Pimpin' Pen couldn't be much more of a natural to the rap game. In '99, the first song he ever wrote ('City to City') was not only recorded by his group VIP but instantly started making frequent radio appearances on Austin's KAZI FM. Along with his cousin and rhyming partner K-Paul, Pimpin' Pen has since raised the name of VIP, short for Versace, Ice and Platinum, to even loftier heights. In '06, it was difficult not to both hear and enjoy their song 'Whoop' jamming from radio broadcasts and club speakers across the Central Texas area. In '09, Pimpin's Pen's first solo video, titled 'Lil Homie' took the internet by storm, yielding an impressive album titled 'I Am Kingpen' and an array of trophy presentations, including 'Artist of the Year' at the Austin Hip-Hop Awards. As the principal figure driving the independent label Nina Ross Records, Pimpin' Pen not only shares the spotlight with K-Paul by way of VIP, but he also mentors an entire stable of artists originating from the gritty streets of Eastside Austin, Texas. The '07 Nina Ross compilation '02 Block Edition Volume 1: Everythang Must Go'! reveals quite an array of talent that surrounds Pimpin' Pen's every move toward what many that know him would consider inevitable superstardom. Forthcoming VIP collaborations with Austin favorites Poison Boyz and Da New Kid further illustrate the versatility of Pimpin' Pen's genuine street spit applied to almost any shade of hip-hop blueprint. A lyrical professional on stage as well as in the booth, Pimpin' Pen sports an extensive resume' of tour experience, including a stint providing concert slots for the likes of Trae, Hawk, and Paul Wall circa '06 as VIP traveled the chitlin' circuit of the South in search of new fans. Never less than an electric performer in his own right, Pimpin' Pen ranks as possibly the most accomplished rapper in Austin, known throughout the industry as the 'Live Music Capital of the World'. An every-year fixture at the South by Southwest Music Conference, Pimpin' Pen knows exactly how to get into the ear of a potential fan and stay there for good. As not just a skillful rapper but as an infectious personality, Pimpin' Pen could be a brand on to himself. But the leader within him eagerly wishes for his music to not only entertain and inspire, but for his work ethic to motivate others toward greatness. A true man of the people, Pimpin' Pen is nothing short of a spectacular diamond in the rough.
http://schedule.sxsw.com/events/event_MS15074