About Aruba Bandit:Javan Duane Arrindell (Born November 15, 1980), better known by his stage names Aruba Bandit or Python is a Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, entrepreneur and activist. The son of Aruba’s Hip Hop pioneer Mercedes “Bambi” Smith released thirteen studio albums since 2000.
His musical career began in 1994, as a member of a group he founded called “TCB” (The Crooklyn Boys) which consisted of childhood friend D.O.G (Da Original Gangster) and himself. Influenced and inspired by his mother’s rap group “Bambi’s” he was determined to make a hip hop impact in Aruba’s musical culture that was predominantly influenced by reggae music. His cousin Larry “Magic Eyez” McCoy later joined the group and the trio began writing and performing at various venues on the island of Aruba. The group disbanded in 1996 as each of the members relocated to different parts of the world to further their education. Aruba Bandit moved to Brooklyn NY, residing with his grandmother as he attended Erasmus Hall High School. He later acquired his Associate’s degree in Business Management/Computer Technology from Interboro Institute. He returned to Aruba in 1999 to record and release his debut solo album “The Demo” (2000) introducing his unique hip-hip/Caribbean infused style and lyrical capabilities to the world. The debut release included tracks “We Back”, a collaborative effort with his mother and “Rah Rah”, a party influenced record that would be the first song played on local radio stations in Aruba. Aruba Bandit met local promoter, MC, DJ and radio personality Funk MC during the release of the demo who debuted “Rah Rah” on the radio as well as facilitate his first radio interview and freestyle. Local DJ Big Rig would blend a freestyle called “I’m From Aruba” with the original version of the song featuring JaRule and Jadakiss in 2004 which would aid in establishing Aruba Bandit as a household name. Aruba Bandit would go on to release 11 additional albums after the release of “The Demo”. Influenced by 2pac, Jay-Z, Biggie, Eminem and Will Smith, Aruba Bandit continues to express his thoughts and feelings through music while etching his own legacy in the culture of Hip-Hop. He has continuously worked with influential artist as features as well as collaborators such as Eyonna Davis, Schav, Ricky McDonald, DJ Sycho, King Sage, J-Walkerz, Nomari, Jefferson Paris, Valentino King, Bambi and many more. His music can be streamed/downloaded on all online music platforms. |
Discography:
Studio albums
Javan Duane Arrindell was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on November 15th, 1980. Raised in various neighborhoods in Brooklyn mainly Flatbush and Brownsville by his Aruban mother and grandmother, he is the eldest of 6 boys. Influenced in his early years by music from Teddy Pendergrass and the Manhattans he was drawn to the ability to captivate by using words and rhymes. While dealing with life threatening situations, his grandmother desperately sent him, his brother and his mother to live with his great grandmother in Aruba. By doing that, they would escape the conditions they were facing in Brooklyn as well as have better opportunities at life. Aruba Bandit embraced the safe change of pace while learning how to speak four languages (Dutch, Spanish, Papiamento and English) and feels forever indebted to the island for saving him and his family lives. |
Business Ventures:
Unofficially operating as an independent record label since 2002, in 2007 Aruba Bandit branded his name as an entity as well as officially founding the independent record label under the name of “5th Quarter Records.” The mission was to create programs and better success opportunities commencing in his hometown of Aruba as well as sign, manage, promote and guide local/international talents while maintaining an independent music career. In the early 2000’s along with his cousins, he organized talent shows to give up and coming artists the opportunity to display their talents in a unique way. After performing with his cousins in various venues throughout New York such as “Club Speed”, “Club Exit”, Club NY”, Pyramid and the “Graham Resort” they noted that as Hip-Hop artist they were unable to win events that included singing participants. Aruba Bandit and his cousins created a unique showcase series that includes singers, rappers and poets but each competing against peers performing in their same art form giving each of the three an opportunity to win. Aruba Bandit organized an event at the Original Levi’s Store to generate income and promote for the brand. In 2019 he began an upgraded showcase series with his brother/business partner DJ Sycho in Ridgewood NY, giving new artists the opportunity to display their talents. Activist: Aruba Bandit has never shied away from being vocal about inequalities, justice, racism and politics throughout his career. He has released records such as “My Pride” (2005) to address the unfair criticism and bashing Aruba was receiving during the disappearance of N.H. “Vote or Die” mixtape (2006) encouraging the younger generation to vote and understand the importance of voting. “Live From 297” (2009) encouraging the up and coming generation of Aruba to embrace their island, culture and not let it get overruled due to political interests. “Next Generation” encouraging parents and the older generations to listen to and help protect our youth. “Real Me” (2014) addressing the injustice as it relates to fathers attempting to be in their children lives and the court system ruling in favor of the mothers regards of the father proving to be the better parent. “Hands Up Arms Down” (2019) brings attention to school and police shootings happening across America and the world, calling for peace, justice and the end of gun violence. “March On” (2020) expressing dissatisfaction with the political system as it relates to the injustice of black lives. |
Personal Life:
Although music is the vehicle that drives Aruba Bandit, he is highly committed to the success and happiness of his family. One of the most influential figures in his life is his grandmother, Thelma Arrindell. Thelma passed away in November 2018 at the same hospital where Aruba Bandit was born; Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn NY. Her passing was due to heart complications just 5 days after his birthday. He credits the majority of his drive to succeed to wanting to see his grandmother proud of him and giving her the ability to brag about him to others. While still dealing with the loss of his grandmother, his brother Sha-King “DJ Sycho” Arrindell passed away in April of 2020 after contracting the COVID-19 virus during the epidemic. His brother was also his DJ and his business partner. These loses has immobilized him as an artist and contributor to the culture. While supporting and receiving support from his family and close friends he has been regaining the will to carry his brother’s and grandmother’s legacies on through music. |
© 5TH QUARTER RECORDS 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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