Mani Draper

"Use to wanna be king/ till they taught us in school they're killin' niggas with dreams"

With a knack for being too honest in a genre where fabrication is the suggested format for success, Armani Jackson known by several stage names Mondo, Mani Draper or just Mani is dead set on delivering the world through his eyes. A true "Baydestrian" in every sense of the word living everywhere from San Leandro to Fairfield, Richmond is nearest and dearest to his heart. Not because of the street credibility that comes with being associated with the violent plagued city; but, more so because it's where he felt safest and began to uncover a yearning that lye within him.

After receiving DJ equipment, Mani recorded his demo tape in hopes of understudying for a local DJ. From there it was no turning back. While the love only grew, the dedication would waiver as school and basketball would come first. After a successful high school career, he received a full athletic scholarship to Southern Oregon University. It would be there that his priorities would begin to shift. There his then girlfriend purchased him a microphone and Mani began recording religiously. By the summer of 2011 he had almost 100 songs recorded. Refusing to let anyone but close friends and family hear his work, Mani's brother gave him the ultimate push by swiping his hard drive and creating a stream page. From then on there was absolutely no escaping it. The universe began to see that the proper canvas be presented for this traditional artist. Forming a bond with two other artists whose production styles are unlike anything, yet so familiar. Mani was provided the tools to be heard. Wanting to stand tall in a generation that so many were fleeing from, Producers Bird out of Reno and Frank Bera out of Sacramento would provide the sound that would allow for Mani to Stand UP In The Truth.