Mickey Avalon (born Yeshe Perl; December 3, 1975) is an American
rapper
Rapping (also rhyming, spitting, emceeing or MCing) is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates "rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular". It is performed or chanted, usually over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. The ...
from
Hollywood, California
Hollywood is a neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California. Its name has come to be a shorthand reference for the U.S. film industry and the people associated with it. Many notable film studios, such as Columbia Pictures, ...
. His debut self-titled solo album was released Nov. 7, 2006 on
Interscope
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group through its Interscope Geffen A&M imprint. Founded in late 1990 by Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field as a $20 million joint venture with Atlantic Records of Warner Musi ...
/Shoot to Kill Records in association with
MySpace Records
MySpace Records was a record label founded in 2005 to sign artists who appeared on the social networking site Myspace. It was a wholly owned subsidiary of Myspace, operating as a joint-venture between MySpace and Interscope Records. Distributio ...
. Frequent topics of Avalon's songs are his experiences with
substance abuse
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are harmful to the individual or others. It is a form of substance-related disorder. Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, ...
and
prostitution
Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in Sex work, sexual activity in exchange for payment. The definition of "sexual activity" varies, and is often defined as an activity requiring physical contact (e.g., sexual intercourse, n ...
.
Early life
Avalon was raised in a
Jewish
Jews ( he, יְהוּדִים, , ) or Jewish people are an ethnoreligious group and nation originating from the Israelites Israelite origins and kingdom: "The first act in the long drama of Jewish history is the age of the Israelites""The ...
family and had a turbulent childhood. His paternal grandparents were
Holocaust survivors
Holocaust survivors are people who survived the Holocaust, defined as the persecution and attempted annihilation of the Jews by Nazi Germany and Axis powers, its allies before and during World War II in Europe and North Africa. There is no unive ...
who were imprisoned at
Auschwitz
Auschwitz concentration camp ( (); also or ) was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland (in a portion annexed into Germany in 1939) during World War II and the Holocaust. It con ...
. Though his father cleaned up his act and began attending
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international mutual aid fellowship of alcoholics dedicated to abstinence-based recovery from alcoholism through its spiritually-inclined Twelve Step program. Following its Twelve Traditions, AA is non-professi ...
, he was struck and severely injured by a drunk driver leaving a meeting.
At age 19, Avalon made the decision to take his father off life support, ending his life.
During his late teens, Avalon briefly adhered to
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is the collective term for the traditionalist and theologically conservative branches of contemporary Judaism. Theologically, it is chiefly defined by regarding the Torah, both Written and Oral, as revealed by God to Moses on M ...
in an effort to stay off the streets.
Avalon continued as a sex worker and drug dealer until finding success in the music industry. By his early 20s, Avalon married, had a daughter, and moved to
Portland, Oregon
Portland (, ) is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County, the most populous co ...
.
[Almost Famous: Mickey Avalon](_blank)
, ''Blender
A blender (sometimes called a mixer or liquidiser in British English) is a kitchen appliance, kitchen and laboratory appliance used to mix, crush, purée or emulsion, emulsify food and other substances. A stationary blender consists of a blender ...
''. Published January 2007. While battling drug addiction, Avalon moved in with his sister (also a drug addict) with the hope that they could aid each other in recovery. During this time, his sister relapsed and died from a heroin overdose.
Deciding that he wanted more out of life, Avalon moved back to Los Angeles to make a final attempt to clean up his act. It was shortly after this return to Southern California that Avalon met
Simon Rex
Simon Rex Cutright (born July 20, 1974), is an American actor, rapper, comedian, and former model. Rising to fame as an MTV VJ, Rex later became an actor known for '' What I Like About You'', starring in three films of the ''Scary Movie'' f ...
and began to gain recognition for his music. He also met
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey Fowler (born July 26, 1959) is an American actor. He began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, obtaining supporting roles before gaining a leading man status in film and television. Spacey has received various accolades ...
during this time period and became his personal pool boy.
Street art
Avalon is a member of the Los Angeles-based
graffiti
Graffiti (plural; singular ''graffiti'' or ''graffito'', the latter rarely used except in archeology) is art that is written, painted or drawn on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from s ...
crew
A crew is a body or a class of people who work at a common activity, generally in a structured or hierarchical organization. A location in which a crew works is called a crewyard or a workyard. The word has nautical resonances: the tasks involve ...
CBS (Can't Be Stopped / City Bomb Squad).
Personal life
Avalon has two younger half-brothers (who are identical twins). He has helped them relocate to the
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
area and enter the music industry.
Mickey Avalon was the main investor in a series of self-named apartment complexes in Camarillo, California and Sunnyvale, California.
