We often see people opting for the wrong path and destroying their lives in the process. However, rarely do we see individuals who turn their lives around and evolve their pain into creativity. Emerging artist Michael Nunez is one such individual whose life took a 180-degree turn only because he mustered up the strength to transform his life for the best.
Today, Michael Nunez, more popularly known as L-OH-L, is a rapper whose peppy numbers have reached thousands of people all around the world. In a span of just one year, his talent and rapping skills have been recognized, proving his mettle in this cutthroat industry. However, apart from his talent, the story behind his success has been majorly inspirational for his fans.
Originally from Louisiana, Michael discovered his passion for music when he was only 8 years old. He would often stand in front of the mirror and rap away while holding a brush. He was so passionate and confident that he once declared to his mother that his future was in music and that he would one day become a known rapper.
Little did he know that life had something else planned for him, and he would face many struggles before attaining success in the music industry. L-OH-L grew up fighting for the country as he enrolled in the army, but his mission as a savior ended once he became disabled during the war in Iraq.
After experiencing such a tragedy, Michael Nunez found himself drifting towards drugs, gangs, and a life of crime. “I was a thief and a murderer. I was a horrible human being with money as my only care,” he shares. “But God changed me. He found me in a cell and changed my heart. I am proof that the Gospel is real and that God can save anybody,” he adds.
Once he served his time in prison, he was incarcerated in 2018. He then started to focus on his life, his role as a single father, and his music. According to the rapper, he never let go of his love for music during the time he was involved in criminal activities. Even when he was homeless and a meth addict, people around him would listen to his rap and freestyle. He would even donate plasma to pay for studio time.
“I went through many shootouts, deaths, and overdoses just to finally figure out who I am,” he reveals. “Today, I am a part of a prison ministry called Convicted to Conquer. I am also currently enrolled in Hallmark University in hopes of a Business Management Degree.”
Unfortunately, turning over a new leaf was not the end of L-OH-L’s problems, and neither was entering the music industry an easy task. At the beginning of his career, he faced a lot of discrimination and racism for being white. He was often told, ‘you are okay for a white boy’, but nothing could bring him down. In fact, he believes that many from the industry are often jealous of what someone else brings to the table and are quick to shut the door behind them.
No matter how many people discouraged him, L-OH-L remained strong. He continued working hard, and all his efforts finally paid off when one of his first five singles ended up on FM radio.
“Now I make healing music. Peaceful music about leaving the streets and drugs behind,” says the talented rapper. “I love seeing people connect with my music.”
Apart from simply creating music and earning money, Michael Nunez is focused on making a difference by contributing to the community. For instance, a recent tour of his, called Punchlines and Parables, ended up being a prison tour with Convicted 2 Conquer. He performed in front of hundreds of prisoners to give them hope that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
“My music is for everyone, including gangsters, prostitutes, killers, and addicts,” L-OH-L stresses. “If you make it out and don’t give back, you are a coward.”
As for making it big in the industry, the rapper believes it is crucial to avoid being so hard on yourself. “Just be you. If it’s God’s will, no one on earth can stop you,” he concludes.
