On September 1, 1988 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Robert Damian Andrew Rivera was born. Now known as Damien Rivera, he has recently taken his first steps towards accomplishing his dreams on becoming a known and respected artist. Born to a young mother who struggled to provide for her children, he now strives to return the favor, no longer allowing his past to wither his future. Soon after his parents divorce Damien lost touch with his father and their inconsistent relationship left Damien without a stable figure. His mother did her best to be both a mother and a father, knowing the importance a man plays in a young boy's life. She became a role model for both of her children. Living in one of the most underprivileged parts of Holyoke, MA a seed was planted and there was an artist was in the making in apartment 5c. At the age of seven Damien was first introduced to the world of hip hop as his uncle (Alex Caraballo) would freestyle as they overlooked a gritty alley way. The fluid rhythmic stream of words sparked interest in a young inspired child who at that moment decided that that was the path he wanted to take. "I thought it was the coolest shit ever! I would always ask him to rap it was simply amazing to me, I knew at that point that that's what I wanted to do." Soon after he began writing his own lyrics and performing his own freestyle raps, but it wasn't until the 7th grade that he on stage and performed for a large audience at a school talent show. Although the outcome didnt work in his favor, the disappointment did not detour him, it would only reinforce his love for performing. He would later go on to attend the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School in South Hadley, MA and perform countless shows in front of live audiences that ranged from 30 second to 55 minute performances. On November 22, 2003 tragedy would strike when one of Damien's best friends, Daniel Edward Sullivan, was found dead under a bridge in West Brookfield MA. The cause of his death was reported to Damien as unknown. Suffering a large amount of pain due to the loss of his friend, Damien was left with no choice having made a promise to Danny before his passing, to kick his rapping into hyper mode and make something of himself. Damien found guidance in his newly found mentor and friend Mugsy in 2004 after an intense battle amalgamated the two. With Mugsy's guidance Damien was able to hold on to his dream. With no progress on a rap career, his high school graduation right around the corner, and no interest in college, Damien decided to pick up arms and join the United States Air Force. Only while he was away on duty did Damien fall back in love with rapping and writing lyrics. 4th Down Records is now the present and the future, making the decision to sign with them an easy one. The up and coming label, headed by Hip Hop great and mentor Mugsy -aka- The Fifth, is slated to release his debut album in winter of 2007. The aforementioned Album, entitled "Shall We Begin", will recap his entire life and begin a new. The album will introduce Damien to the rap world as the kid who struggled to make it as a rapper, and the kid who turned into a man by is own hard learned lessons. The man who is known today as Damien Rivera.