AL99 (pronounced “Al nine-nine”) is a testament to what it means to be an artist. He raps and produces but that only scratches the surface of his musical ability. His latest single “SUPERDUPER” is one that captures what it means to go after what you want and that’s what he’s doing and continues to do each and every day.
When listening to “SUPERDUPER,” AL’s drive is echoed throughout the entire track. The self produced track’s menacingly confident melodies and skittering drums are aligned excellently with his lyrics. On the hook of the track, AL says:
Make a movie call it Super Duper
Do it for the fam not for the fame
This reinforces the theme of family that was echoed throughout my entire conversation with him. The music video for the song, directed by his longtime collaborators Brittany Lee Amaro and David Shaw captures these themes excellently. His mother, who is also his manager, makes a brief cameo in the video. Shots of AL in a king-like chair playing cards with masked men appear throughout the video and all these men are his brothers in real life.
Everyone who worked on the video is a part of the team of people AL always works with. This ensures that during the creative process, everyone gets along and works together to bring the vision of the project to life. Working with family and friends makes the entire process smoother for all involved and there’s an even greater sense of satisfaction shared by everyone when the project is done.
Interestingly enough AL usually has a more plaid back process with writing his music but with this one he had a specific goal in mind and did things intentionally and strategically. He had a statement to make and wanted to make sure he did it right.
“I made the beat and then wrote the lyrics for it right after. I wanted to make sure people know I’m poppin’ out. I’m a king and my time is now. I’ve been doing this for six years and performing all over the country for three years. It’s my time to take the top spot in the underground and push through to the mainstream.” he said.
For his previous release, “Pop,” AL99 wanted to bring an infectious energy. This track is faster paced than “SUPERDUPER” and was more of an introduction. By releasing “SUPERDUPER” right after it, he wants to showcase a small sense of versatility before diving even deeper into his bag which includes but is not limited to more R&B leaning tracks or ones that are boom bap based in their production style which is what his production roots are in.
AL99 has been playing the guitar since he was six years old and the drums since he was eleven years old. He also says he would not call himself a “pianist” but he does play the keyboard. His Dad was the one who introduced him to the guitar by putting him on to rock from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and legends like Eddie Van Halen, who became his number one inspiration. He also plays a little bass.
“If I wasn’t in school, outside with friends or playing sports, the guitar was wrapped around my body.” he said.
AL99 plans to use his diverse musical background to continue making music that exceeds expectations of what a “rapper” can do. He sees himself as much more than that. He’s an artist with a wide range of musical experience and rap is just one of several genres he excels in.
“As far as the music itself, I want to bring versatility and diversity back to the music world. I want people to know me as the artist with music they can sit back and listen to, cry to, get lit to and everything in between.” he said.
AL99 is also an artist who believes in spreading the knowledge he has been given. His company, TPC Music Production, stands for “To Progress the Culture” and that’s exactly what he plans to do. As aforementioned, he works with his family throughout everything and not only is his Mom his manager, she is his business partner and is 50% of TPC.
“My Mom has assisted with so many things on the business side of all that I'm doing. Copyrights, trademarks, owning my masters and more, she’s handled and taught me so much of that. My Pops encourages me throughout it all too and helps me to not stress out because while I am learning while I do all of this, I’m still getting things done too.” he said.
AL99’s mission is to help encourage people to pursue and do what they love. He wants people to be comfortable and happy doing what they love and not worry about the perceptions or stereotypes people place on them. He wants them to be able to be proud of being in the minority for whatever they pursue and encourage them to be proud of excelling at it.
“I’ve got all this knowledge that I’ve been given and I want to share it with the world. What’s the point of having it if I don’t pass it on? I just want people to let people know they don’t have to be whatever the world thinks they should be. Everyone is different and everyone has layers. You can do whatever you want. We like to call my fanbase ‘The Big Fam’ because that’s what it is. It’s all inclusive. I want everyone to see themselves as a queen or king. I want people to see what I’m doing and see it as something they can do in their own way too.” he said.
AL99 wants his fans to know he has more music coming and the music videos for both “Pop” and “SUPERDUPER” are out now. He’s got all sorts of music in store including something in the conscious lane too. His fanbase can keep up with him on the following platforms to find out first about anything and everything he has on the way.
LinkTree
Apple Music
Spotify
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
