Born Tab Virgil, Turk was first introduced to reality of his surroundings growing up in the infamous Magnolia housing projects in New Orleans. Surrounded by violence and severe poverty from a young age, Turk was able to escape his fate when he was discovered by fellow Magnolia residents (and Cash Money CEOs, Bryan “Baby” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams) who recognized the teenage rapper’s unique vocal style and future star power. At the tender age of 15, (Young) Turk joined forces with fellow Crescent city MC’s Juvenile, Lil’ Wayne and B.G. Together, the foursome formed the now illustrious super group, the Hot Boys. While his former comrades continue to sell albums by the truckload, Turk is eager to show the world he can make it on his own as a solo artist.

After serving an eight-month jail sentence in 2002 for probation violation, Turk decided to part ways with his former label and pursue his own thing. The result of Turk’s new found freedom is Raw & Uncut, which chronicles not only his incarceration but also his elevation as an artist. “I’ve matured as far as my lyrics on Raw & Uncut,” explains Turk who penned his entire album while in jail. “I’m talking about everyday life from killing to living good. I’m holding my own weight on this. I’m showing the world that I can do my own thing, by myself.”

Raw & Uncut’s first single, “Amped Up” finds the hot boy riding former No Limit producer KLC’s supped up bounce track with the skill and confidence of a seasoned veteran. With his signature nasal toned delivery, Turk rocks side by side with his CMB brethren B.G. on “Putcharaggsup Remix.” Producer Ke’No proves he’s got enough fire coming off the boards to satisfy the Magnolia soldier’s taste for hits. Another scorching track is “Dat Look” featuring the LaGrange and Georgia rap phenomenon, Bubba Sparxxx. The Timbaland protégé stars on this good-girl-gone-bad tale where both Bubba and Turk drop vicious verses cursing the malicious women of their past.

Turk proves there are women in his life that he can still trust when as he takes time out to thank his mother on “I Love You For Dat.” Over Ke’No’s tender piano track, Turk spills his heart out to his number one lady, “You’re my dog, my best friend/I can depend on you mamma again and again.” But a little sentiment can’t knock Turk’s hustle. On “Penitentiary Chances” the N.O. rapper puts his hood street politics on the table by breaking down an around-the-way hustler’s daily grind. “The song ‘Penitentiary Chances’ is about doing whatever you gotta do to feed your family and yourself on the streets,” says Turk who’s vivid depictions of street life clearly demonstrate he’s no stranger to the struggle.

In short, Raw & Uncut provides ample proof that Turk good can come from bad. The rapper has been through a lot in his short life and used his past life experiences to re-jump start his own career. “I feel like I’ve got more control this time around,” says Turk. “I don’t have to answer to anybody-- everybody answers to me. I like it that way ‘cause I am the boss, and I’m only 22 years old.” And with his platinum track record, there’s no way Turk’s gonna be giving up his right to shine anytime soon. album in five years.