Rapper Tyga has a new hit song, Taste in which he is describing the atypical life of a rockstar – designer clothes, beautiful women and living a good life. In a line of the song, he gives a shout out to Oakland native A.E.

Like my n*&&a A.E say, yadadamean 

Tyga and A.E. have collaborated on songs such as ‘ Good or Bad’ and ‘Don’t C me coming.’

A.E. moved to Los Angeles years ago and become good friends with Tyga. A.E. can be seen on tour with Tyga and even on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Congrats to Alexander ‘A.E.’ Edwards for being named Vice-President of A&R for Def Jam Records. In less than 10 years, Edwards made his way from being a local rapper to becoming an executive of a major record label.

I interviewed him when he was a rap artist just trying to spread his music and message.

Check out the interview I did with him from 2010.

Alexander “A.E.” Edwards is a rap artist rising out of the gritty streets of North Oakland, with a bold attitude about taking over the game. Edwards says ,

“ I’ve come to conquer and be a statue of faith for the oppressed, the less fortunate.” You may be thinking why his name is onAEthang, he says that is his slogan and it’s real. Edwards began his rap career in rap groups such as 4Deep and THE A’z. When asked about who his greatest musical influence is, he simply states “ life” but notes the late Tupac Shakur as his musical “mentor”.  He is the inventor and founder of Gloryus which began as a recording company but is currently expanding to include clothing. ( coming soon)  When asked what the name meant, “ Glorious means; having, worthy of, or bring fame, or admiration. Having a striking beauty, or splendor that evokes feelings of delighted admiration. So I flipped the ious to us. A lot of rappers now are about me. I’m about we. ( us )”

A.E. is a true example of how you can be whatever you want if you keep God first, pray, stick to your goals and be kind to others. His story is such an American story — rags to riches.

All photos taken from @AEforpresident and @kinggoldchains Instagram