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As a teenager in New York City, the Crown Heights, Brooklyn-bred emcee born Lason Jackson negotiated his first deal just as he was finishing high school.

Having studied the game as a protégé of the Wu at the height of their success LA, who considers RZA a mentor, was more than prepared when an in-studio freestyle on WKCR's The Stretch and Bobbito Show drew the attention of major and indie labels alike.

Securing a distribution deal through Navarre Distribution, he released his debut album Heist of the Century in 1999, through his own Embassy Entertainment.

The project, on which LA also served as A & R and Executive Producer, went on to sell over 350, 000 copies independently.

His success gave him an opportunity to tour internationally with the likes of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and of course, the Wu-Tang Clan.

Somehow, while he never stopped being an artist, LA ’ s career as a business man took precedent.

Relocating to Grand Rapids, MI, LA launched a management company, invested in real estate, and opened an operated a children ’ s clothing store.

But he was always a musician.