From East Elmhurst To Hip-Hop History: Ron Lawrence's Musical Journey

The Producer Behind The Hits:

Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence stands among hip-hop's most successful producers, with over fifty million records sold worldwide and more than 30 gold and platinum albums. Born on November 14, 1965, on the island of Dominica, Lawrence moved to East Elmhurst, Queens, with his family in 1970 when he was just five years old. 

His autobiography "Where I'm From," published in 2019, tells the complete story of his remarkable journey from immigrant child to Grammy-recognized music producer. The book offers readers an inside look at the music industry while sharing personal struggles and victories that shaped his career.

Building A Foundation At Howard University:

Lawrence's path to music stardom began at Howard University, where he met Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie. Together they formed the rap duo Two Kings in a Cipher, laying the groundwork for their future success. 

This partnership eventually led them to join Bad Boy Entertainment's production team called "The Hitmen," working directly with Sean "Diddy" Combs. During this period, Lawrence helped create some of hip-hop's most memorable tracks. 

His production credits include "Hypnotize" by The Notorious B.I.G., "Where I'm From" by Jay-Z, and "Money, Power, Respect" by The Lox. These songs became cultural touchstones that defined an era of East Coast hip-hop.

Behind The Boards And Beyond:

"Where I'm From" goes beyond typical music memoirs by sharing Lawrence's first-hand accounts of working with industry leaders and the challenges he faced along the way. The book reveals his long road to success, including candid details about personal obstacles. 

Lawrence also writes about his battle with cancer and his journey as a survivor, adding depth to his story of artistic achievement. His honest approach helps readers understand that success rarely comes without significant challenges. 

The autobiography shows how determination and talent combined to create a legendary career in music production.

Community Recognition And Self-Publishing:

In November 2019, the Corona-East Elmhurst Langston Hughes Library honored Lawrence with the Community Historian Award during their 50th-anniversary celebration. This recognition acknowledged his contributions to preserving and sharing the cultural history of his Queens neighborhood. 

Lawrence chose to self-publish his autobiography, maintaining control over his narrative and ensuring his story reached readers authentically. The book is available through his website and major retailers, making his experiences accessible to fans and aspiring producers alike.

Lessons From A Life In Music:

Lawrence received a NARAS Governor's Award from the Grammy's Organization, cementing his place in music history. His autobiography serves multiple purposes for different readers. Young producers can learn about the realities of the music business, while hip-hop fans gain insight into how classic songs were created. 

The book also documents the immigrant experience and the vibrant community of East Elmhurst during Lawrence's formative years. By sharing both triumphs and setbacks, Lawrence provides a realistic roadmap for anyone pursuing creative careers while honoring the neighborhood that shaped him.