Introducing T-EL The Soulful Pioneer of “Afro Progressive HipHop Soul Music” Once known as Pretty Tony, a moniker bestowed upon me by the ladies of the strip club where I once worked as a bouncer, my journey into the realm of music has been a tapestry of intense rich experiences, self-discovery, and rediscovery. Hailing from the hyper racist city of San Antonio, Texas, my roots are deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of black culture, spanning from children’s shelters to upper-middle-class neighborhoods —a journey that has shaped my perspective and fueled my artistic expression.

My musical odyssey began at the tender age of eight, within the walls of a church where I first discovered the sound of my voice. Intrigued by the soul-stirring melodies that came from my mouth and very much surprised me, I embarked on a lifelong quest to translate my sound into tangible creations. At thirteen, I penned my first complete song, navigating the intricate landscape of music production with unwavering determination and the help from a guy in my neighborhood who helped me express the music in my head.

At seventeen, driven by my relentless pursuit of musical excellence, I turned to unconventional means to finance my dreams, venturing into the world of selling crack. It was during a talent show at a locally renowned club called the Razz club, that I tasted my first glimpse of recognition, claiming third place, albeit unfairly, when I really won second place rightfully. This pivotal moment ignited a fire within me, affirming my belief in the potential of my craft to transcend boundaries and yield tangible rewards.

Fuelled by my love for the sound of R&B, hip hop and rap music of the ’80s and ’90s, such as Prince, scarface,al b sure, jodeci and many others, I honed a distinctive style—an eclectic fusion of past influences and contemporary flair. Yet, my journey was not without its trials and tribulations. A brush with the law forced me to reassess my path, as it led me to a long period of self-reflection and spiritual awakening behind bars.

Emerging from incarceration with renewed purpose and perspective, I embarking on a journey of redemption and reinvention. Disillusioned by the rampant racism and lack of support for black artists in my hometown, I sought solace and inspiration here in Houston Texas, where we support each other in every way city wide, where the black culture music influence is dominant,  determined to carve my own path on my terms.

Today, as I embark on a new chapter under a fresh identity, I am driven by a sense of purpose—to share my experiences in life, uplift my community, and reclaim my rightful place in the musical landscape. With three exciting projects on the horizon, I am poised to captivate audiences old and new with my soul-stirring melodies and unapologetic storytelling.

Join me on this journey as we redefine the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable black music by the reintroduction of my sound, Afro Progressive HipHop Soul Music and pave the way for a new era of artistic expression and empowerment. The best is yet to come.