Click below to hear Raven’s new song
Alexander Gringaz (born June 16, 1986), better known by his stage name Raven “The Mad Russian”, is a Russian-Jewish American rapper. He is the President and CEO of his own record label, Raw Fam Entertainment.
Early life: Alexander was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in the Former USSR on June 16, 1986. Around the age of 5, and prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Alexander immigrated with his mother, father, and younger brother to the United States through a sponsorship program for Soviet Jewish refugees. After last minute sponsorship through the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis, the family eventually settled in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alexander’s mother and father divorced shortly after and Alexander and his younger brother, were raised by his mother and great-grandmother.Music career: Raven exploded on the Indianapolis music scene shortly after 2011 after performing at several clubs and venues in the area. His debut album, “Break Bread” has received much backing and attention through support by Mid-West based indie promoters, DJ’s, and reputable label affiliates. Raven The Mad Russian is not currently under any music contract and distributes his music independently
Reviewed, critiqued, and blogged about on several Hip-hop blogs, Michael Mezniach, an astute Music&Movie blogger recently wrote
“Raven raps on explosive beats with unexpected veteran street wisdom, hip-hop educated bars and underworld code, (probably need a few listens to conceptualize for the everyday civilian) One would ponder he is connected to some sort of wiseguy movement. His organized crime composition is similar to only something Martin Scorcese’s Russian grandson would be capable of scripting together. Raven’s “Break Bread” sounds like the diary of an East Coast Retired Millionaire Bookie on his way to Paradise or a Soviet Arms dealer teathering through customs through the voice of an Educated Mid-West Street Hustler. Definitely worth a listen”