Style
The majority of Avalon's work has themes of hard drug use, particularly in reference to his consumption of
heroin
Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine and diamorphine among other names, is a potent opioid mainly used as a recreational drug for its euphoric effects. Medical grade diamorphine is used as a pure hydrochloride salt. Various white and brow ...
and
crack cocaine
Crack cocaine, commonly known simply as crack, and also known as rock, is a free base form of the stimulant cocaine that can be smoked. Crack offers a short, intense high to smokers. The ''Manual of Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment'' calls ...
,
an unusual style in
hip hop, where the artist more commonly refers to the sale of such substances. Another popular theme in Avalon's music is his seduction, and sexual encounters with men and women. This is coupled with his overtly sexualized image, often performing with heavy eye makeup and no shirt.
Career
Upon moving to Los Angeles, he was befriended by ex-
MTV VJ
This is a list of people who have been VJs on MTV, the music video channel in the U.S.
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North ...
Simon Rex
Simon Rex Cutright (born July 20, 1974), is an American actor, rapper, comedian, and former model. Rising to fame as an MTV VJ, Rex later became an actor known for '' What I Like About You'', starring in three films of the ''Scary Movie'' f ...
who encouraged Avalon to rap and collaborated with him. The two began passing out demos to Hollywood clubs and soon developed a following among fans of the Santa Cruz nightclub scene.
Upon entering the rap scene in 2000, Avalon first adopted the stage name, "The Relevant" and made his first appearance on Met Fly (who would later be known as Andre Legacy)'s album entitled "Wiggin' Out". In 2004, Avalon first collaborated with Existereo of the
Shape Shifters's on the song "No Class." He later collaborated with Existereo again on: "Couple o'Shitbags & The Fly's That Go With 'em" (2005), "Wrong Side" (2006), "I Love Who" (2007).
In November 2006, Mickey Avalon released his self-titled debut solo album. Released through Interscope/Shoot to Kill Records in association with MySpace Records, the album spawned the singles "Jane Fonda" and "Mr. Right". In January 2007, Avalon contributed lyrics and vocals on
Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law is an American punk rock band formed in 1990 in Poway, California. They have released seven full-length studio albums and have toured internationally, including performances on the Warped Tour. They are notable for their singles " ...
's "Shoulda Known Better." That same year, he was featured in a
Boost Mobile rap commercial with fellow rappers
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin (born September 23, 1972) is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive, entrepreneur, and DJ.
Early life
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin was born on September 23, 1972, the son of Tina (Mosley) and Michael ...
and
Young Jeezy
Jay Wayne Jenkins (born September 28, 1977), known by his stage name Jeezy (or Young Jeezy), is an American rapper. Signing to Def Jam Recordings in 2004, his major label debut, '' Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101'', was released the followin ...
.
In 2011, after years of back and forth wrangling with Interscope, Mickey was released from his recording contract. He is currently signed to
Suburban Noize Records
Suburban Noize Records, also known as "Subnoize", is an independent record label based in Burbank, California that specializes in punk rock and hip hop music. The label was founded in 1997 by the Kottonmouth Kings' vocalist Daddy X and Kevin Zi ...
. On March 12, 2012 he digitally released a 4-track EP entitled ''On the Ave''. His second solo album, ''Loaded'' was released on April 24, 2012.
On October 1, 2013, Mickey Avalon released a 5 track EP titled I Get Even Even, and then later released a music video for the track Hollywood (feat.
Paul Oakenfold
Paul Mark Oakenfold (born 30 August 1963), formerly known mononymously as Oakenfold, is an English record producer, remixer and trance DJ. He has provided over 100 remixes for over 100 artists including U2, Moby, Madonna, Britney Spears, Mass ...
).
Three years later on November 25, 2016, he announced that his third album, ''Teardrops on My Tombstone'' would be available on Valentine's Day 2017.
Dyslexic Speedreaders
After Mickey became close friends with
Simon Rex
Simon Rex Cutright (born July 20, 1974), is an American actor, rapper, comedian, and former model. Rising to fame as an MTV VJ, Rex later became an actor known for '' What I Like About You'', starring in three films of the ''Scary Movie'' f ...
, they formed a rap group called the Dyslexic Speedreaders. The group included Mickey Avalon, Simon "Dirt Nasty" Rex, Andre Legacy, and Beardo as the four members. Andre Legacy was Avalon's friend since elementary school and Beardo was Avalon's friend from their work together in the modelling industry. In 2004, the Dyslexic Speedreaders released their first album which was entitled ''Catching Up To Wilt''. In 2007, the Dyslexic Speedreaders collaborated with the
Living Legends Living Legend(s) may refer to:
Film and television
* "The Living Legend", a 1978 episode of ''Battlestar Galactica''
* "Living Legend" (''CSI''), a 2006 episode of ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation''
* ''Living Legend'' (audio drama), an audio d ...
and Luckiam on the song, "Nevermind." In 2008, the Dyslexic Speedreaders released the Shoot To Kill Mixtape. In 2009, Mickey Avalon released "What Do You Say?" which was also part of ''
The Hangover
''The Hangover'' is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips, co-produced with Daniel Goldberg, and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. It is the first installment in ''The Hangover'' trilogy. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed ...
