Steel
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Jamal Simmons, 26, was arrested in upstate New York for the killing of Rodney Barnes, 46.Police say Simmons was in a car driven by Kareem Bundy, also of Philadelphia. The car was pulled over for speeding around 2:00 a.m. in the town of Whitehall.Police ran the identification of both men and learned that Simmons was wanted for murder in Barnes' death. Bundy was wanted on an outstanding parole violation.
Both men are jailed in New York awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.On the afternoon of July 25, Barnes was doing carpentry work at the Raymond Rosen Manor in North Philadelphia. He went to get tools out of his truck when he was shot in the head at point blank range. Barnes succumbed to his injuries on August 5th. Barnes had been working for PHA in the neighborhood every other weekend for about 6 months.
A reward of $53,000 was being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Courtesy 6 ABC News
Bio
Inspired by the greats like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and 2Pac "Steel" knows that hard work and dedicaton is what it takes to make it in the industry. With hip-hop in his heart at an early age it seems like "Steel" is destined for greatness. Hailing from the mean streets of North Philadelphia where drugs and violence are routine "Steel" brings back pieces of Hip-Hop that are missing. Raised in a single parent home Steel had to learn how to be a man on his own while also looking after his younger siblings. After graduating from high school he was bound for college but financial trouble held him back so he decided to take a year off and work to earn money. After realizing a 9 to 5 wasn't enough to satisfy his needs he began hustling in his neighborhood, which had much better results. Soon the college dream faded and "Steel" chased another dream of being the next big hip-hop artist. "Steel" teamed up with longtime friend "Magic" and became a duo by the name of "2 Sick". The group instantly gained local fame by ciphering with some of the best in the city and putting out classic freestyles in the streets. In 2002 "Steel" meet "Khio Roberson" and "Justin Johnson" forming "Steel-A-Don Records" with "2Sick" being the first artists' on the label. "2 Sick" dropped their first mixtape "Operation Sick Streets" and the feed back was tremendous. "Steel-A-Don" eventually linked up with another independent label in Philadelphia "Headshot Records" which at the time consisted of more than 10 of the top underground rappers in the city including "Joey Jihad" and "Meek Millz". This quickly became one of the biggest movements ever but it didn't last long because of egos and a lack of business experience. "Steel" and "Magic" eventually went solo with "Magic" going to "Headshot Records" and "Steel" staying with "Steel-A-Don Records". "Steel" continued to add to his legend and gained recognition by battling some of the best underground rappers in Philadelphia. From ciphering in the Bronx with "Corey Gunz" to battling at the legendary "Fight Klub" in Manhattan he even earned recognition in New York City. Even tho "Steel" is most known as one of the best head to head battlers he is not considered a battle rapper. Deep content, excellent storytelling, and sharpe wordplay is the reason he is considered a lyrical genious. His creativity and versatility make him one of the most brilliant song writers of this generation. In todays industry filled with one dimensional rappers "Steel" is a complete artist that is here to bring back real music and rejuvenate hip-hop!
Lets all keep Steel in our thoughts and prayers as he goes through this tough time in his life. His flow and talent for music should drive us all to strive for higher goals, such as the many he has accomplished.
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