Monsoon Staraw aka Monsoon is lyricist, entertainer, and hip hop artist from the Southside of

Chicago. Monsoon began writing at the age of thirteen and was influenced by his older brother

Ty Barnett (who is currently an actor and stand-up comedian). Monsoon began performing on

the local Chicago scene at spots like The Cotton Club. He met his long-time friend and producer

Marc Gee at The Cotton Club and began recording songs. Monsoon recorded his first album

“Complex Simplicity” in early 2000. The album was well received overseas and Monsoon and

Marc Gee was offered a distribution deal. However, in the process of getting the contracts

reviewed by lawyers the company folded and the distribution deal was off the table. Monsoon

began recording with a crew of emcees called The Network Crew not long after the deal folded.

They completed an album titled “Infinite Autonomy Presents: The Network” and continued

performing around the city at spots like The Metro, The Double Door, and Sub-T. They also

opening up for Slick Rick in Minneapolis at First Avenue. Monsoon went on to record another

solo album titled “My Mama Say I’m Special” produced by Marc Gee. Monsoon is currently

finishing his self-titled album “Monsoon”. All Monsoon’s albums are available on iTunes or CD

Baby.

@ThatDudeMonsoon