Hailing from East Oakland, CA, O-Zone a.k.a. Lil-O was influenced by artists like Nas, Jay-Z, Tupac, and Keak Da Sneak.
Lil-O’s lyrics come from life experiences and he aims to make music that is inspirational and relative to true hip-hop listeners worldwide. In 2006, Lil-O was caught in a crossfire near his home and shot 4 times. This incident forever changed O-Zone and inspired him to take his music to the next level. Upon recovery, O decided that he would make music that would move his peers in a positive direction. With extreme passion he created songs with compelling stories and messages about street survival, corrupt cops and positive choices. He also began to share more than music with others—sharing time, experience and studio savvy with local youth when he joined the Turf Unity Music Project and Youth Movement Records to educate those in the community.
Growing past the confines of an emcee, O-Zone became an equally talented producer, manager and entrepreneur with Cov Records. He has toured throughout Bay Area and has graced many a stage with artists like Kurtis Blow, Pep Love of Hieroglyphics, San Quinn, Mistah FAB, Goapele, The Jacka and Too Short. His contributions to the The Turf Unity compilation led it to sell over 6,000 units independently, which is more than many established Bay Area artists can boast today. Now finally releasing his solo album T.O.M. (Tears Of Memory) a tribute to overcoming many hardships, Lil-O stands to follow in the footsteps of other Cov Records projects such as their Turf Unity project which received a “Best of The Bay” award from East Bay Express.
