Born and partially raised in Togo (west-africa),a french colony, Aj aka DaGriot learned quickly to hold his own after troubbles and political tribulations struck his country a few years ago; even before that the youth was impregnated by the major rise of the hip hop culture. Aj first started rhyming after he heard "South Bronx" by KRS ONE. Soon, he was scooped by a friend named Picolo, who wanted to get serious with music, after hearing Aj spittin for fun at a party. They founded "Blackness Hope", did a few gigs and had songs at the radio but, at that particular time they were getting sum buzz, nationally, political crisis started in their country, as in most african countries. The possee splitted up and everyone went their own way. Aj ended up in NewYork city, then Washington DC the crime capital where he spent the rest of his tough teenager years, adjusting to his environment, struggling with his mother and 2 sisters, trying to get situated. Later on he joined the military. He has almost been anywhere he could ever think of visiting, including Afganisthan after the 911 and Iraq a year and half later. Aj is currently in the process of getting out of the military and moving on. While in the United states he first wasn't sure if he should keep doing music, but seeing so much in a short period of a lifetime is overwhelming, and hip hop pretty much gives him a green light to deliver his messages, plus he felt in love with making beats. After doing a few gigs in Virginia beach and opening for Dragon (Ruff Ryders), he finally decided at a last Jayz concert in Jacksonville FL that this was it! He took his time over these years to study all the pionners of hip hop, and this multi-linguistic artist called "DaGRIOT" is now ready to take it straight to the top. A Griot is the real origin of hip hop, just as drums come from the motherland; back in the days in Africa, a griot was the walking CNN, going from villages to villages, tribes to tribes to deliver the messages to the people, he was well respected for his knowledge and wisdom, and whenever he spoke, EVERYONE LISTENED. Get ready for the African Bandit, GREATMINDS ENTERTAINMENT we coming!

I was born on May 1958 in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was the only child. I grew up with a loving grandmother who very lovingly marked me for the kingdom of God. She told me that I would be the preacher in the family. Little did I know that the word spoken to me would germinate and grow years later. I went to a Methodist church the majority of my life. There were some foundations laid there that would carry me through the turbulent years ahead. I went to church faithfully with my parents every week. I would hear about Jesus and gave my life to Him at the age of 12 but did not realize truly what had happened. At the age of 8 years my mother put a flute in my hand. I would begin on a journey of having musical exposure that to this day never left me. I had the privilege to also sing in church choirs as well. I realize now that the Lord was setting the stage for my life to give the talents that He had placed in my life to Him and let him use them for His glory. As time moved on in my life, I began to be more serious about pursuing music. When it came time for me to go to college, I attended Winston Salem State University (WSSU). I first became involved in Elementary Education but that would soon change to Music Education. At WSSU, I was blessed to sing in choirs and play in the world famous Ram Marching Band. I graduated from WSSU in 1980. Married my high school sweetheart in 1982. Then we moved to Jacksonville. We have 2 children. We attend New Covenant Ministries. My husband has helped me develop my music playing and writing skills. Before moving to Jacksonville, I had never been outside the southern states. However, with my husband and church I have traveled to Colorado, Puerto Rico, London England, and Africa to play my flute. God’s word states ‘your gift shall make a way for your’. The gift of music in me has made a way for my to travel the world. To hear additional music, go to my web site: www.ladyflute.com