Like many rappers, Bowling Green, KY native Dolla Green has turned his life into artistic expression. Raised by a single mother, Green was born into poverty and at the age of 13 began selling drugs to make money. His temporary financial success was halted with he began using Meth at the age of 15.

“In 2003 I was convicted of felony trafficking of a controlled substance among other charges,” admitted Green in a statement. “I was down to a hundred and fifteen pounds, my teeth were rotting from the inside out, the money was gone, my mom was afraid to come home, and to top it all one of my best friends who lived with me at the time chose to take his own life!"

Two weeks later, Green turned himself in to parole officer and was sentenced to prison. Since being released on May 31, 2006, he has remained sober and drug free—appearing to use hip hop as a catalyst for his sustainability.

In the following video for his single “Behind Blue Eyez,” Dolla Green talks about the ups and downs of his life.