Entertaining has always been a part of his life. Lil Craig was in the church choir at 5 years old, and comes from a long line of gospel singers in his family: His father sings. His mother and her 5 sisters had a group and sang.  His grandfather also was a gospel singer. Even his great grandparents were well known for their musical group.

Lil Craig moved to Ohio in August of 1999 and did a few songs here and there in the studio. He tried hard to get them heard...no one seemed to be listening. When Lil Craig was of age to start going to clubs he gave DJ's his songs on CD to play...but they never played them. He became discouraged, rethinking his "purpose," who he was and what he was doing. Disbelievers were telling Lil Craig that he should "give it up" and find a "plan B". Lil Craig admits that there was a point in time he started to believe them. However, the passion in his heart would not allow him to stop what he was doing.  He could not ignore the dream he was after.

Lil Craig kept writing. Suddenly in 2004, he received a taste of spotlight when the syndicated show American Idol  brought him through to the second round of the preliminary auditions, beating out over 25,000 other hopefuls in that competition.  Years later, in 2010, Lil Craig wrote "Turnin' Me On,'" featuring Danny Wells and Big Mucci of The 71 North Boys.  The EP was featured on a nationally televised program, The Dr. Oz Show!

In 2011 Lil Craig started an album that he wanted to be "raw" and personal. He wanted it to express a very private side of himself, the happy, the sad, the love and passion, that for the most part he kept "secret". That album, The Secret, took until 2012 to complete.  There was a need to create something so beautiful - so perfect - that even his doubters could see that something special was inside of him demanding to be seen. The Secret was written and produced during Lil Craig's time in St. Louis, MO. You can hear the stylizations and beats heavily influenced by the region's unique grit.  At a time in life where love and friends were the stuff of movies, Lil Craig created his label, 2Reel Records.   "4U," a pensive song about a woman in an abusive relationship and a friend who would do anything to save her from a terrible life of abuse and sadness. Lil Craig's first solo venture sold thousands of copies across the country and internationally under his label.  Several songs from this debut album remain crowd favorites still in 2023! 

"One of the joys about working with Lil Craig of 2Reel is his vast array of talent.  He lives to share a story, convey an emotion or compel your spirit, its part of his DNA"  - Lee Westergaard

Lil Craig of 2Reel is a trained actor, model, dancer, choreographer, videographer and more.  In the years of 2000 & 2002, he did some major roles in theater productions:  Mr. Potter in "It's A Wonderful Life," and Narrator for "Into The Woods." Beginning with the Barbizon Modeling and Acting School, he worked with some prestigious companies.  He has taken the spotlight across the globe and still calls Cleveland home. 

 

Currently, he enjoys seated ballet with North Pointe Ballet of North Olmsted, OH and with the Dancing Wheels Co & School as a contracted performer and certified dance instructor.  He enjoyed playing wheelchair basketball as a Cleveland Cavalier last year.  In 2024, however, his focus will be on sharing his wisdom through collaborations and mentoring. 

We are looking forward to regional performances, in addition to completing his sophomore album, The Truth, this spring.  Other opportunities for 2024 include forming the 2Reel Band, plus collaborations with various vocalists, dancers and instrumentalists. 

There is never a dull moment nor time to hesitate, because if it seems 2Reel... it is!