Meet Marcus Strider

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Strider.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in the Bay Area, California in the middle of the crack era. Both of my parents were heavy on drugs. Parents divorced around the age of 10 and I went with my dad. Around Junior year in high school, we were kicked out of our Apartment. Luckily 1 of my friends asked his parents if I can stay with them and they took me in. I was able to graduate from high school. After high school, my dad moved to Arizona to get clean before he left he was able to get me into ITT Tech for computers and electronics. Me being hard headed I didn’t want to go to Arizona. I choose to stay in California with nowhere to go I slept in the car that my dad left me. I was enrolled in college with nowhere to go. I would sell drugs to get gas money to travel over 100 miles round trip from Fairfield to Sacramento. I did that Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the 1st quarter which was three months. I got straight As that quarter. With times being rough I decided to drive to Arizona to stay with my dad who was no clean and has a house with my older sister. I left California with two shirts and one pair of pants. Arriving in Arizona, I quickly Isolated myself, enrolled back in school and was able to graduate with highest honors and my degree in computers and electronics. At the same time, I started my music career. I always was a good rapper, but now I was able to polish myself. The same year I got my 1st Job which was with Intel as an engineer I started my rap career. Fast forward until now I currently own two houses, a Barbershop and three recording studios. I was able to have my songs on the radio and opened up for Major artist As Rick Ross, Lil Boosie, French Montana, DJ Quik, E40, T.I., Kaylani Etc… just to name a few. Times have definitely started really rough, but with hard work and focus, I Managed to achieve a lot. I really came from nothing and built a Foundation for my friends and family.

Please tell us about your art.
My artwork is some of my photo shoots and performances. The inspiration is to never give up. No matter your situation if stay focused and determined you can accomplish your goals and dreams. I started from 2 shirts and a pair of Jean’s to owning two houses, barbershop and recording studios.

What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
It’s easier for an artist to get heard as far as platforms, but the amount of artist are overly increasing. Cities like ours need to work together and support each other. If an artist is releasing that week, everyone in the city should post the artwork and release date to build awareness.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Instagram, YouTube, Facebook all @Westcrav. My videos and show performances can be seen there as well as my business ventures I’m invested in.

Contact Info:

• Address: Email: westcrav@gmail.com
  Social Media: @Westcrav
• Phone: 16023346050
• Email: Westcrav@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westcrav/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCrav/

Image Credit:
Urban AZ And Bishop 357

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.