DeAundre Ray “D-Ray”
Age- 22
Fort Worth, Texas
Senior
Electrical Engineering
Anthony Johnson “Ant B”
Age- 23
San Antonio, Texas
Senior
Mechanical Engineering
Q: How long has 211 been rapping, and who or what inspired you to start?
A: I have been rapping since the 3rd grade, but the group has been together for two years. My inspiration came from listening to NWA, UGK, 2-Pac, and Scarface. I started rapping by imitating their style of rap. I could relate to the street life they rhymed about as it related to my family and what I saw everyday.
Q: Before forming 211 how were you making yourself known in the rap game?
A: I was making mix-tapes and featured on “22-inch Minimum,” “Jurassic South,” “Throwback Money,” and “April 27th Mr. Rogers Birthday Mixtape,” my freshman year under DSF Entertainment.
Q: Most students recognize your lyrics featured on CDs under the record label DSF Entertainment. When and why was 211 formed?
A: We decided to form 211 about a year ago. We thought since we accepted each other’s style that we should promote each other and help each other out in our endeavors. All of our styles are so much alike that we figured by being one group, we would become a force to be reckoned with that can’t be stopped.
Q: Where does the name 211 come from?
A: That is the police code for armed robbery. We are not trying to say that we are going to commit a robbery, but we are going to hit the rap game like an unexpected robbery.
Q: Are there any other members in your group that are not featured in this story?
A: There is a third member by the name of Shannon Whitfield, but he goes by the name ” Young Black.” He is a former student at PVAMU, but a vital member of 211.
Q: What artist has 211 collaborated with?
A: Killa Kyleon with Boss Hogg Outlaws, Lil’ B-Slab, and the Slo’ Mo’ Click. In the future we hope to work with UGK, Young Jeezy, Slim Thug, The Diplomats, Scarface, and any member of the Hot Boys.
Q: Does the group have any CDs out, and are any in the works?
A: We have been featured on the CD titled “Mr. Rogers.com Mixtape,” and our first CD will drop mid-summer titled “Armed Robbery Mixtape” under Skys Da’ Limit Entertainment and DSF Entertainment. Anything that 211 raps on can be found at Mr. Rogers.com and downloaded from the website.
Q: What is the motto 211 lives by to keep your dream moving forward?
A: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” and “though I walk through the Valley of Death, I shall fear no evil.”
*D-Ray spoke on behalf of 211