Born Marquis Reed on January 7,1984 in Fort Lauderdale, Fl; the rapper known as Ariginal became interested in music at the tender age of 11. Growing up the oldest of 9 kids, Ariginal had to take on the role as the father to his eight siblings. In 1996 Ariginal wrote his first verse to a Kriss Kross instrumental, leading to a chain reaction of hits, as his love for hip-hop continued to grow. “It wasn’t that bad and it wasn’t that hot, it was just the beginning; says Ariginal.” In Junior high Ariginal was the source of entertainment, to his peers. Ariginal would make beats on his desk and rap to them, creating a buzz for himself and a fan base.

As the crime rate began to rise in Jacksonville, Ariginal’s mother decided to send him to live with his grandmother, in Fort Lauderdale. Now back in his hometown, in 1998 Ariginal started a group with some of his childhood friends and they became known as the “Shot Callers.” The group consisted of Ariginal, Nino, Parkway Pete, and Showtime. The group recorded several mix tapes, in order to create a buzz in their hometown. However, due to lack of promotion, time, and effort the group became dismantled. Still striving for success, Ariginal left the group, but everyone remained friends. Ariginal’s passion for music continued to grow daily and he kept recording, with hopes of fulfilling his dream.

From 2000 to 2004, Ariginal was signed to two labels, but he wanted to push his music from an independent label, with his name behind it. Therefore, creating “Gunn Club Entertainment” and releasing the single “Welcome to Broward” in 2004. With the release of the single, Ariginal’s buzz was now at its highest peak. However, his ties to the streets began to interfere with his music and in the summer of 2004, he was incarcerated; putting a standstill on his music career.

Ariginal has opened shows for acts, such as Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Young Buck, Murphy Lee, and Field Mob. Ariginal was sure he was on his way to signing with a major record label soon. However, in the summer of 2006, he was sentenced to two years in prison, due to violation of probation. While in prison, Ariginal began writing songs in his head, he states “being in confinement on a regular basis just does something to you.” “Now I just vent.” After being given the opportunity to enroll in a work release program, Ariginal recorded 50 songs before his official releases from prison in November 2007. Now back home and off to a fresh start Ariginal has put his past behind him and is now focused on becoming the future of hip-hop.