Willie J

This is another one of the few indie artists who gets much respect from me.  To date, his third mixtape, "Before My Heart Stops", has had over 900,000 downloads since his November 6, 2010 release.  That's the epitome of hustle to me. 
The Washington Park/ East Saint Louis, Illinois native came from a churchgoing family, where he developed a penchant for the drums, as well as songwriting and composing.  He wrote his first song at 12, and subsequently caught the eye of two magazines for his percussion talents.  Both 'Modern Drummer' and 'Drum Magazine' have done features on him. 
Since that time, he has opened for artists ranging from Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz to New Edition.  He has also opened for Marques Houston and Hip Hop legend DJ Quik at The House of Blues in Los Angeles.
In addition to his music, Willie J is also a published author.  His book, "The Crying Songbird" has been said to be a positive influence on the inmates of Connecticut's prisons.  He has been asked by these prisons to speak and spread the word of inspiration to inmates.  His book is available in all major bookstores nationwide. 
"Before My Heart Stops" as well as his two prior mixtapes, are available on http://www.coast2coastdjs.com/.  Three of my favorite tracks from the mixtape, "Before My Heart Stops", "Comin' In", and "I'm Ready" are really worth the listen.

Follow him on twitter: www.twitter.com/williejpro

Contact info:

williejmd@yahoo.com