MERLINO: SUCCESS IS A DONE DEAL:
THANKS TO THE WENDY WILLIAMS EXPERIENCE!

With the recent revelation of recording artists  Merlino's and Cassidy's musical association, Lawrence Merlino, has recently  emerged from the shadows to the spotlight, largely due to radio shock jock Wendy  Williams' exclusive coverage of both artists on her nationally syndicated show,  The Wendy Williams Experience. Now, everywhere, people are asking, 'who's  Merlino?' He was born into controversy and lives in controversy's evidenced by  work he's released with hip-hop artist Cassidy. His family, the Merlinos, at one  time were members of the notorious Philadelphia Family of La Cosa Nostra, and  the subject of the best-seller, 'The Last Gangster' by George Anastasia,  published by Regan Books. And, one track on his upcoming CD, Chapter One: The  Beginning, was recorded with hip-hop's current newsmaker, Cassidy, but  21-year-old Lawrence Merlino, a resident of Atlantic City, New Jersey, plans to  devote his life toward pursuing his career in the music game in a positive way.  'The only reason why I even mention my past is because you can't run from it  'you can't hide it,'
says the Italian hip-hop artist. 'By having such a  prominent name, I have had no choice but to deal with the questions that come  along with it. And because of the fact that I had previously done mix tapes with  Cassidy, his name will come up as well. I am sorry that he is having these legal  problems (his associate is presently in jail without bail, on alleged homicide  charges stemming from an incident in April). From what I know, Cassidy is a good  guy and I do not plan to pass judgment on him; as far as I am concerned, he's  not guilty. 'Although Merlino grew up in a family associated with notoriety, he  steered
clear of his family ties, opting for a music career an at early age.  'Once I heard music by such artists as LL Cool J and Run-DMC, I was hooked.  'Soon, Merlino alternated between Atlantic City's Boardwalk and his hometown, Philadelphia, where he gained a reputation for spitting rhymes.  Shortly thereafter he met Big Bub, a former lead vocalist from Motown's  80's/90's group, Today, who became partners with Merlino with their business  venture, Up And Up Entertainment. The two forged a music and business venture,  resulting in the upcoming release, “Chapter One: The Beginning  !”