#MagnificentManMonday - LuiZana

Steven Dewayne Morgan

Usually in hip hop, making it out of a small town is more difficult than going platinum itself, but for LuiZana, going platinum is one of the few things left on his to do-list. Born on July 27, 1986, Steven Dewayne Morgan was the youngest of three to a single parent household where music was always present.  He spent his years as a young boy in the projects of Jonesboro, Louisiana where the opportunity to make it out or do anything positive was very slim. After his uncle was shot and fatally wounded by his best friend, LuiZana and his family relocated to Grambling, Louisiana where he spent the rest of his school years. 

During high school, LuiZana was focused on sports where he received All State honors in basketball and track. However, with music being a major influence, he was never afraid to catch the mic at lunchroom ciphers or area talent shows. But with the unexpected killing of one of the group members, LuiZana chose to push harder and make music his life. As a senior, he was signed to an independent label (Plateau Records) as a member of the duo Cook n Cash. During this time, the group opened for artists Lil Wayne, TI, Keyshia Cole, Twista, and more. After gaining local attention and a minor buzz in the south the group spilt, and the label dissolved.

Louisiana Cash

In 2008 LuiZana went back into the studio as a solo artist and came out with a record that expanded his audience and put him on a national scale. Louisiana Cash was born.

His song "Walk Wit A Dip" was #1 in major markets and peaked at #43 on the top 100 Billboard charts. He went on to sign a deal with Battery/Jive Records where the video appeared on 106 n Park and had the MTV Jam of the Week.

In 2010 he released his first independent album "P.W.A" on iTunes, which tapped into unfamiliar markets. After packing out clubs all over the South and Midwest, in 2011 LuiZana re-staked his claim in 2011 by dropping the anthem "I'm From Louisiana". Receiving nearly 500,000 YouTube views to date, this record brought LuiZana to the forefront of Louisiana artists and declared his relevance in the hip-hop industry.

       Problems with management and independent labels forced LuiZana to upstart his own imprint, Da Boot Camp Music Group in 2013. His project "Who Da F Is Louisiana Cash" hosted by Maybach Music Group’s very own, DJ Hollyhood Bay Bay, is his biggest project thus far. The mix-tape is compiled in memory of Lil Snupe, Meek Mill's Dream Chaser artist, who was tragically murdered in Louisiana. 

The singles "Lean" and "I'm Hot" off the project, quickly moved into deejays mix-shows and club sets, along with “I Betchu cant” and “Dumb Sh*t.” Also, the State of Louisiana Anthem, “B*tch I’m From Louisiana”, ft Money Baggz and Quick from Badazz Ent (Lil Boosie labelmates). This song was adopted by the #1 college in Louisiana, the LSU Tigers (official football team song).

LuiZana – “Back from Bootcamp”

Most recently, LuiZana joined forces with Mossberg Ent and changed his stage name from Louisiana Cash to LuiZana. In December, he released his “Back From Bootcamp” along with 4 new visuals and his new smash single “TRAP”. The single is moving up the charts in the south and gaining airplay in major east coast markets. LuiZana is now working with super producer Zaytowen among others and gearing up to drop a new project this summer.

       With millions of YouTube views, over 30 mix-tapes to date, and a fan base that has saturated the deep South and infiltrated the Midwest, LuiZana is emerging as a bright artist waiting to take his place as a contender among the other hip hop legends.

What advice would you give to young men who are looking to enter into the entertainment industry? 

Most definitely believe in God and believe in your visions. No one else will see your direct vision but with faith, hard work, and dedication EVERYTHING is possible. 

What was one of the biggest obstacles that you've had to overcome?

The biggest obstacle to this date is probably being from a small town where the opportunity is not what it is as if I was from a major city. However, being from Grambling, which is well known and rich in tradition, has helped a lot.