Mario Treadway

Short Biography

Souleye is a positive and energetic lyricist with poetic phrasing and flowing styles. He was given the name Souleye on a vision quest at the age of 21. Born in Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts to a Native American Father and an Italian Mother, he grew up listening to hip hop and was influenced early on by rappers such as Talib Kweli and Tupac. By the age of 14, he was rapping, freestyling, and writing his own songs. By the age of 20, he was making his own beats, performing and producing his own music. His musical style can best be described as eclectic, experimental hip hop with a spiritual focus. His beats weave together an intricate mix of deep bass and beautiful rhythms that include anything from jazz riffs to chanting Tibetan monks. His innovative rhyme schemes incorporate heart-felt messages about higher consciousness, soul searching, positivity, self-acceptance, socio-political commentary, and transcendental meditation. To date, his biggest inspirations are God, birds, family and friends, and everyday life. His unique lyrical approach and ingenious freestyle skills allow him to share insightful positive messages that are both motivational and mind opening.