SaulPaul
BornHouston, Texas,
United States
GenresRap, acoustic hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active2002–present
Websitesaulpaul.com

SaulPaul is an American artist and rapper from Houston, Texas. He has garnered much attention with his freestyles. SaulPaul's music has been considered unique, in comparison to mainstream rappers.[Television 1]

He is most recognized for his "recap raps" that were featured weekly on ESPN Radio.[1]

South by Southwest also taped SaulPaul for their annual SXSW conference and festivals, and his participation as the recap rapper for the SXSW keynotes for 2010, to the present.[2]

Early life

Hailing from Houston, Texas, SaulPaul grew up without a mother and father. His mother died when he was 3 years old, and he was raised by his grandmother in the ghetto of Houston. Later on in his life, he moved from house to house, living with different relatives. [Television 1]

Although he made it to college, by the second semester, he was kicked out due to bad grades. Shortly thereafter, he went to the streets. SaulPaul committed an undisclosed crime, and was incarcerated at the Texas State Penitentiary. After serving two years, SaulPaul was readmitted to the University of Texas at Austin, and went on to graduate with honors. [Television 1]

Personal life

SaulPaul's career in music production began when he placed a flyer, promoting his services in exchange for guitar or keyboard lessons. A storyteller at heart, SaulPaul shares his story as a musician, filmmaker, and author, with the goal of changing peoples lives positively. [3]

He is a film producer and motivational speaker who has traveled across the United States, sharing his story of inspiration, and the message of his autobiographical film, Tower to Tower. The film traces his "journey from prison, where he ended up after flunking out of college, and then back to UT, where he eventually graduated with a degree in Radio-Television-Film in 2002."[4]

Since graduation in 2002, "He traveled to Texas schools to inspire kids with similar backgrounds to stay out of trouble and go to college."[5]

By 2010, SaulPaul's career was looking promising. He had made a successful transition from a hip hop artist and producer, to a multi-faceted musician, and full service music publisher. His music had been featured in commercials, film trailers, and movies, as well as on numerous websites.[6]

SaulPaul has gained notoriety in various avenues, including the Austin South by Southwest Festival. He was featured as a rapper during the interactive session, and was recruited to "rap songs that recap keynotes." [7]

In 2011, he moved to Atlanta, and was featured in various media outlets. His stylistic blend of hip-hop, street cred, and guitar strumming offer common ground between him and much of the youth, but prison and music are just a handful of the experiences behind his casual demeanor. He has authored a book, starred in an independent film, and in the process carved a unique career path – somewhere between “executive director” and “street tuff.” [8]

As of the present, SaulPaul is getting paid to do what he loves, after growing up in an environment where it was just about getting paid. He continues to play the acoustic guitar, while rapping and singing. He is known for his on-the-spot freestyles for an ESPN affiliate. While dropping three albums, he has started and developed his own multimedia company, ReRoute Productions. [9]

Music career

Albums and Singles

  • "Dream In 3D" (2015) [10] received Grammy nomination consideration [11]
  • "Texas Two Step" (2015)
  • "Mama" (2014) [12]
  • "I Can Only Be Me" (2013) [13]
  • "Rise" (2013) [14]
  • “Do That Hula Hoop” (2010) [15]
  • "Tower to Tower" (2010) [16]
  • "Remember The Name" (2004)
  • "Get Ya Mind Right" (2004)

Music videos

  • "Do That Hula Hoop ft.Rachael Lust" (2015)[17]
  • "Ima Tell The Truth" (2014)[18]
  • "RISE" (2013)[19] screened at the first annual Austin Music Video Festival in 2015.[20]
  • "Shine Right Now" (2011)[21]

Collaborations and Features

  • "Johnson & Johnson Gateway to Health Initiative" (2015) [22]
  • "Honey Bunches of Oats: This Is For You" (2015) [23]
  • "Welcome to Austin, Texas" #IAMBLACKAUSTIN Campaign (2015)[24]
  • "Motivation" #Action2015 +SocialGood Campaign (2015)[25]
  • "What's the Cost" Touch of the King ft. Trampia, SaulPaul, and Adrien Austin of D'tour (2014) [26]
  • "Smilebooth Rap" (2013) [27]

