25-year-old rapper Mob Squad Nard’s brand of gritty, reality based rap is a reflection of the harsh environment that encompasses his Jacksonville, Florida hometown. Growing up with influences such as Suave House and Tupac, his rap dreams were almost cut short after a seven month bid behind bars slowed his momentum in 2013. After his release in January 2014 he decided to pursue rapping full time, and he went full speed ahead by capturing the ears of listeners with songs such as his take on Meek Mill’s “Dreams & Nightmares,” and the his bouncy single “Right Ni.” Nard’s penchant for vivid storytelling in his music is a testament to his own real life experiences, juggling the life of a rapper and a as a certified bail bondsman to support his family. With all of the pieces in motion for the release of his first solo project, Everything Clean But Da Ashtray, Nard is determined to make his first impression a lasting one for fans and new listeners alike: “It’s a lot of people who do know [me] ‘ cause I’ve been grinding’, but compared to where I wanna be…it aint enough.”