Ira A. Bland, known to the rap world as PRETTY THUGGER, was born on May 24th 1980 in the small city of Wilmington, De to a loving mother by the name of Crystal Bland. THUGGER, along with his older brother Jerry, was raised in a single-family household and forced to live in the most notorious projects in Delaware, the Riverside Housing Projects. Riverside, known mainly for it’s high crime rate, wasn’t an area labeled a place where someone was most likely to succeed, in fact to most, it was labeled just the opposite; a place of failure. Ms. Bland, with the help of her sister Kimberly, did the best for her boys and eventually removed them from the projects. The family then moved to the North Side of Wilmington with hopes of a better and more promising life, however, the North Side is where young Ira would gain notoriety and become THUGGER thanks to a small block known as Concord Ave, his new stomping grounds.

THUGGER’s battle for success in the music world was never an issue of talent. Since the age of 9 he’d been known to dazzle his friends, family, and on listeners with his slick, but relativism word play. While in his late teens he even put out an independent double mixed CD titled DA BEST OF S (His alias in the streets was ESCO at the time), which triggered his initial following. But THUGGER’s biggest challenge would be the coldness of the streets he rapped about.

In 2002 THUGGER found himself as one of the few other original members of OVER TIME RECORDS, a music label started by brothers, Artega Green and Burt. Finally backed by money and a full fledged city buzz things were looking up for THUGGER and his rap career. OVERTIME RECORDS first CD was a Wilmington classic that featured a few rap all-stars of the small city. THUGGER accompanied by label mates SKINNY BLONK, SHIZZ NITTY, TITANIC, MOULIANO, SMOOTH, and first lady KEENA, were set to be the first rappers out of Delaware to touch the lime light and make a serious impact, but things changed in blink of an eye. CEO Artega and Burt found themselves targeted in a FBI investigation that lead to Artega going to prison and Burt being on the run before he was taking into custody and forced to serve time in prison, sadly in which he stills remains unto this day.

Never being one to be held back THUGGER again took the independent route and in 2006 released a CD titled TRUTH TO THE HOOD. Again, THUGGER’s buzz began to circulate throughout the city of Wilmington but his momentum was cut short when he found himself arrested for charges of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a man 14 times. What seemed like the end for the inspiring rapper was actually the beginning of a budding career.

After more than a year in prison and two trials, THUGGER was acquitted of all charges that were sure to land him a lengthy prison sentence. Once home, THUGGER swiftly picked up where he left off and linked up with friend, mentor, and videographer Rennie Rox. The duo started a video campaign that re-ignited THUGGER’s buzz and once again the rapper was on the road to success. In 2007 THUGGER released a controversial CD titled. MOST OF THE MONSTER The CD gave fans what he intended, which was the not-so-nice-guy side of him. And also some detailed accounts of the story surrounding his attempted murder charge and the lost of his cousin Magic. Striking while the iron was hot, THUGGER released a follow up CD titled MOST OF THE MONSTER VOL. 2 then a compilation CD titled A CONCORD AVE MOVEMENT, starring himself along with CLARK BAR, SKINNY BLONK, and SHAWN BONE. Again, THUGGER was well on his way to making it in the rap world however, the law had other plans.

In 2008 THUGGER found himself in federal custody for gun possession. At the time the violence in Wilmington had reached it’s peek so the city called for tougher sentences for felons convicted of gun possession. Caught red handed, THUGGER was unable to fight his charges and was forced to take a plea to the charge of being a felon in possession of a gun. What should been a sentence of no more than just two years, turned into a four-year sentence for the aspiring rapper due to Wilmington’s new gun law

In prison THUGGER made good use of his time. He channeled his frustrations in a positive direction, obtained his diploma and finally made the decision to turn his life around completely and follow his dreams. With the help of his new found faith, ISLAM- (QUR’AN & SUNNAH), THUGGER developed into a man determined to define the odds.

Upon his release THUGGER dropped his most heart felt CD to date, JUST LET ME VENT. A truly exceptional work of art on his behalf. Again he lead his attack on the music world with controversy and released a single entitled THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, an emotionally charged song that tells the true story of THUGGER finding out his only child was in fact not his at all. Needless to say, the song caught fire in the streets of Wilmington and beyond. Shortly after THUGGER released a music video for the hit single that reached over 48,000 views within under 24hrs of it’s release on WORLDSTARHIPHOP.COM. .As of now to date that number soars over 100,000 views and keeps climbing. Unfortunately the song would’ve had a far greater impact if were only over an original beat.

Today there’s talk of THUGGER releasing his first official album titled L.F.R. ,which stands for LOVE, FEARED, & RESPECTED. The album will be blessed with some infused street and club bangers produced by the young up and coming producer BRON BOY and some other mainstream producers . The album is set to be dominantly remarkable and worthy of major attention. The album is assumed to be released under an entertainment company called SUCKADUCKN INC., a company THUGGER co-owns with friend WALI. PRETTY THUGGER is now managed by Jackie King.

For more on PRETTY THUGGER you can checkout his music videos on YOUTUBE or friend him on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or INSTAGRAM, all under PRETTY THUGGER.

Raw bar spitter. Hooks & flows out dis world. 💯💯💯

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