Readers, we have spoken over the last few weeks about this incredible star, and the list of what this producer/actor/rapper and entertainer will be doing with his 2012 has been absolutely monumental. This week, however, we are going to step away from the bright lights and big city to talk about the ‘heart’ of this truly incredible individual.
From the very beginning of this man’s life – Joel Earl Rose was destined to be a star. But, unlike what everyone believes when it comes to the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood lifestyle, Lil’ Mirkk had to go through a list of some serious lows along with his serious highs. As a short recap, as we all know, Lil’ Mirkk was born with talent; an abundance of talent, to say the least. At only the age of four he was a major player on the beloved show, Chico & The Man. He also added to resume a short time later the truly American character, Bionic Boy in the 1970’s, with guest-starring roles on T.V. shows like The Bionic Woman.
In fact, for a little while, it seemed as if every time a television set was turned on across America, Lil’ Mirkk’s darling face was a part of whatever they were watching – including commercials for companies like Burger King, McDonald’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Coca-Cola. As he continued on, his other extremely amazing skill – the ability to rhyme and rap – came forth from the young man and he was soon known as Def Ice with an album titled, “Seeing is Believing,” (released by Rainbo Records.) Far before the age of American Idol, etc., Lil’ Mirkk became the ‘it’ man on the scene – on television as well as the music community – but the good unfortunately came with the bad.
As we enter this holiday time, what we all can see, read about, and listen to on television is the fact that many of our young people in this day and age are getting attached to gangs and the gang life. There are so many talented young men and women who are at a loss as to what to do with themselves, and they desperately seek a “family” of some sort for support.
Parenthood was once an extremely important job for us all. Raising our kids to have good lives – even during our times of financial struggle – was something we all sought to do and do well. But now, as the world has changed and become certainly more bitter, we are finding that America’s children are without a family. They are without hope, and they are turning to the world of gangs in order to fit in.
Lil’ Mirkk was one of those young men. Even though he began with what most would call a fairytale life that other kids (and adults) would kill for, times of trouble appeared on his horizon as he was stolen from. Everything that he had worked so hard to make for himself – a nest egg at such a young age that would’ve allowed him a flawless future – was ripped out from underneath him. And although he has offered forgiveness to one and all, there was a very frightening time in Lil’ Mirkk’s life where he took the wrong road and could very well have ended up dead.
In Lil’ Mirkk’s own words, he has stated that:
“I didn’t get the love my parents should have given me, so I went looking for a ‘family’ which was a street gang in South Central Los Angeles. I became so involved with that type of frightening life, that I ended up having to always look over my shoulder…which no human being should ever have to do. I’ve seen so much…”
I’m sure it would’ve been hard for that boy to imagine that one day he would be starring with Liam Neeson and Rihanna in Battleship, or playing a huge part in a much-touted comedy called, Mischief Manor, which will soon become part of the cinematic experience. Having to constantly worry and wonder what the next hour would be filled with – whether it be violence, death, or a future in prison – is nowhere near knowing that you are going to be in the highly-anticipated movie based on the top-selling video game of all time – HALO.
Finding a way to retreat from that type of life in one piece must be one of the most dangerous experiences in the world. As Lil’ Mirkk tells us: “It was when I had a son that things changed – he woke me up. It was like I had to change for my son, so I did.”
Lil’ Mirkk is a true ‘celebrity’ to look up to. This is not a man who has a reality show or pretends that he is better than everyone else. This is a man who truly feels and believes everything about what is good in life, and wants to spread his words to the younger generation; try to save the American youth from throwing their lives away.
In 2012, this young man who struggled and almost lost his fight against the world is back, and Lil’ Mirkk will be releasing, with Def Jam Records, a new CD titled WTF in the new year. Unlike a great deal of rappers, Lil’ Mirkk - like his beloved friend who has just passed Heavy D - wants to talk about the goodness in life and the fact that no matter what your daily ‘reality’ may be, if you have the power and the strength and the fortitude to make that life better, than absolutely no one and nothing can stand in your way.
Along with this incredible man’s exciting 2012, he is also putting a great deal of work into helping those people escape from that life.
“My words to the youth of America are that, if you are looking for an escape join the YMCA, or a sports program. Their are plenty of programs out there that will allow you to change your life, find friends, be a part of a family and a community, and give yourself the future that you deserve. Gangs is not the life. Putting your life at risk over gang involvement is a pure waste of a life. Like my motto says: God over Everytime!”
Again, I know this writer sounds – every week – as if I am building a ‘celebrity’ up to stand above the rest. And…perhaps I am. But there is a reason for that. This is a man who has gone through the absolute worst that humanity can offer. He has had it all, lost it all, and found the courage to find a way to gain it all back. He uses his heart, soul, mind, and talent – not to mention the horrors he’s seen – to help others.
If you are searching for someone to ‘look up to’ – look no further. Lil’ Mirkk is a Hollywood star that truly shines!
Until Next Time, Everybody.
For More Information on Lil’ Mirkk, Go to:
Imdb: http://imdb.to/cjDtxg
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