This month, we celebrate and honor songwriter, hip-hop artist, and model, Elbert 'Al Papers' Godoy, in the July 2023 issue of the Love Exquisite Magazine.  Elbert was born in Esperanza Village, Belize, Central America and raised in "The Boogie Down Bronx," New York, which is often referred to as the birthplace of hip-hop, producing some of the 'Greatest', most influential rappers of all time!  So, it is no surprise that hip-hop artists of the future continue to spawn out of New York.  Al Papers grew up living on the 2nd floor of building 1993 Morris Ave 179 St the East Tremont Section of the Bronx below (Grandmaster Melle Mel), Hip-Hop Pioneer lead vocalist and songwriter of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Being inspired by great legends, he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in music, urban art, and entertainment.

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His focus shifted to the left, in his teenage years. The road he traveled presented some challenges, because earlier in his career drugs and violence devoured the Bronx neighborhood in which Al Papers lived.  However, no matter what happened around him, it did not stop his love and enthusiasm for music.  In December 2020, Al Papers began traveling and performing "Still Up" the lead-off of his debut album '81 The Album,' which he dedicated to his Mother, Sylvia A. Godoy.  The album is a beautiful tribute of love and artistical expression surrounding his mother's Homecoming Anniversary in his country of Belize.

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In March 2021, Al Papers traveled from Syracuse, New York to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to participate in an open discussion about gun violence and racial injustice and he shared, "Die Young," a song that he wrote about gun violence. He tragically experienced death over the past (10) years of his life, and instead of succumbing to the life of loss, he channeled his energy into his music.  In Al's music, he delivers raw emotions, versatility, and lyrical prowess flowing on tracks like: "Best Of Me" Feat. 13geez, which is nominated for "Best Male Hip-Hop Music Video" at the 7th Annual Carolina Video Music Awards, and "Your Type" Feat. Gavin Sasser, which shows the depth of his songwriting ability.  His talent continues to allow the opportunity to compete in music competitions world wide. 

 

Al Papers competed for 50K in the "NEXT UP Indie Music Competition," hosted by DJ Khaled in 2022 and placed as one of the finalists. To date, Al Papers has rightfully received his flowers as: 2019 Best of the Best Philly Showcase Finalist, along side of his talented label mate, Ace Porter, as well as the 2020 Philly Hip-Hop Awards Nominee in the People's Choice category, The Syracuse Area Music Awards, also known as Central New York's version of the Grammys, in the People's Choice category in 2020 - 2021. Al Papers is a two time winner of the Southern Entertainment Awards for the 19th Annual Internet Hustler Of The Year in 2022 and the 2023 20th Annual SEA Award Winner for Mixtape Artist Of The Year. The industry certainly recognizes his hard work and talent.  Al Papers also modeled for Hip-Hop Icon Ja Rule's ICONN Clothing Line. 

 

Al Papers is a young man on the rise, his talent, hard work, faith, passion, love for music, and drive makes you pay attention to his mastery, because he is already making his mark in the entertainment industry.  Al Papers is gearing up to release his album, T.R.A.P.  It is our pleasure to honor and celebrate, Elbert 'Al Papers,' Godoy in the July 2023 issue Love Exquisite Magazine.  "Stay Up," King!  Keep Rising!

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Support his music on all music platforms.  You can follow Al Papers on Instagram @apapers and Facebook @ Al Papers (The Paper Boy) 

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By Lynnette Clement