Mix street credibility, urban hustle, collegiate knowledge and the power to dominate a microphone, and you get Prairie View’s newest underground rap ensemble: 211 (Two Eleven). Hailing from the four corners of Dallas, Texas; Jeff 24 years old, D-Ray 23 years old, Ant-B also 23 years old, and Dominique or “Ms. Larue” 21 years old.While many are just now catching on to them, 211’s story actually dates back over two years. Originally founded by DJ Mr. Rogers, whom the group says is their backbone, and branching off from DSF Productions, the group’s members originally started off rapping individually and with others on various mix tapes .
The members, whose inspirations range from Scarface to Project Pat and even L’Chat, said that once they all were exposed to each other’s styles, they knew something had to be done,. “Once we got together, we felt each others styles and personalities, we knew we had to form a group,” said Jeff. When asked why they chose the catchy numerical title, the group had alot to say about their name, “We chose that name because it is the penal code for armed robbery, and while we are not robbing anyone literally, we are taking what we feel we deserve (from the music industry), while giving people what they need to hear.”
The group describes their music as a gumbo, or a mix of various styles and backgrounds. 211 describes their rhymes as a “movement,” and that everyone from young children to old women should take heed to the quality in their music. “We make our music for everyone.there is actually content in our music; we are not just talking about rolling on 84’s,” added Dominique.
While most soon-to-be rap legends only care about the money or fame, this group seeks to set trends instead of follow them, and create history rather than become history. “My vision for us is to become Hip Hop legends, and to surprise the people. I really want everyone who has had their hands in 211 see us succeed,” said D-Ray. “I want to give (female) M.C.’s a new role model.and let girls know that they don’t have to be who they see on T.V.” said Dominique.
While 211 says they sometimes feel underappreciated, and that it is often hard to garner respect because they are unsigned, member Ant-B had this to say about the future success of the group, “The possibilities for each of us is limitless because we are artists. We are still finding ourselves, and we are going to continue to do what we have to..” Ant-B also draws inspiration from the group’s motto: “Grind while you’re alive sleep when you’re dead.”
The group has definitely been making their presence felt here on the yard, with their recent appearance in last Saturday’s Spring Fest Concert as one of the opening acts for rapper Bun B; and with the release of two singles back to back, the bass driven Beat in my Trunk, and new street anthem, This Ain’t What You Want. 211 is set to bring underground from the bottom to the top.