CUSP Magazine: Winter Issue 2014

ENTREPRENEUR FEATURE/ELEE X
In this day and age, it’s very important to create your own world.
You must go after what you want and have the courage to take risks
and be creative with them. Elee X is doing just that, with his brand,
business, and message. Elee X, a 24-year-old originally from Harvey,
IL, takes the meaning of an entrepreneur to the next level. His journey
thus far has given him the tools needed to not only succeed in business,
but become a leader in the Chicago art community and beyond.
I first met Elee in 2009 as one of the founders of the hip-hop
collective, Impolite Society. Impolite was a rebellious group of young
rhymers that spoke of parties and drinking, as well as life responsibilities
and their view on the world as a whole. Their dynamic is what drew me
to them, not only as musicians, but as individuals. Though the group is
on a slight hiatus, Elee continued to push the core message of the group
forward single-handedly.
While working as both artist and Manager with Impolite Society,
Elee curated events, handled budgets and bookings, and organized
members of the group to ensure success. That mixed in with his work
with community organizations, such as Albany Park Neighborhood
Council, Howard Area Community Centers as the Gang Intervention-
Prevention Specialist and Educator, and currently, as a mentor with
Centers for New Horizons in Bronzeville. It’s no wonder that he has a
lot of experience, knowledge and drive to help not only himself, but the
people around him be better at what they are striving to achieve.
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CUSP MAGAZINE WINTER ’14 ISSUE