Album Notes

Atllas, born Lloyd Hopkins, in Denver, Colorado, is the second of three children. His mother moved to Phoenix, Arizona in the early 1990's to pursue better opportunities.

Growing up - music wasn't the first love for Atllas. His aspirations were to play in the NBA along side Michael Jordan. It was the early works of rap star Method Man along with young rap and hip hop groups Kriss Kross and Another Bad Creation that served as his early musical influences.

While thoughts of college and corporate careers occupied minds of many high school seniors, Atllas recognized that writing and performing his music was what he wanted to pursue. The music group he started at Maryvale High School began booking shows and performing all over the Phoenix metropolitan area.

When the group broke up, Atllas had saved enough money to book a little studio time so that he could lay his lyrics and his tracks to disc.

Atllas credits his family and his core group of friends aptly named the Phoenix Sector as being the people who made him believe he could be successful as an entertainer. Atllas says, "It's the instant response," from the people toward his music that is also a key to his belief.

When asked what artist or artists he listens to and draws a musical inspiration from, Atllas is quick to name rap mega star Jay-Z. For Atllas, he sees a little of Jay-Z in himself. "Jay-Z had a rough road, the rejections and the difficulties in getting recording labels to hear his music too. But I push on, it's just a matter of time.

"Competition is my greatest motivation," says Atllas. "Listening to other artists and watching them blow up is great. I want that, I'm going to be that person!" That's apart of what drives Atllas to success.

Atllas classifies his music as hip hop soul. It's the essence of old school funk and modern day story telling. He has played to live audiences in club dates throughout Phoenix and beyond. He has opened for acts such as Cappadonna, Boot Camp Click, P. Diddy, Ludacris, Ruff Endz, and Xzibit among others.

His talents on the turn tables have allowed him to work with artists like DJ Quik and the Nappy Roots when they come to town. Atllas hopes to work with noted artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Jay-Z to name a few.

Atllas likes to think ahead about his music, "I want to be lasting. I want the hits, but I want something deeper. I never want to be thought of as a fad or a trend. I want to leave something for generations."

Atllas a new voice on the Hip Hop music scene. With his strong edgy lyrics, hard hitting beats, and powerful determination, there is little doubt that Atllas is on his way.