Cav’lier, a multifaceted artist with roles spanning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and graphic designer, has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Born into a military family in Kentucky, Cav’lier’s journey began in the Norfolk/VA Beach area where he fell in love with hip-hop’s no-nonsense, brutally honest approach, drawing inspiration from groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A., as well as the Beastie Boys. His diverse musical influences, ranging from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to Linkin Park, laid the groundwork for his eclectic style.
While in VA Beach, Cav’lier joined the Bayside Middle School band, playing the trumpet and writing his first rap song. The move back to Kentucky, just before his freshman year of high school, marked the beginning of his foray into recording, engineering, and production. In 2002, he founded Hunted Down Music Group with his cousin GETSOME, positioning himself as a creative force within the group. His involvement extended beyond hip-hop, collaborating with metal bands like Broken Shrine and Above All, showcasing his versatility in both production and musical performance.
Cav’lier’s musical journey involved stints in various now-defunct groups, including Urban Souljahz, Criminal Mindz, Drama Boyz, Dirty South Alliance, and Tha Unfadablez. His influences, ranging from rap legends like Twista to rock icons like Rage Against the Machine, fueled the evolution of his lyrical, Midwest-inspired southern hip-hop style. Noteworthy collaborations with artists like Krizz Kaliko, Stevie Stone, and Juicy J underscored his impact on the industry.
An Iraq War veteran, Cav’lier’s commitment to music persevered through military service. His dedication to learning production skills, playing keyboards, and refining his delivery culminated in his current role as a key figure in HDMG. In 2023, he is immersed in finalizing the HDMG anthology albums, contributing to solo projects, and working on his own solo album. Cav’lier’s journey reflects over two decades of resilience, learning, and an unwavering passion for music.