'' soundtrack and featured Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy. However, Avalon announced through his Myspace page that this would be the last song that the Dyslexic Speedreaders would release.
After years of friendship and musical collaborations, the group disbanded after Mickey had a dispute with the other members over unpaid loans. On November 7, 2010, Avalon announced on theFIVE10 Radio that he was leaving his label and that his relationship with Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy had been strained due to money issues. He told JC of theFIVE10 Radio that Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy never paid him back for all the money he had put into developing them and that was the reason they were not talking. He stated that there was still room for reconciliation by saying, "No one slept with anyone's chick." Dirt Nasty is reported to have responded to Avalon's comment, stating "Well I know that Avalon didn't sleep with ANY chicks, because everyone knows that he prefers dick."
During his July 31, 2011 interview on Stefanie's Rock Show, Avalon stated that he briefly reunited with the Dyslexic Speedreaders for an unplanned one time performance. He attended the Roxy with his daughter while Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy were scheduled to perform that night. During the course of the show, Avalon accepted an invitation to perform on stage with his former bandmates. He said he is open to the possibility of future reunions. In November 2015, Mickey Avalon and Dirt Nasty officially reconciled by releasing a 5-song collaborative EP entitled "Married to the Game".
Controversy
In March 2007, Avalon was booed off the stage while opening for the
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea (musician), Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates element ...
, in
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City (), officially the City of Oklahoma City, and often shortened to OKC, is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, it ranks 20th among United States cities in population, a ...
. The next day, Red Hot Chili Peppers lead guitarist
John Frusciante
John Anthony Frusciante (; born March 5, 1970) is an American musician, best known as the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers across three stints since 1988. He has released 11 solo albums and 7 EPs, ranging in style from acoustic guitar to e ...
wrote a letter to the band's fans in Oklahoma City, accusing them of booing Avalon for personal issues, and having a lack of "regard for humanity."
[Letter from John Frusciante to RHCP's Oklahoma City fans regarding Mickey Avalon.](_blank)
Published 3/13/2007.
Tours
* "Stroke Me Tour" (2009) (Feat.
Beardo &
Kesha
Kesha Rose Sebert (; born March 1, 1987), formerly stylized as Ke$ha, is an American singer and songwriter. In 2005, at age 18, Kesha was signed to Kemosabe Records. Her first major success came in early 2009 after she was featured on America ...
)
* "
Blazed & Confused Tour" (2009)
* "Loaded/Jaegermeister Tour" (2012)
* "Teardrops on my Tombstone” (2015)
* "Married to the Game Tour" with Dirt Nasty (2016)
Discography
Singles
* "Jane Fonda" (2006) - Self Titled (#36 ''
Billboard
A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...
''
Modern Rock Tracks
Alternative Airplay (formerly known as Modern Rock Tracks (1988–2009) and Alternative Songs (2009–2020)) is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in ''Billboard'' magazine since September 10, 1988. It ranks the 40 most-played ...
chart)
* "Mr. Right" (2007) - Self Titled
* "Fuckin Em All" (2009) - Non Album
* "What Do You Say?" (2009) - The Hangover Soundtrack
* "Stroke Me" (2007) - Non Album
* "I Wanna" (2010) - Non Album
* "I Luv LA!" (2010) - Non Album
* "Tight Blue Jeans" (2011) - Loaded
* "Rock Bottom" (2011) - Loaded
* "I'm Hot" (2012) - Loaded
* "Mr Right" (2013) - Loaded
* "More Junk" (2012) - Loaded
* "Girlfriend" (2012) - Loaded
* "I Like It Raw" (Feat. Speedball) (2012)
* "Hollywood" (Feat.
Paul Oakenfold
Paul Mark Oakenfold (born 30 August 1963), formerly known mononymously as Oakenfold, is an English record producer, remixer and trance DJ. He has provided over 100 remixes for over 100 artists including U2, Moby, Madonna, Britney Spears, Mass ...
) (2013)
* "Red Light District" (2018)
* "End of My Line" (2018)
* "Dolly Parton" (2018)
* "Freeway" (2018)
* "Jacques Cousteau" (2018)
* "Future Atomic" (2018)
* "Two Time Loser" (2018)
* "Another Quarter" (2018)
* "Blue Medusa" (2018)
* "Davy Crockett" (2018)
* "Billy Shakespeare" (2018)
* "Black Trans-Am" (2019)
* "Woke AF" (2020)
* "Ultra-Violence" (2020)
References
External links
Official websiteVideo Interview with Mickey AvalonAudio Interview with Mickey Avalon
{{DEFAULTSORT:Avalon, Mickey
1975 births
Living people
Jewish American musicians
American hip hop musicians
Jewish rappers
Musicians from Los Angeles
People from Hollywood, Los Angeles
Rappers from California
American male prostitutes
21st-century American rappers
21st-century American Jews