SXSW 2012

When Stephen Harris aka ST 2 Lettaz met David Williams aka Yung Clova at the Boys and Girls Club in Athens, Alabama, they never imagined they would come together to form the rap duo known as G-Side. Clova grew up in Box Alley, an area known for heavy crime and drug activity; while ST grew up in Acklen Hill, a street apart from Box Alley which was also heavy in crime and drug activity. Both young men endured many hardships in their childhoods, and yet found an outlet to give them a positive outlook to stay motivated despite the odds surrounding them. Clova endured poverty and dealt with family members struggling with issues such as drug abuse and the black southern experience; while ST endured poverty and homelessness, which eventually led to him being in the foster care system for three years, until he was able to return to his family. The two young men, alike had no strong father figures in their lives, to make matters worse; ST lost his mother to thyroid cancer when he was 15 years old; nevertheless, through the struggles, pain, and adversities they endured in their childhoods. They were empowered to do something affirmative with their lives. In 1999, ST and Clova began to write, rap, and perform together as G-Side.

—From G-Side Myspace page