Lil Crime, born Jerel Yankaway, was raised in (Wilson) Arkansas by his wonderful parents, JT and Nancy. He has been a hip hop fanatic since his childhood days growing up listening to his favorites of all time (Scarface and Ice Cube).In March 1997, Lil Crime wrote his very first poem “Slave Scars and Stars†as a get rich quick scheme. He then began to write more and more poems with the idea to publish a book called, Poetic Inspirations, which recollects his reconciliations made with himself and God as a result from learning the lessons life has to teach on a daily basis. Lil Crime orchestrated his poetry into songs, and recorded “Can You Dig It?†and “Lil Crime†before he graduated in May 1999 from the University of Central Arkansas. He would then put his music on hold and refocus his efforts into his career as a computer programmer. Within a few years, Lil Crime became frustrated with Corporate America, and decided it was time to pursue his passion for music and rhythmic prose.In 2001, Lil Crime had four poems commercially recorded at Capitol Records studio in Hollywood, CA. “Still I Dream†and “The Fruit of My Tree†were recorded at Amerecord and featured on the album, Star Route, USA. Poems “Bubble†and “The Only Way Left†were recorded at HillTop Records, and featured on the albums, Glory and In the Beginning respectively. November 2002, Lil Crime received a Poet of Merit Award in Los Angeles, CA from the International Society of Poets for recognition of his poetic works.With no strategic plan or budget, Lil Crime was forced back into the workforce. After several failed attempts to work with other underground producers in the Memphis area, Lil Crime then decided that he needed his own recording equipment in order to be more competent and versatile in the industry. In 2005, his career would begin to turn for the better when his father (JT) helped him purchase his own recording studio. He went on to audition for Bad Boy Records in a seminar/talent showcase held in Memphis, TN. Even though Lil Crime was not signed, he still found the experience very helpful and motivating.Lil Crime is set to release his debut album, Arkantennessippi, which includes 17 tracks written and produced by himself, and he also has his sophomore album, Big Expectations sitting on deck. He has produced a spoken word album, Spoken Heat, which contains poems from his two books Poetic Inspirations, and his yet to release second collection of poems, Poetic Thoughts. Lil Crime’s single “Arkantennessippi†will be featured on the My Way Yo Way Midwest Edition compilation album organized by No Limit Records platinum recording artist, Mr. Serv On, and DJ PC, a 94.3 FM DJ out of Flint, MI.Lil Crime has grown to become a well-rounded individual in the past years, and is determined more than ever to make the best possible business moves. As the growth continues, Lil Crime is set to take his music career and most importantly his life to realms unknown to mankind.
