Lef Koast (formerly known as $antiago)
web: myspace.com/lefkoast
email: lefkoast@yahoo.com
phone: 510.472.0349
Background & Portfolio:
Lef Koast's father, Santiago A. Gonzalez, III was born in Tampa, FL. Born of Afro-Cuban decent. He became a Salsa and merengue percussionist, song writer, film and stage actor, screenwriter and self-motivational book-writer. A Xavier University alum, as well as Lef Koast's mother's father. He starred in the 1976 made for T.V. movie, "I'm A Fool" starring accomplished film Ron Howard, of the 1970's T.V. sitcom "Happy Days" and . He guest appeared on the hit T.V. shows "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons", starred in many broadway musicals and was an active member in several calypso bands, in Las Vegas and San Francisco, including "The Senators". When Lef Koast was 4 months old, his father passed away, leaving the legacy in his hands. His uncle Kary K. Taylor Jr., is also a Afro-Cuban percusionist. His work is best known on the Rumba Calzada album "Generations", as percussionist and drummer for the Vancouver based salsa band. He frequently stands in as percussionsit, for many local Vancouver salsa bands.
Lef Koast started playing on the piano when he was 5 years old, picked up lessons at age 7, learned the basics of drums in a drumming rhythms class at age 10, started writing his own lyrics and rapping when he was 14, learned to make instrumental beats on keyboards when he was 17 (self-taught) and has been an active musician, song writer, studio engineer, self-promoter, graphic artist and producer ever since.
Lef Koast is a natural in the studio and on stage and has performed with numerous hip hop acts over the past decade, including: Luniz, Souls Of Mischief, Andre Nickatina, Mobfigaz, Dru Down, San Quinn, Mister F.A.B., Dope Game, Brotha Lynch Hung, Luni Coleone, Certified Riders, One Drop Scott, Hittaz On The Payroll, Assassin, The Gamblaz, Goodfelonz, Se7en17, The 925az, No Mercy Records, Big R.O.B., Get Low Records, Isaac The Blackmale, Bay Area Natives Presents, SBC D.J.'s, E Money Presents, Bottom Of The Basement Presents and many more. Lef Koast records regularly in long-time collaborator, Demonceie's studio, as well as his own and is currently studying Recording Arts and Computer Science at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Ca. He has a wife Balinda, a son named Santiago V and a daughter named Brianna.
Career Objectives:
Lef Koast is looking to sign a lucrative deal, with a major record label, first and foremost. We are also looking to establish management representation and booking agents, eager to work with a hard-working, self-motivated, talented new artist. Lef Koast's music is self-published and owned through Knockinationz Media, LLC.
Industry Affiliates:
Artists affiliated with Lef Koast and Knockinationz Media include: Demonceie "Da Monsta" - Artist/Producer/Engineer (S.F. Bay Area, Ca), The 925az (Kwamdocious and Teak Ortiz) - Artists/Engineer (S.F. Bay Area, Ca), Big Robbery - Artist (S.F. Bay Area, Ca), Isaac The Blackmale - Event Promoter/Local Rappers Union (S.F. Bay Area, L.A., Ca), Gregory B., Gold Hands - Producer (Italy, Sacramento, S.F. Bay Area, Ca), Loy Wentworth - Producer (S.F. Bay Area, Ca), Victor Repizo - Video Producer/Director (L.A., S.F. Bay Area, Ca), Biaje - Artist/Label Owner (Oakland, Ca), Infamous - Artist (S.F. Bay Area, Ca), Tone Tucka - Artist (Oakland, Stockton, Ca)
Musical Influences:
Too $hort, 2pac, Brotha Lynch Hung, Bob Marley, E-40, George Clinton, Stevie Wonder, N.W.A, The Luniz, Mac Dre, DMX, Wu Tang Clan, Rage Against The Machine, Anthrax, Public Enemy, The Roots, James Brown, WAR, Tower Of Power, Barrington Levy, Miles Davis...
Published Contributions:
"Infamous - Knock In Da Street" (LP), No Mercy Entertainment, Hitman Records (2005)
"The 925az - God Turns His Eyes" (LP), F.A.M.E. Entertainment (2006)
Discography:
"$antiago - Bad Newz" (LP), Knockinationz Media, LLC (2006)
"DJ Knockinationz - I'm A Thief (mixtape) Starring Lef Koast, Knockinationz Media, LLC (2008)
Videography:
"Nutty Ago (Rip Ya Open)" (Video) - Directed by Vic Repizo - Short Cinema (2005)
"Cali Rudeboy" (Video) - Directed by Vic Repizo - Short Cinema (2006)
Upcoming:
"Lef Koast - Knockturnal" - Knockinationz Media, LLC
"Bay Love" (Video Shoot) Contact: Lef Koast - knockinationz@yahoo.com
** FOR A FEATURED APPEARANCE OR TO SHOW OFF YOUR RIDE IN THE VIDEO **
Call Lef Koast 510.472.0349
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