KEITHFROMUPDABLOCK

Vernon Keith Ruffin Jr. better known as " Keith from up DA block", was born on May 30th, 1976 .The Year of the Dragon. It is believed that people born in this period are very innovative and creative. Maybe this ancient Chinese philosophy explains the level of talent Keith possesses.Keith was raised in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia in a three-bedroom house with 10 people. That's one sister and seven cousins. Keith's Father was a Naval Shipman and ran a successful after-hours in the basement of the house. When Keith was a toddler he would often sneak down the steps and mock artist like Rick James and Sugerhill Gang. It was at that early age that he started to love the attention associated with performing.As a child Keith was a burst of energy and fun. And family reunions and picnics you could always find Keith entertaining by making goofy faces and funny dances for family members. When his Parents separated, Keith's mother began working full time. Realizing that she wouldn't have time to spend with her children, she made sure that Keith was involved in many activities. He sang on the church choir and attended a local dance school were he studied tap-dance for four years.In school Keith was an Academics Plus class clown with an above average reading level. He dreamed of being the next Eddie Murphy or Billy Dee Williams. In the eighth grade his English teacher recommended that he apply to study Drama at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. Keith jumped at the opportunity. He applied, auditioned and was accepted.Keith adapted to Performing Arts quickly. He performed in many plays and took an interest in Television Production. He wrote and directed plays and music videos for local recording artist. He joined an improvisational theatre company (whom he is still doing comedy improvisation with to this day). Keith also began rapping and could be found in the hallways battling students.The competitive spirit of the school only motivated him to do better. He hosted a television program on a local Fox affiliate. He even starred in a Kriss Kross music video. All of this before the age of seventeen. When he graduated in 1994 he was awarded the coveted " Best Dramatist " award as well as being voted " Best Actor " in his senior yearbook.After High School, Keith attended the Art Institute where he studied Video..Film Production. He continued to audition and record music. He landed another T.V host gig in 1997 for a local High School sports show. Keith also started performing stand up on the open Mic at several comedy clubs. It was that year that a two-year internship for a regional video show would turn into the opportunity of a lifetime.Keith became the correspondent host of Urban X-pressions: a celebrated music video show that had been on the air for five years. Under the stage name " KEITH FROM UP DA BLOCK"; he hosted live and taped segments with energy, humor, creativity and talent. He interviewed, on numerous occasions, many of the top stars of hip hop and R and B. Keith always made sure that his interviews were fun and innovative so they would stand apart from national cable and radio interviews. In 1999 Keith was promoted to Host/Creative Director. Not only did he host segments and interview artist, he wrote, directed and acted in more than half of the hilarious commercials during the breaks.I want you to consider an actor who is well trained in the art of production, a rap lyricist with the ability to dance and hold a note, a video show host with eight years of comedy improvisational experience, and a director who truly understands many aspects of good performance. Now pick up the KEITH FROM UP DA BLOCK reel and put it in your VCR. Sits back and be entertained. Laugh out loud. After you are finished watching, call some of your friends in Philly and ask them if they have ever heard of " The Co Co Complected Charismatic Kid…KEITHFROMUPDABLOCK.*** Urban X-pression has won three Billboard Magazine awards for best R and B/Hip hop Regional show in the country