True Story Of An Up And Coming Rapper From The Hood
Young Nino is not only up and coming, but he knows where he's going. Compton Jermone Banks, now known as Young Nino is an 20-year-old rapper and the creator of the popular Oak Cliff, That's My Hood hook.
"At age 18, this young man has overcome things that would have set a lot of 30-year-olds back," said his manager. Young Nino has taken strides to turn his life around. One major change the young artist made was in those with whom he associates. "…He's surrounded himself with positive people; like Skip, Young Bleed, E-Blast and Z-Roe,"
Young Nino, who was born and raised in Oak Cliff, describes his childhood as "dysfunctional" saying that his father has been out of his life since he was 12-years-old. And despite the fact that his mother was still around, he credits his grandmother, Doris Robison and his aunt, Gina Williams with raising him and his two brothers and four sisters. His aunt passed away in 2000, followed by the passing of his grandmother in 2004.
Additionally, Young Nino said he has had "replacement fathers" who have stepped in to make a difference. Among those, he says he is especially thankful to Dr. Gather Williams, a former recording artist. He said is also grateful to local radio personality Skip Cheatum, of K104.5 FM for being a strong, positive male role model.
"I think he's a phenomenal young man. He's very talented and has a lot of stick-to-it-ness. And that will carry him further in life than just talent. I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to get to know him and mentor him," said Williams, who was once a singer with Out Front, which was signed to the record label of Chris Jasper. Jasper is a former Isley Brother and popular for his solo Super Bad.
At an early age, Young Nino loved music and knew he wanted to perform on stage. At age 8 or 9, he entered a talent show presented by his elementary school, where he sang R. Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly and won first place.
At age 12, Young Nino dreamed of being one of the No Limit Soldiers and began rapping at age 14. He adopted the name Nino Carleone, or Young Nino, symbolizing the leader or boss of a mafia, or in his case, a rap group. Two years later, he and a few friends, Bo-Leg, Lil Soc, Hot Boy and another young man who also went by the name Nino, formed a rap group. Together they wrote and recorded Oak Cliff, That's My Hood.
Things seemed to be working in favor of the young group; but unfortunately, hard life lessons were just around the corner. In a case of mistaken identity, a police officers attempt to detain Young Nino was followed by a shoot-out, later known as the "West End Shooting." He said that he remembered someone saying, "freeze," having mace sprayed in his face and hearing gunshots. He stated that the initial shot came from a transit police.
Though things did not go as he would have hoped, Young Nino credits David Wells of David's Bail Bond for sticking by him though his legal difficulties and helping where he could. He served two years in juvenile detention; nine months of that time was spent at TYC (Texas Youth Commission).
Young Nino says, "funny thing about those nine months is that it takes nine months for a baby to be born, from conception to creation." And in those nine months, he says he was born again.
"I've been stabbed, someone stole my shoes, spit in my face…all because I preached the word of God," said Young Nino. He had accepted Christ as his Savior at TYC and wanted to spread God's message to those around him.
But while Nino was experiencing these life-changing events, he found himself a victim of identity theft. A close friend of his had taken his name and was performing the Oak Cliff song, as if it were his own.
After Young Nino was released from TYC, he continued performing. However, due to the confusion and controversy, he's only performed the Oak Cliff song four times, though its continued to play on the radio.
"When you speak on Young Nino, you talk about something that's fresh. When I say fresh, I'm not talking about someone that's one minute. I'm talking about when you walk in Albertsons and get milk off the shelf… That fresh," said Cat Daddy of K104 FM. "I think Young Nino comes with a lot of emotions. He raps like someone just stole his bike. He raps like he's trying to eat in a hot wing contest at Fat Macs."
Young Nino has had the opportunity to record with local and national artists, such as: Juvenile, Lazy Bone, Nappy Roots, E-Class and many others.
"Its such an honor to work with Young Bleed, 'cause those are the people that I look up to; Young Bleed, Skip, Zero, Kira Lane, Big Dank, King, Highland Hills Records." Young Nino said.
Recently, he has gone back into the studio to record a new CD in which he has written all of the lyrics and music, claiming his title as "King of the Cliff". According to the young artist, it's going to have an all-star line-up, including the 29-year-old American Idol Twins, Terrell and Derrell Brittenum.
The twins first gained public attention during their American Idol televised audition on Jan 17. The twins were invited to Hollywood and had the opportunity to compete for a second round. They were back in the public eye when Terrell was arrested for identity theft and forgery and a warrant was issued for Derrell.
Eventually they were both jailed and bonded out so that they could continue the American Idol competition. However, the program withdrew their invitation. Both twins have prior arrest records.
When asked why he would want to add these young men to his new CD since he was trying to be a positive influence, he replied, "Because everyone makes mistakes; but we can over come our mistakes."
Young Nino says that he definitely plans to work more with the twins in the future. The new CD is titled The Return of the King, Get Down or Lay Down, Heaven or Hell - Volume 1, which is still in the production phase and does not yet have a release date.
"The Hell side is to get the young people, well all of the people's attention. You have to go through Hell to get to Heaven or you won't appreciate what Heaven has to offer.
"The Heaven side is to let people know that they can pray to God in a different way, not just the traditional way."
Young Nino, now an ordained minister at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, says he's determined to reach young people where they are and let them know that God has a plan for them. He's started his own ministry, THUG, Inc. (Truly Humble Under God) where he brings in celebrities to speak with youth about overcoming struggles.
The King of the Cliff is not one to let his hands become idle. Even with his music career and his ministry to keep him busy, he still holds down a steady job, working the graveyard shift.
"Nino, thats my boy," said Sneak G, who recorded Make a Change with Young Nino and Rocky B on the new CD. "That's a hard working cat right there. He's got talent. He's got tenacity. He won't quit. I really think he's gonna make it. He has the drive."
Dutch, the road manager for Nappy Roots agrees, "He's gonna keep it coming regardless of the haters. He's definitely got something that's gonna pop out of Dallas." Dutch first heard him in a club in Houston. "My boy, DJ Good Grief, played the s---- out of his music."
And for those young ladies who are wondering, yes, HE IS SINGLE.
Young Nino is excited about his future and opportunities are opening up to him. According to his manager, he has received offers from Sony, J Records, Capital, Universal and Too Short. He's also looking to purchase a newly built mansion in Lake Ridge.
Through all of this, Young Nino hopes that his friends and his fans will understand that he's a loving, caring guy, "…a cool cat. I'm not like I use to be," he adds.
"He's a hard worker," said his cousin Lil Tre,KILLA B ANS THE WHOLE TDT who's also a rapper on soon to be released The Return of the TEAM MIXTAPE "He has more class than the average gansta rapper or the stereo type gansta rapper, which will lead him into bigger business ventures, other than just rap…like a clothing line and accessories."
Young Nino says his younger siblings, who look up to him, have also been very supportive of his dreams throughout the years.
Visit www.myspace.com/youngnino-carleone@GMAIL.COM to find out more about Young Nino.
