCELO RODRIGUEZ)was born he has had no choice but to tackle difficult obstacles. He was raised by a Cuban single mother that came over to Florida back in the SCARFACE TIMES (1980's - in El Mariel). Growing up through tough times; his mother on Section 8 Government housing, WIC Checks & Food Stamps. Living in Hurricane Shelters during bad storms that took out the little housing and personal items his family had. Moving from place to place in both Broward & Dade County. Changing schools because of housing situations and problems in school. As a little kid he learned different personality traits from different family members like; keep your mouth shut, eyes wide, & ears open, Watch your back & look out for people who bring positive to the table. Give respect to get it back, & always look out for yourself & your fam. If you know how to count .. only count on yourself.

As he grew older he absorbed everything he heard and saw, which led him to; selling drugs, juvenile detention centers, fleeing and eluding cops plus run in's with law enforcement religiously. Numerous times behind bars but finally the tables changed for Rip. He started his own family, a son... Rip Jr! A fatherly bond that nobody could break. This in turn created a new bond with his own father. Now with more motivation and drive to provide a positive future for his son his waking moments are directed to his passion,.. MUSIC. Being a one man show with a desire to rap, starting with a mini karaoke machine, he has upgraded to the finner tools where he has self taught himself the tricks to producing & engineering his own material.

Realizing he wanted a career in his life, he followed one of his talents and attended barber school. After a short amount of time he successfully completed his classes and graduated. With upgraded skills and a born talent he was ready to begin his career as a barber, making his money either at a barber shop in the hood, or cutting hair at home.

His desire is now for the world to hear his life through the lyrics in his songs, to feel what he has gone through & understand how he has achieved all he has done. His words can relate to many peoples way of growing up in the government system and open their minds to the opportunities that are out there for them. If they are hungry enough and work hard, they can achieve it all. "Hard Work Pays Off"

After all is said and done he is a one of a kind individual with determination to be successful at anything he attempts. Failure is not an option, Losing makes him stronger, and Winning makes him Wiser.