Becoming a successful rapper requires more than a catchy gimmick or a huge diamond necklace; unbelievably it requires patience, skill, and last but not least, actual talent. For twenty-six year old Paul Wall, it all just comes naturally.Paul Wall's rise to fame did not come easily, and making a name for himself required sacrifice, diligence, and hard work. In the wake of Eminem, the most successful Caucasian rapper to date, it was hard for Wall to set himself apart and stand out, especially from fellow southern rappers. His DJ-ing skills and songwriting talents should have made the road easy, but the journey provided to be a difficult, ten-years in the works.
Houston native Paul Wall began his music career like most rappers, performing in local talent shows and music festivals; rapping to anyone and everyone who would listen. In his early teens, he became a street team promoter for Southern rap labels No Limit and Cash Money, and mega-hit label Def Jam, promoting their artists to the locals. His first taste of success came at the youthful age of seventeen when the Texas teen ventured into the jewelry making business. While his peers were partying, Wall was busy customizing "grillz" for local clientele and rappers Lil' Jon, David Banner and Master P. Soon, word got out, his popularity grew, and folks name-dropped his business in their rap songs, making him a household name among the street crowd. Though making "grillz" gave him some notoriety, the aspiring rappers' first love was rocking the mic--a dream that eluded him for years.