SXSW Keynote Recap Raps

Production Portfolio

Film: Star of the autobiographical film Tower to Tower "Tower to Tower paints a textured picture of the 'hood' in which Neal grew up that was rich with pathos and struggle. The 35-minute-long film is not a typical documentary, but more of an MTV reality show." [41]

Book: Author of Tower to Tower: Dream in 3-D SaulPaul was a featured speaker at the African American Book Festival in Austin, Texas during their "Black Men Writers Inspiring Change," themed conference. He held a workshop and shared how people can turn their passion into their profession.[42] [43]

Television: Star in #TourLife: Reality TV series that aired on AmericanED TV in 2014 documenting SaulPaul's summer tour during which he performed at the most notable music festivals of the season.[44]

Mobile Gaming App: Main character in "SaulPaul: Dream in 3D," and educational game made for urban youth available on iPhone and Android.[45]

Conference: Founder and host of Music Career Expo, a day of music industry professionals talking to middle school students about the career opportunities available outside of being a musician.[46]

Awards and recognition

  • Seedling Foundation, Fab5 Award (2015)[47]
  • Austin City Council, June 12 SaulPaul Day Proclamation (2014)[48]
  • Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, Creative Ambassador (2014)[49]
  • Deli Magazine, Artist of the Month (2014)[50]
  • Austin Music Foundation, Artist of the Month (2013)[51]
  • University of Texas at Austin, Young Alumnus of the Year (2012)[52]
  • Austin Under 40 Awards,[53] Austinite of the Year and Arts, Music & Entertainment (2017)

Notable Appearances

YearEventLocation
2015
Texas on Tour at Union Square[54] San Francisco, CA
Ohio State Fair[55] Columbus, OH
Atlanta Hawks, Philips Arena[56] Atlanta, GA
San Diego County Fair[57] San Diego, CA
Core DJ Conference[58] Atlanta, GA
NFL Draft Sports Career Expo[59] Chicago, IL
Austin City Hall, SXSW Arts +SocialGood[60] Austin, TX
Hollywood and Highland Center[61] Los Angeles, CA
NFL Super Bowl XLIX Sports Career Expo[62] Phoenix, AZ
SXSW United Nations Foundation Panel - How Art can Motivate Social Change[63] Austin, TX
2014
Moms +SocialGood[64]New York City, NY
NFL PREP Super Bowl XLVIII Sports Career Expo [65]New York City, NY
TEDxYouth@Austin[66]Austin, TX
TEDxAustinWomen[67]Austin, TX
Multnomah County City Hall[68]Portland, OR
2013
Music Career Expo[69]Austin, TX
Houston Fringe Festival [70]Houston, TX
Shop.org Annual Summit[71]Chicago, IL
Cutting Edge Music Festival[72]New Orleans, LA
Chicago Navy Pier - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau's #ATXAirstream Tour[73]Chicago, IL
Arts Edge Summit at the Kennedy Center for Performing ArtsWashington D.C.
NFL PREP Super Bowl XLVII Sports Career Expo[74]New Orleans, LA
Rachel Ray Feedback Party at Stubb's[75]Austin, TX
Making Money AND a Difference with Mobile Game Apps[76]Austin, TX

