Found in the Inbox: Lil STL and Beam Keep It Real on “40

Born Sedale Green, Lil STL is a St. Louis rapper the Rive Video Promotion campaign for “40” describes as bringing back the candid, gritty vibe that once had the industry watching the city. “Where I’m from there’s a lot of gangbanging. Not a lot of leaders who get paper and do something with the money,” Lil STL said.

From St. Louis to Huntsville

Lil STL grew up in the “Eighty Deuce” neighborhood and started out making music only for home. It was in Huntsville, Alabama, that rhyming turned into a real option. “In Huntsville they taught me how to hustle,” Lil STL explained. UGK, Cash Money, No Limit and 8Ball & MJG were the inspirations, and high school cyphers led to the studio.

Nelly and Yo Gotti

Years of nonstop recording earned recognition from St. Louis veteran Nelly. “He was the first artist to give me a chance,” Lil STL said. “I worked with Nelly for four or five years.” National attention came when Memphis rapper Yo Gotti appeared on the Young and Reckless mixtape; their 2013 collaboration “I Can’t Cook” became a street anthem, and Lil STL appeared on Gotti’s “Mama Told Me” a year later.

Why it was in the inbox

“40” is street music that never pretends to be anything else, from an artist who earned the cosigns.

Watch the official video

Quotes and release details from Rive Video Promotion’s campaign for “40” w/ Beam. This feature updates Exposed Vocals’ original March 2017 post.