Larry D. Griffin Jr., known worldwide as Symbolyc One or S1, was born and raised in Waco, TX. S1 found his passion for music early in life while listening to his parent's soulful record collection. This infatuation led him to play piano during Sunday School at his local church and also learn the alto sax in band throughout his teen years. In high school, he would create a hip hop group (Symbolyc Elementz) along with his cousin Kevin Gaither which became the origin of his production.
Always one to learn and grow better at his craft, S1 received his Associates Degree in Applied Science in Audio Engineering from McLennan Community College in 1997. There he would learn the essentials of studio recording, mixing, and music industry business. He would also meet Anthony Stanford, Ramone Vigil, and Roderick Floyd who together would eventually become the collective, Third Eye Militia.
In 1999, S1 would create a hip hop soul-inspired group named Strange Fruit Project. As an emcee and sole executive producer, he would hone in to create a unique sound. Over time, this group would travel the world touring and achieve much underground success. He would continue to develop his production career, winning several producer showcases and working with various up-and-coming independent artists throughout the country. Although he had to sacrifice and endure several disappointments along the way, he continued to work hard and put ALL of his trust in God to guide his life and career.
S1's dedication would pay off in 2009 when prolific songwriter/artist Rhymefest ("Jesus Walks," "Glory") would introduce his music to Kanye West. This introduction led to S1 co-producing West's first single "Power" off West's Grammy Award Winning Album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The following year, S1 would team up with Beyoncé to co-produce her multi-platinum selling hit single, "Best Thing I've Never Had." Then in 2012, he traveled to South of France with Kanye and Jay-Z to create a track called "Murder to Excellence" which was featured on the critically acclaimed Watch the Throne album
Shortly after, S1 teamed up with Dallas-based singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe to create the collective, The Dividends. Together, the dynamic duo co-produced and co-wrote Eminem's "Bad Guy" that was on the Grammy Award Winning album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
Today, S1 has established himself as one of the top music producers in the industry. From working with iconic legends such as Madonna and Gladys Knight, to crafting songs for other great artist such as Drake, Lorde, Talib Kweli, The Game, 50cent, Adam Levine, Common, Little Brother, Lecrae, Keyshia Cole, Logic, Lupe Fiasco, Cyhi the Prynce, amongst others as well as being a core member in Erykah Badu's electronic band, The Cannabinoids.
S1 has created his brand Pray. Focus. Plan. Execute as a way to describe the steps he takes to obtain any goals that he has set for himself and stay on the path that God has set for him. S1 has dedicated himself to these principles and knows that if he continues on this path, there is no limit to where God will take him