eli.

Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like articles of clothing, looking to find what fits. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. ELI fits firmly in the latter category. His new mixtape series, ”the saint.”, is a captivating and moving introduction that heralds the arrival of a gifted and significant new talent, one whose music feels familiar in the best possible way, while remaining in a lane of its own.

A young Hispanic man who grew up all up and down the East Coast, ELI wrote poetry and songs as a child, but didn’t take music seriously until he was in his late teens. He explains, “I started writing songs in my head, and it took my interest in music to another level. I had to pick the pen back up so I could begin to materialize the music to the ideas I heard in my head. Then I started pushing my creativity with wordplay to broaden my horizons even more.” But it wasn’t just about the craft as ELI used music as a communication between him and GOD. “If it wasn’t for the life and health that GOD blessed me with, I honestly would have NOTHING to write about. Music has also always been a way to convey what the LORD has meant to my existence, to others.”