References

  1. ↑ "Who Da Kang? He Da Kang!". Rapzilla. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  2. ↑ "Listen and Learn: SXSW Keynote Rap Recaps From SaulPaul". sxsw.com. 2011-03-23. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  3. ↑ "From Saul to Paul: Austin rapper-speaker-filmmaker talks about his own road to Damascus". Austin360.com. 2011-08-24. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  4. ↑ "Naked City - News". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  5. ↑ "Naked City - News". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  6. ↑ "Listen and Learn: SXSW Keynote Rap Recaps From SaulPaul". sxsw.com. 2011-03-23. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  7. ↑ "A Recap Of The Daniel Ek SXSW Spotify Keynote — In Rap Form". TechCrunch. 2010-03-26. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  8. ↑ "From Gang Prevention to Life Skills: "Musician with a Message" Reaches Out to At-Risk Youth". JJIE.org. 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  9. ↑ "Behind Bars: The SaulPaul Story | cooldelamagazine". Cooldelamagazine.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  10. ↑ "Dream In 3D". iTunes. 2015-06-29. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  11. ↑ "SaulPaul's latest album, Dream in 3D, up for Grammy nomination consideration". SaulPaul.com. 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  12. ↑ "Mama". iTunes. 2014-05-11. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  13. ↑ "I Can Only Be Me". iTunes. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  14. ↑ "Rise". iTunes. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  15. ↑ "iTunes Store". Itunes.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  16. ↑ "iTunes Store". Itunes.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  17. ↑ "SaulPaul's Do That Hula Hoop with Rachael Lust". Hooping.org. 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  18. ↑ "SaulPaul – Ima Tell The Truth". YouTube. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  19. ↑ "SaulPaul – Rise (Acoustic Hip Hop Version) as featured on MTV and Vevo". SaulPaul.com. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  20. ↑ "Hip Hop Hooray". Austin Music Video Festival. 2015-09-17. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  21. ↑ "SaulPaul - #ShineRightNow (Acoustic Hip Hop)". YouTube. 2011-12-10. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  22. ↑ "SaulPaul Produces Music for Johnson and Johnson Gateway to Health Initiative". SaulPaul.com. 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  23. ↑ "SaulPaul Produces Music for and STARS IN Honey Bunches of Oats COMMERCIAL". ReRoute Music Group. 2015-06-24. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  24. ↑ "SaulPaul's Music, "Welcome to Austin," Featured on CNN «  SaulPaul". saulpaul.com. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
  25. ↑ "Theme Songs, Tattoos, and #Action2015". Plus Social Good. AustinPlusSocialGood.
  26. ↑ "Touch of the King Official video". YouTube. 2014-04-01. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  27. ↑ "Smilebooth Rap by SaulPaul". Vimeo. 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  28. ↑ "Listen to Rap Recaps of Interactive Keynotes by SaulPaul". SXSW. 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  29. ↑ "Listen to Rap Recaps of Interactive Keynotes by SaulPaul". SXSW. 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  30. ↑ "Listen to Rap Recaps of Interactive Keynotes by SaulPaul". SXSW. 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  31. ↑ "Social Good Rocks at SXSW: Chelsea Clinton Keynote Rap Recap From SaulPaul". SXSW. 2014-03-12. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  32. ↑ "Art, Science and Rhythm: Adam Savage Keynote Rap Recap From SaulPaul". SXSW. 2014-03-10. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  33. ↑ "23 Beats and Me: Anne Wojocicki Keynote Rap Recap From SaulPaul". SXSW. 2014-03-10. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  34. ↑ "Neil deGrasse Tyson Keynote Rap Recap From SaulPaul". SXSW. 2014-03-09. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  35. ↑ "Austin Kleon Keynote Rap Recap From SaulPaul". SXSW. 2014-03-07. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  36. ↑ "Elon Musk SXSW Recap Rap by SaulPaul". YouTube. 2013-03-09. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  37. ↑ "Tina Roth Eisenberg SXSW Recap Rap by SaulPaul". YouTube. 2013-03-10. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  38. ↑ "Day Four – Julie Uhrman & Joshua Topolsky Community Recap". SXSW. 2013-03-12. