"Tunnel vision became a lot easier with only one eye to see through. Punchleyen

Punchleyen, the esteemed entertainer born as Michael Holmes Jr., comes from a background intertwined with challenges and triumphs. His parents, Michael and Kimberly Holmes, were college sweethearts, with Kimberly being a dedicated math teacher and Michael Sr., known as Weasel, working for the City of Miami Beach. Michael Sr., a renowned drum major, battled with drug and alcohol addiction, while Kimberly struggled to maintain their marriage, complete her education, and strengthen her faith in God. Punchleyen is the eldest of five siblings, sharing his childhood memories predominantly with his sister Karen, who is two years younger.

Growing up in Miami's vibrant heart, specifically in the neighborhood known as 32 Ave or Poonsville, Punchleyen's early years mirrored those of many adolescents. In this bustling environment, he attended the iconic USA and Liberty Flea Market. Despite being a naturally intelligent child, excelling academically and consistently making the honor roll, Punchleyen remained a quiet and compassionate individual who easily connected with others, although he never sought popularity.

Punchleyen's upbringing was deeply rooted in the church. His mother served as a pastor, ensuring that everyone in the family participated in daily religious activities. Kimberly's strong religious beliefs and extensive knowledge of the Bible shaped Punchleyen's understanding of the importance of God, distancing him from secular influences. Consequently, his early musical inspirations predominantly came from gospel artists such as Fred Hammond, Carmen, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and the Clark Sisters. Though Punchleyen didn't consider himself a skilled singer, he idolized the way these artists manipulated notes, harmonized, and touched souls with their intricate vocal runs.

On the other hand, Michael Holmes Sr., who didn't adhere to the same religious strictures, introduced his children to the phenomenon that was Michael Jackson. Young Punchleyen's mind was captivated by MJ's iconic dance moves, vocal arrangements, stage performances, and music videos. Additionally, R&B played a significant role in shaping Punchleyen's identity as an artist and as an individual. Aligning closely with gospel music, R&B drew him in more than rap did, with the group Dru Hill holding a particularly strong grip on his musical preferences.

During middle school, Punchleyen began transitioning from a diligent scholar to a troublemaker, straddling the line between two worlds in an attempt to fit in with his peers. While his grades remained solid, his behavior started to decline. Around this time, Punchleyen's cousin Glenn came to live with the family and introduced him to the world of rap. The first rap album Punchleyen ever listened to was "400 Degrees," which left a lasting impact on him. The beats and Juvenile's cadences differed greatly from what he had previously heard on the radio or glimpsed on TV. Eager to delve deeper into hip-hop, Punchleyen secretly listened to every rap album his cousin brought home, captivated by the profound messages of artists like Tupac, the distinct Southern flows of OutKast and the Dungeon Family, and the melodies they conveyed.

Despite his growing appreciation for music, Punchleyen initially didn't aspire to become a musician. Instead, his passion lay in art, and he aspired to become an illustrator, firmly believing that "Art is life." In high school, Punchleyen's focus shifted, and he became involved in confrontations and brawls, placing his education on the backburner. He excelled in fighting, relishing the adrenaline rush it provided. Hardcore rap acts such as Three 6 Mafia, DMX, and Pastor Troy became the soundtrack to his life during this period, fueling his passion for violence and criminal activities.

During this time, Punchleyen faced personal challenges due to his father's drug addiction, which led to his frequent absence from home. The accumulated resentment and anger pushed Punchleyen towards the streets, a space where he could release these pent-up emotions. Carrying a gun to school resulted in his expulsion from Miami Central, leading him to attend MacArthur Opportunity School, where he discovered a newfound love for football. In the early mornings within MacArthur's hallways, Punchleyen witnessed Blaze Carter and Gheme Real freestyling, capturing the attention of every student and staff member. Though he never joined the cyphers, witnessing the crowd's admiration for their talent sparked Punchleyen's interest.

After high school, Punchleyen's football aspirations faltered, and he found himself immersed in the street life alongside his crew, known as Takeover Mafia (T.O.M.). The group initially consisted of friends who became more like brothers, frequenting the flea market, engaging in fights, partying, and various other activities best left unmentioned. Over time, T.O.M. grew from a small group into a movement, attracting members from other neighborhoods beyond 32 Ave. Amidst their chilling sessions, drinking and listening to music, freestyling became a common occurrence. It reached a point where one member suggested taking their talents to the studio, reasoning that since they already had the streets' attention, they should give them something more substantial to look forward to.

It was during this period that Jigg, a T.O.M. member who initiated their musical journey, bestowed upon Punchleyen the moniker "Punchline." Jigg recognized Punchleyen's unique rapping style, emphasizing the impact of every bar he delivered. This pivotal moment propelled Punchleyen to make a conscious effort to rap about real-life experiences, employing imaginative analogies and metaphors that encouraged listeners to think deeply rather than merely conveying information. Eminem played a significant role in shaping Punchleyen's lyrical approach, with Punchleyen boldly stating that, in his opinion, no other rappers compare to Eminem and Lil Wayne in terms of lyrical prowess.

T.O.M. aspired to become Miami's first crunk group, rapping over energetic beats that reflected their firsthand experiences with violence. Punchleyen quickly stood out among the other members, yet he remained humble and loyal to the group. Although Takeover Mafia never achieved significant success after a few years of pursuing music, the streets' influence took precedence for most of the members. Tragedy struck one day, resulting in the dissolution of the group. Punchleyen eventually ventured into solo projects and collaborated with Jigg on several tracks. However, his perfectionist nature often hindered him from releasing his music to the public, doubting its quality and leaving it shelved.

Punchleyen's solo endeavors deviated from T.O.M.'s style, as he sought to infuse his music with soul and delve into personal topics beyond violence. Drawing inspiration from soft and alternative rock, he cultivated his style by incorporating elements from bands like Linkin Park and Evanescence, whose unconventional approaches to rock music defied traditional norms. Amidst his musical journey, Punchleyen faced numerous real-life challenges, from being a full-time father to coping with depression and a life-altering car accident in 2010. The accident left him with major injuries, including the significant loss of vision in his right eye. Initially, Punchleyen succumbed to depression, losing faith in everything. Yet, with prayer and the support of others, he learned to embrace his deformity as a unique badge of honor, incorporating "eye" into his name and using humor to transform tragedy into triumph.

Punchleyen is a multi-talented individual involved in various ventures to generate income, including tattooing and dog breeding. Despite the challenges he has faced, he has managed to obtain three degrees in business, highlighting his street smarts and academic achievements. Punchleyen's music career has been marked by inconsistencies, primarily due to the demands of providing for his family and avoiding negative influences. He prioritizes being present for his loved ones over partaking in the club atmosphere that can hinder his progress. Recognizing the importance of building relationships in the music industry and making personal connections, Punchleyen acknowledges his past failure to put himself out there.

Recently, Punchleyen has embarked on an unwavering pursuit to propel his music career further. With the support of his partner, Jennifer, he has traveled extensively to perform shows and expand his reach beyond the local scene. Notably, he had the opportunity to perform in the UK, captivating audiences with his music, stage presence, and magnetic personality. Punchleyen has released several singles across multiple platforms simultaneously, accompanied by music videos and related content to augment his artistic movement. He is currently scheduled to perform at the Indie Con Conference and participate in a television competition called Mic Check Wynwood, which promises to showcase his unique offerings to the music world.

With an insatiable fire burning inside him, Punchleyen is determined to share his gift with the world. As an eclectic artist, audiences can anticipate remarkable achievements in the near future.