One might wonder how Robert Strawder, Jr., also known as, Tha Vegas Don, as well as, Straw- got the reputation of a treacherous persona. Let’s just call him Straw for now, who is no stranger to the life of a “G” or the game of entertainment, particularly hip-hop/R&B music that's created from the core of his existence.
In the beginning...
Straw’s mother, his younger brother and three little sisters left the mean streets of South Central L.A. and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when he was just 5 years old. This strong -willed youngster, without a doubt, rebelled against the whole situation/world, which quickly turned his single mother on some unexpected concerns toward her oldest son. Straw’s determination to rule Donna Street became evident. That area is on the North side, and for those that visit Vegas, could not fathom the unexpected in that part of town.
On top of living by the underground code of hustling by any means necessary and during the war on drugs- crack era, the same issues that touched on Tupac’s mother and her struggles, also affected Straw’s mother- in addition to other members of his family. Straw grew relentless and tirelessly in representing the tradition of a gang mindset that extended throughout his circle, as well as the neighborhood.
It’s not worth it...
It finally hit “Tha Vegas Don,” he got a big break! After that last brush with the Las Vegas Police, Straw snatched the term “sick and tired of being sick and tired," which meant getting paid differently- hip-hop or in prison? We all heard this story before, however, Robert Strawder, Jr. channeled his strength in writing nothing but bittersweet, real to heal rhymes - plus producing the hippest artist, while moving and grooving on a constant straight path. The fakers, not to mention the hidden haters, and those wanting to be down with “Tha Vegas Don” all came out of the wood works. Obviously, that fueled Straw’s fire positively; he decided to open the first Black- owned recording studio in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Now what?
Being in charge comes natural for Straw; nevertheless, he enjoyed being around optimistic pioneers like Russell Simmons, Cherrelle Ike Turner, Jr. and Alexander O’Neal. Straw became unstoppable- he formulated independently in ‘99, what is now known as DBLOCC RECORDS. DBLOCC appropriately symbolizes where he’s from; in addition, Straw is always on the grind in perfecting his own entertainment organization, with emphasis to lead by example on how to treat others with the utmost respect in this "watch your back," yet lucrative music industry.
In fact, Straw initiated a non-profit foundation entitled “Believe You Can Achieve," focusing on the reach one -teach one viewpoint. Straw stated, “these kids need an upbeat role model from the hood that’s been where they are. I know what’s going on at home for some of them, so I can try to stop a lot of the kids that may be on their way to doing something they have no business doing-before they even think about it.”
Stepping stones...
“Straw furthered his reach as an entertainment entrepreneur when he teamed with Ron Garret, the General Manager of the Greek Isles Casino in Las Vegas to promote the first hip-hop act on the Vegas strip. In ’01 to ’03, Straw produced and directed Audacity Entertainment, a television show on Las Vegas local network UPN. Back then, this weekly show highlighted local artists and served as a vehicle for promoting area concerts and venues. Straw business ventures included modeling for Steve Harvey Suits, along with Ecko and Boff.” Reference from Tha Vegas Don Biography,
DBLOCC RECORDS continued in capitalizing on connections that just became mind-boggling. “According to the year '03 a multimillion deal with IRiver MP3 Players, each MP3 player was prepackaged with Straw’s single, “City To City” in video and MP3 formats, featuring Shock G from the legendary group Digital Underground. The MP3 players were sold in major markets nationwide. Matter of fact, Straw released and executive produced three albums; in ’00,“Livin In The Negative,” ’03, “Peep Game”, and in ’04, “MouthPiece, along with “Game Rules.” These hits had outstanding, independent success.” Reference from Tha Vegas Don Biography.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2st5d2I5SA
Alright, now the image should be vivid enough to realize that Robert Strawder, Jr., aka, Tha Vegas Don, aka Straw, is an exceptional- talented, lyrically versatile individual, with non-fictional street credibility. In other words, this isn't, by no means made up; Straw didn’t take a pimp, hustler or gangster's name, nor worked at your fast food chain, and never was a security officer-Straw went from the streets to the beats!
Click on the link above to hear for yourself about his modeling experiences, which led to his up and coming clothing line.
On top of being a smart artist, Straw’s been in the wide range of entertainment for over 15 years. Straw has collaborated with many hip-hop national recording artists, like Shock G, Spice 1 and Mr. Cheeks just to put it out there. Straw’s latest album release, “Bringn U Tha Bizness” is produced by Grammy Award Winning producer Vudu Spellz with the single “Late Night Creepin," which is in rotation on The Soul School Station of Las Vegas, Nevada- FM Power 88.1. And as a result, the buzz of that particular single (Late Night Creepin) is getting the attention in FM stations throughout the city, and throughout the coast. These days, Straw caught the attention of Bobby Bessone, CEO of Entertainment Artist Nashville; for that reason, enough should be said.
Keep your eyes and ears open for the video release party, (Late Night Creepin) along with "Strictly Foe Tha Streetz" mixtape throwdown, hosted by DJ Vudu Spellz and DJ Charlie C., to be held right in Sin City. Also, soon and very soon, Straw's "Strictly Foe Tha Streetz Energy Drink," and "Tha Vegas Don Clothing Line," etc.. All these products and more are coming soon!
Robert Strawder, Jr. has been down this road before with money, big houses, cars and just being a star. Straw said, “in spite of it all, most people would say something like they wouldn’t change anything, that’s a joke. Yea right, some artists got so much money and still don’t have a clue of what’s really going on; I know what’s up. So many of my running partners got life in prison or dead, it would have been just a matter of time for me- because karma is a bitch. I really got too much to do."
Read what was missed on: http://dbloccrecords.com/dblocc.php
Straight from the heart of Straw.
Paste the below address into your browser to hear an interview on 88.1 KCEP
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1254142985/431b6f262b873a2815c630288a3c31fa
DBLOCC RECORDS-Las Vegas, Nevada
702.358.6915
For booking information:
702.810.5808
Follow Straw online:
www.facebook.com/strawthavegasdon
www.reverbnation.com/strawthavegasdon
