Billion

Billion is a hip-hop producer and artist born in Nicaragua and raised in Hialeah, Miami. He begins recording and performing at 16, after being inspired by Wu-Tang Clan, the Beastie Boys and Jay-Z.

Early work and groups

He first performs with South P.O.E., a Miami rap trio with Lucky Luck and the late Endo. He later moves to New York City and studies at Parsons School of Design, where he also works as a photographer.

In New York he helps form Piranhas Band, an eclectic hip-hop group that builds a following through performances at venues including S.O.B.’s and The Knitting Factory, as well as an appearance on Telemundo 47’s morning news show Primera Edicion.

Releases

Billion releases his debut album, The Unwritten Chapters, on Kwality Records in 2004. He later releases The I-95 EP and the companion mixtape I-95 Highway Ridin’, featuring Billion and his core circle alongside independent artists from cities across the East Coast. He produces many of the tracks on the mixtape himself.

Style and activity

His work combines rapping and production, with a focus on both lyrics and beats. He is also associated with the album SPF Dirty.