Lil South is more than just your typical rapper with a rough “thug life” childhood story, he is probably the most ambitious rapper with the most inspiring experience you’ve ever known. Born in 1985 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Bernard Shantinos Kirkland was raised on the cold streets of Moss Point and started rapping at the age of 15 in the back school buses and in school halls. Bernard always had a passion for the art that is music and knew it would be his ticket out of the crime-filled society he was born into.
“Lil South” – who earned his name and street credibility from being the youngest rapper in the entire south side of Moss Point, Mississippi, didn’t have a life set on a platter of gold for him. As a young boy trying to pave his way to success, he got tied up in the life of crime due to the drug- and violent–laden environment he was raised in. Unfortunately, Lil South became a product of his surroundings and was sent to the Juvenile Detention Center for vandalism at the age of 13. Also, between 2009 and 2014 he had faced multiple felony charges including probation violation and was in and out of the Mississippi Department of Correction. His confidence in music always kept him hopeful throughout his dark days. Nonetheless, despite the rough patches in his early childhood, he graduated Moss Point High School in 2004 and also took his education a bit further and completed two years in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Currently, he is the CEO of his very own label, “Get Wit It Records”. Inspired by one of rap music’s best - Lil Wayne and others such as Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti and Juicy J, Lil South is also sound in R & B and Hip Hop. Prior to his latest mixtape "No Filter" hosted by DJ DFA which dropped in March 2016, Lil South released his very first mixtape "Get Wit It - The Mixtape" and became well known for the song "Lean Sideways" over the Toni Braxton instrumental "Breathe!" in 2005 shortly before Moss Point was hit by the ruthless Hurricane Katrina. Lil South was not discouraged; he released his second mixtape in 2007. "G.E.T. - The Movement" which featured local artists and producers like Donnell Fairley, Skillz, G-Money, Key1 and Fresh!
His major goal is not only to be a successful and independent artist, but also to network with other upcoming artists including major artists.
“Music saved my life” – Lil South.