Cantrell

Cantrell, the rapper from Georgia, moved decisively into a full-time music career after claiming victory in the Converse “Rubber Tracks” song competition, setting aside his earlier commitments to skateboarding and college football. Raised in Albany, Georgia, he spent his childhood skateboarding, participating in sports, and remaining physically active. Although music captured his attention during his teenage years, he prioritized football, which earned him a college scholarship. He ultimately abandoned that path to concentrate on music, uploading early tracks to online platforms and performing live. The contest win proved pivotal, broadening his visibility and securing appearances at South by Southwest. Shortly afterward he encountered Los Angeles producer MiSCHiEF BOY, prompting a relocation to L.A. to develop new material.

That period of transition shaped his debut EP, Stardust 2 Angels, an eight-track project issued in 2018 on Nas’ Mass Appeal imprint. The dreamlike collection introduced Cantrell’s cloudy storytelling style and explored the move from a small hometown to a major city; “Stardust” referred to the local skating rink he left behind for “Angels,” his name for Los Angeles. The following year he issued Devil Never Even Lived, another set of eight songs that highlighted his fluid, melodic approach.