Hip-Hop artist's rise above struggles: Mr. Infamy's triumph

Anthony Goodwyn, aka Mr. Infamy, began freestyle rapping when he was in 2nd grade. The Newark, New Jersey native enjoyed creating rhymes, but kept his talent hidden until reaching 7th grade. When he realized listeners appreciated his musical talent, he said he decided to start writing lyrics.

In 2000, Goodwyn was a sophomore in high school. Though young, he began writing deep lyrics. "I was going through a change in life," he said. "I was separated from my siblings and mother, so I [didn't want] to be in school." Goodwyn said he was rebellious in school, but stayed focused on music.

Three years later, he moved to Boston to broaden his horizons in music. Goodwyn began working with the group O.S.A. (One Step Ahead.) "We released a few mixtapes that got us some gigs, but never released an official album," he said. The group dismantled in 2005, but Goodwyn said he wasn't quitting. For him, music became a positive aspect in his life

Though he and the rest of O.S.A. were no longer making music as a group, they remained connected. Goodwyn began working with band member Rev Ruger. Together, they became known as the Da Hoodfellas. Their partnership was strong, but ended abruptly. "We released ‘Newark's Most Wanted the Mixtape' fall 2006, but shortly after 2007, Rev ran into some legal issues," he said. "That forced us to stop distributing [the mixtape.]" The project was on hold, but Goodwyn continued writing and rapping.

Summer 2007 he created infamytv.com. "I teamed up with [a friend named] Frankie Filth and started recording new material," Goodwyn said. "We released ‘Eyez of an Artist Mixtape.'" Goodwyn said Filth produced the mixtape. A year later the two reunited to work on Goodwyn's next release, "A Man on a Mission Mixtape." His next release, "The Art of Bars Mixtape" was issued in 2009. Both Ruger and Goodwyn worked together on the project.

Goodwyn said a large portion of his life revolves around music and doesn't plan on stopping. He said feedback inspires him to continue following his dreams. "The reaction I get from people when I tell them what I'm doing, or if I release a new song – [it's inspiring,]" he said. "All feedback is good, whether they like the songs or not." Goodwyn said he appreciates criticism and requests honesty from those who listen to his music.

Besides creating music, Goodwyn's other aspirations revolve around his family – specifically his children. He said their simplicity inspires him to make them proud. "My family and close friends may not always agree with the moves I make or some of my songs, but they always support me," he said. "My kids are a huge support. They don't care about fame. They just like to hear ‘daddy's' voice."

Being signed to a major label is appealing to Goodwyn, but said he enjoys being an independent artist. "I don't need the fame," he said. He said his plan is to tour overseas in the future.

Goodwyn recently released his latest mixtape, "No Holds Bar," produced by Filth. The release includes collaborations with the underground artists SinCity, T-Subb, Rayjozz and Staxx. By fall he plans on issuing another mixtape titled "The Anti-DepressAnt."

For Goodwyn, music is fulfilling, but said support from fans humbles him and inspires him to keep moving forward. He said, "Thank you for this opportunity to share my journey and experiences with you. Salute."

Follow Anthony Goodwyn on Twitter @MrInfamy.