The Infidel

Born in Evansville, IN, Gregory Van Leer Jr. a.k.a. The Infidel is a lyrical technician. He strongly believes that substance is more important than image and gimmicks. His delivery is eloquent, forceful, unique and refreshing. The Infidel has a history in music going back to his mother's (Barbara) band Flightline which was managed by his father (Greg Sr.). At the age of 3 he was surrounded by musicians often sitting in on rehearsal sessions. The Infidel quickly learned to play the drums. To this day he can drop a hot beat at moments notice. At age 5 The Infidel moved with his family to Los Angeles, CA because that's where you needed to go if you wanted your band to have a chance a stardom. Although Flightline was cleared for takeoff, the flight was ultimately grounded. At a young age The Infidel learned how ruthless the music industry can be. However, he would not forget the journey. Part of the journey was meeting celebraties. Flashback to 1981 and picture yourself at your mother's birthday party and Ron Glass from 'Barney Miller' shows up. Now picture yourself meeting Bookman from 'Good Times' whom your mother had the pleasure of singing a duet with at a show. Then picture yourself at a recording studio on Venice Beach. Now imagine meeting Bumps Blackwell one of the most influential producers in the music business at that time. Fast forward to 1988 and an old band member shows up to your house and picks up your brother's alto sax and plays theme song for 'Dennis the Menace'. His name was Charles Green and his name is on the credits at the end of the cartoon. The Infidel continued to explore music and joined his jr. high band and learned how to play the trombone. The Infidel was always a hip-hop fan. He would listen to LL Cool J, Run DMC, NWA, Beatie Boys, Erik B. And Rakim and KDAY (AM1580) while doing his chores around the house. He and his brother Rhashidi would spend weekends in Compton and record raps. The Infidel was the beat-box while his brother and homey Rick would freestyle. It wasn't until high school when The Infidel started to write lyrics. He would usually write about a topic he had an issue with. He would always find a way to incorporate hip-hop into his class projects in high school. In his senior year at Woodbury HS (MN), The Infidel, his brother Rhashidi and cousins Aaron and Andres formed the group NDR and stole the show at the 1993 Winterfest Talent Show. The Infidel earned a football scholarship at the University of Wyoming and was a four year starter in the Cowboy secondary. While in college The Infidel could always be found writing a new verse or freestyling amongst his peers. In 1996 he hooked up with a few of his friends and began recording tracks on a karaoke machine. This allowed him to sharpen his delivery because he was able to evaluate himself after each session. He was motivated by the criticism he received. He turned negativity into positive energy. His writing and delivery progressively blossomed. Known as GVL or King Leer, The Infidel connected with K-Wood a former college teammate and best friend. The two were kindred spirits when it came to hip-hop. They were able to feed off each other to turn out great music. The Infidel earned a degree in Broadcasting in 1998 and later played a few seasons of indoor football. The Infidel has performed at various venues in the Twin Cities including the Red Sea Bar and can be heard on KTTB (B96) spitting a hot 16 for Summit Academy OIC. Whether its deep content, substance, refreshing punchlines and metaphors beyond the norm, The Infidel will always deliver. He can eduacte the masses via club banger. He easily paints a vivid picture by bringing you into his mind as he provides you a first-hand look at the world as he sees it. Always the ladies man, The Infidel definitely makes them feel the way they're supposed to through his music. The Infidel's stage presence commands the attention of everyone within the reach of his voice. The Infidel is the complete package.