Born in Cheraw, South Carolina, ThKid has aspirations of reaching heights last seen by local legend Dizzy Gillespie. For ThKid (also known by the birth name, Russ Wallace), growing up in Cheraw taught him quickly that everything he wanted would take more than hard work and determination. Wallace was without a father in the first couple of years in his life. The man who was dating his mother left when he found out that she was pregnant with a child. Wallace was 2 years old when his mother discovered the love of her life. In stepped Jason Dunn, who accepted Wallace as his own and gave him the amount of guidance and love a real father gives their child; however, Wallace wouldn't find any of this out until he was 18 years old when a friend of his mother made a comment one day while working about a man that walked into the local restaurant he was working at. When he questioned his parents about the situation, there was some initial heartache, but Wallace loved his parents and told his Dad that nobody would ever replace him. Those same feelings hold true to this very day. At the age of 2, Wallace moved to Tustin, California. Tustin was the hometown of his dad, Jason. His parents made every attempt to make it work in California for a few years, but after careful evaluation it was decided they would return to South Carolina to start over again. It was during those pivotal years of his childhood where Wallace was exposed to popular music. From West Coast Sensation "Tupac" to Hard Rock/Metal band "Metallica", Wallace was exposed to a variety of different genres via his Dad.. It wouldn't be until Wallace's later years in High School that he would realize his gift for creative writing and his love for for all genre's, but primarily Hip-Hop. Wallace grew up and was influenced by Jay-Z, Eminem, 50 Cent, Tupac, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco. Primarily listening to those artists amongst others helped craft his own style. After writing lyrics and spitting his verses at lunch or in the hall ways, he would meet up with two other rappers known in the school as Pistol Rico and Drama Dre. Wallace was offered an opportunity to come to a studio and record with them, hence the birth of the man who would eventually be known as "ThKid".. From that day forth, everything began to change. Formerly known as "Phoenix" Wallace began to gain some attention amongst his older friends for his ability to rap with them. Eventually Wallace would drop the "Phoenix" moniker for "ThKid" due to his older friends always calling him "Kid". In the beginning he rapped about everything that he enjoyed and would cuss and degrade others at the expense of releasing his own frustrations and pain that he had kept trapped inside. It never occurred to Wallace who he was impacting during that time and he wouldn't begin to see it until his grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Before eventually losing her battle, Wallace was very self-centered and driven to party and have fun; however, no matter how much fun he appeared to be having, he remained empty on the inside. Wallace began to question himself and ask the tough questions "Why am I not happy?" "Who is it that I'm really trying to be?". Paying closer attention to his grandmother and her condition would open his eyes in ways he could have never imagined. Wilma Mcdowell (Nannie) was a devout follower of Christ. Along with her husband David, Wilma was the family member who brought all of her children's families together. She was the heartbeat that kept everyone close, but more importantly she was the example of what living for Jesus Christ looked like. Wallace knew if he was going to make anything out of his life that brought happiness, it would have to be through this same Jesus. Continuing into his partying stage, Brought about one particular night where Wallace was intoxicated and got into a verbal confrontation with a female. He left to go outside for a brief moment to calm down, but upon returning the confrontation began once more and was eventually punched in the face by this female. That was the final straw, Wallace left that party intoxicated and drove home. As Wallace was in his car driving, he began to pray unlike he had ever prayed before and begged God to get him home safely. He told God that if he got him home safely, that he would never drink, smoke, or party ever again for as long as he lived. Wallace made it home in the early morning hours and prayed once more. This time he submitted himself to God and begged for help and healing. As he began to find his way back into a Church setting, Wallace arrived to service one Sunday morning and felt the grace and peace of Christ fall over him. He was convicted by the Holy Spirit to repent for his sins and submit himself to Jesus Christ. Shortly after submitting his life to Christianity and repenting for his sins, Wallace asked for Christ to guide him as he continued to struggle with smoking. 2 weeks later Wallace was baptized at Wallace Baptist Church in Wallace, SC by Pastor Brad Leviner. As his lifestyle began to change, so also did his music. More and more, Wallace found himself writing less about himself and more about God. His writing ability became stronger and his ideas jumped out with new found substance and depth. As Wallace's life changed, so would the people he once associated himself with. The people around him would come to see that things weren't the same anymore and slowly they would disappear as Wallace was already warned would happen. The road has never been easy and at this point, Wallace wouldn't ever expect it to be. Eventually Wallace quit smoking and to this day hasn't touched a cigarette in over 4 years. Twice, Wallace has been in love. Engaged at one point during a 3 year relationship and close to engagement during a second relationship lasting 4 years before faltering. Knowing the direction his life is headed in, Wallace has evolved in every part of his life. When he was born again, he had no idea how to be a Christian, but today he humbly sees that being a Christian is about serving and loving others, even when they don't love back. Today, ThK.id travels across the southeast performing and preaching the word of God. He has hosted youth events and met some big time players that have helped mentor him along the way. Since giving his life to Christ, ThKid has been nominated for Music Video of the Year by The Nashville Universe in Tennessee, has been offered a publishing deal with SESAC.inc and ASCAP.inc, performed live on "The Real Radio Show" in New York in front of Twisted Sister, recorded a track with B. Cooper of Derek Minor's "Reflection Music Group" that was picked up by Rapzilla.com (the #1 Christian Rap Website online), released a brand new album titled "RE:invent" on every major platform in the world (Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, ect.), and has become close friends with popular Christian Artist, B-SHOC. ------------- New Album "RE:invent" is AVAILABLE NOW!!! God Bless. For Booking Information: thekidbooking@gmail.com - ThKid