TEF XL, aka TEF, is a business executive with deep roots as a hip-hop artist, promoter and social activist. Native of Jacksonville, Florida, his music draws inspiration from 80s and 90s rap, crafted with modern melodic hints of neo-soul and enveloped in smart and socially conscious lyricism.
TEF grew up in Talladega, Alabama, learning how to beatbox while in elementary school and began writing lyrics at the young age of 12. As an ambitious but misguided adolescent, TEF submerged himself in the destructive street life that led to troubling experiences he had to learn from. Over time and many hard lessons, it was through the mentoring of a few OG’s that TEF was inspired to elevate from thuggery to a bigger purpose. TEF would go on to graduate with a Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) as a symbol of that purpose.
TEF partnered with his friend and musical collaborator Christopher “WAX” Hines to form the pioneering hip hop group EAST UNIT as well as became a music promoter in Jacksonville. In partnership with others, they would bring some of the biggest names in music to their local scene, including Notorious B.I.G., OutKast, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Naming Jay-Z, Rakim, Jeezy, and Kendrick Lamar as his influences, TEF XL will be releasing his debut album CODE SWITCH in 2022, an audio-biographical depiction of the socioeconomic and relationship-based circumstances the artist has overcome during his life to realize his dreams, from teenager to street entrepreneur to Fortune 500 business executive.