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  39. ↑ "Day Five – Matthew Inman Keynote Community Recap". SXSW. 2013-03-14. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  40. ↑ "Dave Grohl SXSW 2013 Recap Rap by SaulPaul". YouTube. 2013-03-14. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  41. ↑ "Neal a public service announcement for teens / Filmmaker set to improve youths' perspectives 11/04/2004 | Archives | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  42. ↑ Magazine, Ujima (2010-05-20). "African American Book Festival". Ujimamagazine.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  43. ↑ "Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Leonard Pitts stresses the importance of fatherhood at book fest". Statesman.com. 2011-08-24. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
  44. ↑ "SaulPaul's series #TourLife debuts on AmericanEd TV". SaulPaul.com. 2014-09-12. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  45. ↑ "SaulPaul: Dream In 3d". WeDreamIn3d.com. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  46. ↑ "SaulPaul hosts the 3rd Annual Music Career Expo in Austin, Texas". SaulPaul.com. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
  47. ↑ Gravois, Daniel. "5 role models honored for their work with kids". KXAN.com. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
  48. ↑ "Regular Meeting of the Austin City Council June 12, 2014 Closed Captioning Transcript". City of Austin. 2014-06-12. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  49. ↑ "Creative Ambassador: SaulPaul". City of Austin, Austin Creates. 2014-06-09. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  50. ↑ "SaulPaul Press Release – Spring 2015 «  SaulPaul". saulpaul.com. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
  51. ↑ "Creative Ambassador: SaulPaul". City of Austin, Austin Creates. 2014-06-09. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  52. ↑ "Saul Paul to receive the Young Alumni Award from UT". The Austin Times. 2014-06-09. Retrieved 2012-11-06.
  53. ↑ "Past Winners". Austin Under 40 Awards Gala. Retrieved 2020-01-08.
  54. ↑ "Texas on Tour: Saul Paul's Soulful Hip Hop & Free Swag | Union Square".
  55. ↑ "From the West Coast to the Midwest: SaulPaul's Summer Touring and Festival Performances «  SaulPaul". saulpaul.com. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  56. ↑ "SaulPaul Night with The Atlanta Hawks «  SaulPaul". saulpaul.com. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  57. ↑ "Austin's Airstream Visiting San Diego County Fair With Special Performance". San Diego Magazine.
  58. ↑ Interview with Saul Paul at Core DJ's event in ATL, 2015-06-29, retrieved 2016-01-19
  59. ↑ "SaulPaul - Facebook". 2015-04-28. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  60. ↑ "SXSW - Austin+SocialGood". Austin+SocialGood. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
  61. ↑ "Upcoming Events". ReRoute Music Group. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
  62. ↑ Moss, Austin. "Super Bowl XLIX Sports Career Expo Recap". www.nflplayerengagement.com. NFL. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  63. ↑ "United Nations Foundation — Blogs, Pictures, and more on WordPress". en.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
  64. ↑ "Motherhood 101: Unconditional Love and How it Saved My Life". New York City, NY: Plus Social Good. 2014.
  65. ↑ Moss, Austin. "2014 NFL Sports Career Expo".
  66. ↑ "Re:Start Your Life". Austin, TX: TEDxYouth. 2014.
  67. ↑ "SaulPaul at TEDx Austin Women". Austin, TX: TEDx Talks. 2014.
  68. ↑ "SaulPaul Visits the Northwest to Deliver Inspirational Message to Youth". Portland, OR: The Skanner. 2013.
  69. ↑ "SaulPaul- Music Career Expo". Austin, TX: Ujima Magazine. 2013.
  70. ↑ "Houston Fringe Festival Archive 2013". Houston, TX: Houston Fringe Festival. 2013.
  71. ↑ "SHOP.ORG ANNUAL SUMMIT RECAP: 4 TAKEAWAYS FOR 2013". Chicago, IL: National Retail Federation. 2013.
  72. ↑ "Past Programming and Activities". Austin, TX: Capital View Arts. 2013.
  73. ↑ "Local Austin musician SaulPaul live from the #ATXairstream". Chicago, IL: Austin Airstream. 2013.
  74. ↑ Moss, Austin. "NFL PREP Super Bowl XLVII Sports Career Expo".
  75. ↑ "Rachel Ray Feedback Party with SaulPaul and the Eastside Panther Band". Austin, TX: WeDreamIn3D. 2013.
  76. ↑ "Making Money AND a Difference with Mobile Game Apps". Austin, TX: Blacks in Tech, SXSWi. 2013.
  1. 1 2 3 News 8 Austin Staff (19 December 2008). "SaulPaul uses improv rap skills to inspire children". Austin, Texas: Channel 8 Your News Now Network. Retrieved 15 July 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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