PRESTO

Whenever Presto, the filipino rapping phenom, hits the stage at any venue, expect a show with nothing but energy. In just a year, he has developed a fan base from here to his native North Carolina. Presto covers the gamut. His talent does not discriminate. Just when the anticipation reached what seemed like its peak, the 5’5” dynamo walks out on stage, calm and confident as always. But when he grabs the mic and starts, that's a whole new monster. Lyrics from what appears to be the fans’ favorite tune, Hustla’s Anthem. The “Anthem,” as Presto refers, is a track about what else? Hustlin’, but not the type of hustlin’ most would think. The song is about hope and going for what you feel is rightfully yours in a legitimate way, staying true to himself and not spitting what you would expect a street rapper would normally say. It’s inspirational and the crowd goes even more ballistic when Presto spits the most popular line from the track, “You can go back in my childhood and trace like stencils, kindergarten hustlin’ bubblegum and pencils.” That’s deep to those of them who are just trying to make ends meet and those who are one pay check from being evicted. Presto says, "I think like Lupe Fiasco when he says, 'don't chase the now, chase the next...' "
Presto, (Alvin Presto) was born and raised in North Carolina, Presto is on his way to becoming one of the top artists in the hip hop game. “I'm in it for the long run. I don’t want to be a one hit wonder, here today, gone tomorrow. I want this to be for life.” Having served the US Air Force for four years, he now has his sights on embarking on a new career, one of which he has always been passionate, entertainment. He graduated from high school at the tender age of 16. He earned a partial scholarship to a university but opted to go into the military because he did not want to burden his parents for college funds. “I have seen so many cats graduate from college and are broke for a long time after. I wasn’t trying to go through that and for what I want to do, it's not really necessary to have a PhD. Maybe one day I will go, but right now I am focused on bringing some new old flavor to hip hop.” At the early age of 11, Presto began writing poetry and writing down the lyrics of some of his favorite songs with the intention of memorizing. “I don’t know, writing was and still is mad therapeutic for me.” It was a natural progression when he began putting beats under some of his poems.”
Ever the ambitious planner, Presto decided that after his time with the Air Force, he was going to Hollywood where opportunities are infinite. In 2006, Presto stepped foot on the soil of Los Angeles and hasn’t stopped since. He secured a personal manager in record time and has been fortunate enough to have done commercials, short films and countless other projects. “Every day I do something to assist with the advancement of my career, taking classes, reading a book, just studying my craft. My philosophy is strive to keep striving. Never give up on what "you" want to do and when you do get there, never forget where you came from.” I'm not cocky but I'm confident that I'm going to make it in this crazy industry we call show biz. Thats my word and my word is my bond”
Not bad for a guy who started his recording career out of a trailer-home closet back in North Carolina. Don’t sleep, Presto is definitely on his way.