A clover is usually referred to as a symbol of luck and good fortune, when speaking about the rapper Clov you're talking about hard work and struggles. While each differs in the journey they share the same destination, success. And while Shawn Spraggs. (Clov) is familiar with the latter version of the thought he is set to reach the same endpoint. Born on September 10, 1985 in the dangerous and poor ghetto of Johnstown, Jamaica he experienced many of the hardships that life has to offer. By the age of five he and his family were lucky enough to secure a visa and chase the American white picket fence dream; however harsh reality set in and they were forced to live in a 3 bedroom apartment with 12 other people until a better situation evolved. Growing up in Newark, N.J. was not the easiest transition for a young man. Perennially known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, Clov consistently found himself in numerous scraps with the law, catching cases in both New York and his hometown. By the age of 13 he started to adopt rap as his new form of expression but after a 2000 charge Clov decided to start putting pen to paper seriously and use music as a means to soothe the proverbial beast within him. Studying musical influences such as New Jersey staples Naughty by Nature and The Fugees especially Lauren Hill, Clov dived head first into the world of music. But the inspiration of his very own mother showed him that he could achieve whatever goal he set his mind on. Watching her go from poor immigrant to earning her nursing degree inspired him to work doubly hard.
This dedication spawned the first mix tape "Showtime (Dreams of Being Famous". A project that not only introduced the world to Clov but also exhibited a level of versatility that is rare in most artist nowadays let alone new ones. Tracks like "High off my Music" and "Cause I Hustle" showed the different skills that this neophyte posses. Not one to rest on his laurels he followed that up with the "Bars from Mars" series volume 1. A series of mix tapes where he adeptly rhymes over the beats of major artist from Drake, to Lil' Wayne, to Jay-Z.
Musically, Clov is trying to go above and beyond where his music will simply be heard everywhere. While his goals are lofty in his mind they are very attainable he wants CLOV to be a household name where it's talked about in barbershops, schools and even at the dinner table. Ever the changed youth from his days of seeing people shot trying to achieve kingpin dreams this young man is not really focused on the fortune right now, because as he feels that comes with the fame but none of it comes without dedication.
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